Devil Takes A Bride by Gaelen Foley Read Free Book Online

can only come to no good.”
    â€œBut, ma’am—”
    â€œServants reading! Unnatural, I say. Really, child, you have the most extraordinary notions.”
    â€œMargaret is surprisingly clever—”
    â€œI prefer her ignorant, the way God intended her to be.”
    Stifling a cough of laughter, Dr. Bell sent Lizzie a look of discreet congratulation for her efforts. “Pardon me, ladies, but I really should be going.”
    â€œOf course, dear boy. We mustn’t keep you from your very important work of ministering to the sick of the parish. Would you be so kind, Miss Carlisle, as to show Dr. Bell out, hmm?”
    Mischief glinted in Lady Strathmore’s sharp blue eyes as she turned to her companion.
    â€œOf course,” Lizzie answered faintly after the barest pause.
    Curse the old girl’s deuced matchmaking.
    Dr. Bell bowed to the dowager and wished her well, then gestured to Lizzie to lead the way.
    â€œI say, the weather has cleared up nicely,” he attempted as they walked out to the spacious entrance hall with its light blue walls, white columns, and Italian marble floor. “Quite a bluster through the night.”
    â€œIndeed.” The frigid gales and snow of the night before had cleared by afternoon.
    â€œPerhaps we shall see an early spring,” he suggested.
    â€œOne can hope.” She forced a smile and looked around at nothing in particular, nervously rearranging the umbrellas in their stand beside the door. Dr. Bell buttoned up his neat blue coat. When Lizzie handed him his top hat, he held her in an earnest gaze for a moment.
    â€œI should very much like to see you ladies at the next Assembly Ball, Miss Carlisle. It would lift Her Ladyship’s spirits—and mine.”
    â€œOh—!” Startled, Lizzie swiftly opted to ignore his cautious overture. “If she is well enough to venture out, I’m sure we shall try.”
    â€œI will content myself with that hope, then.” He put on his hat. “If you need me,” he added softly, “send for me anytime.”
    â€œI thank you, sir,” she said, stiffening slightly.
    He tipped his hat, looking mystified but undiscouraged by her stubborn reticence. “Good day, Miss Carlisle.”
    She bowed her head in answer; then he strode out to his waiting carriage, a handsome barouche drawn by a team of fine liver bays. Enjoying the bracing rush of chilly fresh air, Lizzie raised her hand in a courteous salute as he drove away.
    As she lingered in the open doorway, her gaze swept the frozen hills. The landscape was dusted in a thin but crisp coat of snow, the broad curve of the road beyond like a dark ribbon on a field of white. There was no sign of Devil Strathmore yet, but with the roads coated with snow and ice from the fierce blow last night, she did not expect him until tomorrow at the earliest.
    She closed the front door and went back to the parlor, where Margaret had just brought in the tea tray.
    Taking her seat across from her employer, Lizzie smoothed her beige muslin skirts and avoided the dowager’s expectant stare.
    â€œWell?” Lady Strathmore toyed with the long strand of jet beads that hung around her neck and eyed Lizzie in knowing amusement. “What say you, gel? He is very gallant.”
    Lizzie shrugged, said nothing, and nodded Margaret’s dismissal. The chambermaid scurried out.
    â€œOh, come, Lizzie, he is a poppet,” the dowager scolded with barely suppressed mirth. “You do not like him?”
    â€œTo be sure, he is an excellent doctor, amiable, competent, and kind.” She focused her attention on the task of pouring out. “Beyond that, I have no thoughts of him whatever.”
    â€œLa, the poor boy will be crushed! I daresay he comes here to see
you
more than me, for I have very little use for his services.”
    â€œMa’am, really. Dr. Bell’s sole interest lies in your good health, as you well