Montgomery Family 01 - Lost Pleasures Found by Vikki Vaught Read Free Book Online Page A

just know it.”
    Nelson held up his hand as he replied, “Wait a minute. I’m not the enemy here. Henry, I’m happy for you, and I want you to have a love match. I just want you to realize that this isn’t going to make our parents happy. Father was counting on that property. I would marry Lady Penelope myself, but I don’t feel that we would suit. She likes town life too much for me, and she’s far too young. She’s only a year older than Helen. She would never be content staying in the country, and besides, I’m just not ready yet. It’s only been a year since I lost Nora.”
    Every time Nelson mentioned Nora, Henry could hear the pain in his voice. He wished there was something he could do to help ease his suffering. “Nelson, I know how much you miss Nora, but I do think that you have to consider marrying again soon. You need an heir. I never want to have to step into your shoes. I’m counting on you to take care of it so that I don’t have to. But you’re right about Lady Penelope. You would definitely not suit, because she’s much too frivolous for you.”
    “You’re right, Henry, about me needing to move past my grief. I just need a little more time. And I promise I won’t leave you having to be my heir for long. I have already made up my mind that I’ll go to London next year to find myself a wife, but not some young giddy debutant. That’s why I’m so glad to have you back home. Now Father will start focusing on you instead of me. Well, it’s past time to head back. We’ve been gone all day. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late for dinner, and you know how angry Father gets if anyone is ever late.” They turned their horses around and at a brisk trot, they headed back to the house.
     
    Over the next few weeks, Henry and Nelson spent quite a bit of time together. Everyday they would ride out to all the different farms to make sure that all the tenants had everything they needed. It was rewarding to see all the folks from his youth and to see how well received he was by them. Henry also helped Nelson with the books. Nelson never did enjoy working inside, so Henry took some of that burden off his shoulders. His parents were very cold to him, but that was nothing new. He also spent time with Helen and Kathryn. They were such sweet-natured girls. It was hard to imagine that Helen was old enough to be going to town next season to make her come out.
    Finally, it was time for Henry to leave for Lincolnshire. He told his father that he was going to visit one of his school friends that had been wounded in the war. To appease him, he promised to go to Doncaster and check on Doncaster Stables while he was up north. Needless to say, his father was not happy, but he knew that he could not keep Henry from going. It bothered Henry that he had to lie to his father, but if he wanted to avoid telling him about Melody, it was necessary. After hearing the duke go on about Lady Penelope, he knew he would be livid over his plans to marry her. Lying had never set well with Henry, but in this case it was the lesser of the evils.
    Henry left Surrey in time to make it to Melody’s by the third week of September. As much as he enjoyed spending time with his brother and sisters, he was anxious to get to Melody. He hoped he was reading her right and that she did return his regard. The trip was long, and it rained part of the way. No matter how long it took, or what kind of weather he had to ride through, it would be well worth it when he was able to finally see Melody’s sweet face again. As he entered Lincolnshire, he noticed how beautiful the countryside was, with lots of verdant green pastures and rolling hills. He had not realized how lovely Lincolnshire was. The closer he got to Little Smythington, the more excited he became. Soon he would be seeing his darling Melody again.

CHAPTER 4
September 1814
    M ELODY WAS OVERJOYED to be at home with her parents. She had missed them a great deal. Her father was getting up in