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

brides are somewhat hysterical on their wedding day?”
    “My dear Heather,” he said, pressing my hand, “I cannot tell you how delighted I am that you have taken such a mature attitude. I realise this was all very sudden and did not commence auspiciously; however, I am sure all will be well.”
    I merely smiled and gently withdrew my hand. Sir Leslie moved to stand beside me and I noted with a malicious pleasure the tremour in his voice as he asked, “Would you care for some sherry, sir?”
    “No, no, my boy. I take a little wine with dinner, but my doctor forbids alcohol in any other form. Though I regret it, you may be sure.”
    “Then may I suggest we go into dinner?” my husband said.
    Before Sir Leslie could offer me his arm, I took Mr. Watly’s and gently prodded him toward the dining hall. He seemed surprised but flattered, and I counted him a tactless fool who had no understanding of people. At the head of the long table, Sir Leslie was seated with me on his left and the vicar on his right. “I am always happy to eat with Sir Leslie,” Watly confided to me, “as he always sets an excellent table.”
    I smiled sweetly. “Yes, Sir Leslie never stints on his worldly pleasures.”
    Sir Leslie glared, but Watly smiled indulgently. “Yes, my dear, your husband is quite open-handed. And now that he is safely married, I am sure his... er ... indiscretions will cease.”
    “Oh, yes,” I replied, “Leslie has assured me he will be most discreet in the future.”
    Watly stared at me uncertainly and did not reply. I might have said more, but the warning in Sir Leslie’s eyes was clear. And for my own sake, I had to choose my words with care. I lapsed into silence as the first course was served. With the second, I determined to end the uneasy quiet. “Tell me, sir,” I said, “is yours a large parish?”
    Watly waved a hand airily. “Oh, no larger than I would want, and not, by far, the smallest in England. Well, but you shall see for yourself this Sunday. You will be there, in the family pew, will you not?”
    I was about to reply negatively when Sir Leslie forestalled me. “Of course we shall. Perhaps you might then give a special blessing over our marriage,” he said smoothly.
    “Oh, quite. Quite,” Watly replied. “An excellent notion. You will hold the customary reception?”
    “Yes,” Sir Leslie replied, to my amazement, “Sunday afternoon tables will be set out on the lawn, and food and drink will be served.”
    “Excellent. I shall announce it from the pulpit.”
    So, it would come so soon. My first public appearance. Difficult it might be, I told myself, but far easier than would be my entrance into the ton. I took a bit of wine to fortify myself. I must be careful, I warned myself, I was not accustomed to the substance. Yet its warmth was welcome and I began to relax. “My education? Most recently I was at Mrs. Gilwen’s School for Young Ladies,” I answered.
    “Ah, yes,” Watly said. “An excellent establishment. And Mrs. Gilwen is an excellent woman. My daughter was there several years ago. I was completely satisfied.”
    “I should have been surprised if you felt otherwise,” I said.
    Sir Leslie’s eyebrows rose, but he said nothing. Watly continued, “Of course, for sons the question is rather different.”
    “Quite,” I murmured, stifling the sarcasm.
    “No doubt Sir Leslie will wish to send your sons to the university, as he was.” He waved a finger at me, “You’ll find it a difficult time. Young men need to cut up a bit and that’s when they usually do so. Mothers always worry, but the boys come out right in the end. Consider Sir Leslie.”
    Too late, Watly realised his gaffe. And I could not stop myself from saying, “I would rather not.”
    We three stared at one another in an awful silence. Then Watly spoke hastily. “Well, well, no need to think about such things now. Time enough when...”
    “When and if there are children,” Sir Leslie finished for him. At