An Improper Companion by April Kihlstrom Read Free Book Online Page A

me and he insisted upon our marriage. He went to London to procure a special license.”
    “Lor’!” she cooed. “And have you a tendre for him? Is it monstrous exciting to be Lady Kinwell?”
    Distaste swept over me. Yet what had happened could not be undone and I must not gossip with the servants else my position would be even more unbearable. “There are no words to tell what I feel,” I answered truthfully. “I am tired, Ellen. Will you please ring for tea?”
    She nodded. “Of course, my lady.” Then she hesitated, “You will not be taking tea with Sir Leslie?”
    I closed my eyes. Of course it must all begin sometime. But I was not yet ready to face him. “No, Ellen. There are ... certain matters he must see to this afternoon.”
    “Very well, my lady.” She nodded and rang for Margaret.
    I stared out the window as she gave the necessary orders. The whole world seemed mad. I was leg-shackled to a man I hated and forced to pretend I did not. I was not so goosish as to believe I could do other than pretend our marriage was a normal one. Any other behaviour could only damage my reputation. If this farce could be successfully acted, then in time I might expect more freedom. And acceptance in the ton. I knew that I was not the only young woman to be forced into an unwelcome marriage. Yet this did not lessen my resentment or hatred for Sir Leslie. Publicly I might be a dutiful wife, but in private he should know precisely how I felt. And each night I would be sure the door between our chambers was firmly bolted! Ellen interrupted my thoughts. “My lady, the tea is here. Shall I put away the clothes from Mademoiselle?”
    “Yes, Ellen,” I replied, moving to the table. “And lay out a dress for this evening.”
    “Yes, my lady.”
    She was thus occupied when Mrs. Morgan entered my chamber. “My lady,” she began tentatively, “Sir Leslie asks I if a late dinner hour will disturb ye?”
    I forced myself to reply calmly, “That will be perfectly acceptable, Mrs. Morgan. Please have hot water for a bath sent up an hour and a half beforehand. Oh, and Mrs. Morgan, perhaps it would be best if you show me about the castle again tomorrow. I must begin to familiarise myself with my new responsibilities, such as the management of the household.”
    “Yes, my lady,” she said coldly. “I am glad to see ye are not still unreconciled!”
    As she left I sighed. No doubt she thought me encroaching. Yet, for all my background, I was now Lady Kinwell. If I was to play the role, I must do so fully. Though she would not like it, Mrs. Morgan must learn to treat me as befitted my new station. I smiled. I suspected Sir Leslie would be surprised to learn I intended to join him for dinner. Well, let him be surprised. I was no Bath miss to spend the rest of my life hiding in my chamber.
    I dressed with care that evening, in the gauze gown with a shawl about my shoulders, and Ellen dressed my hair in a style that made me appear older than my years. My reflection in the mirror gave me confidence, and with a deep breath, I descended to the drawing room. Sir Leslie’s back was to the doorway. He stood alone, holding a glass of some amber fluid. His head was bent and I realised he was weary and tense. Was he as afraid of this meeting as I? Boldly, I stepped into the room. “Good evening, Leslie.”
    He turned quickly. “Good evening ... Heather,” he managed.
    I stood quite still as his eyes swept over me, coming to rest on my face. He stared into my eyes and, instinctively, drew himself taller. “Would you like some sherry?” he asked I coolly. When I shook my head, he sipped from his glass. “Mr. Watly, the vicar, has kindly consented to join us for dinner. He was quite worried about you.”
    “That I was,” said a voice behind me. “My dear, how are you?”
    I turned and extended my hand to the vicar. Suppressing the distaste I felt for him, I said lightly, “How kind of you. But surely, sir, you are aware that most