Never a Bride by Amelia Grey Read Free Book Online Page B

remember him.” Albert and Hudson greeted each other. Then Albert said to Camden, “Didn’t waste any time getting back into the swing of things I see, attending a party your first full day back. Bravo for you. No doubt you want to catch up on everything that has happened.”
    Camden ignored Albert’s comments. “You’re looking well, Albert. You haven’t changed a dram while I’ve been away.”
    “Oh, but I have. My father passed on, and I’m now Earl of Glenbrighton. I married last year and have a son born just months ago—with another babe on the way.”
    “I’m sorry to say I didn’t know about the earl. My condolences, and congratulations on your son. You’ve been a busy man.”
    Albert grinned. “I’ve a legacy to uphold, you know.”
    “Sounds as if you are well on your way.”
    “To be sure.” Albert hesitated, looked around the room. He leaned in close to Camden and almost whispered, “I hope it wasn’t bad news that brought you home after all this time?”
    “Not at all.”
    “Well, I mean, there have been rumors that you wouldn’t return, not even to claim your bride.”
    “Really? With all the ton has to talk about, why would I cross anyone’s mind? Surely something of magnitude has happened since I’ve been away. Someone far more worthy of gossip than I am.”
    Albert straightened and looked from Camden to Hudson. “Well, I’m sure it’s—well you’ve been gone so long. It’s the gossip columnists. They never forget anything.” He cleared his throat. “Glad to have you back, old chap. Maybe we can meet at White’s or one of the other clubs later in the week for a drink and talk over old times.”
    “We’ll do it,” Camden answered and watched the new Earl of Glenbrighton walk away. His old friend had seemed uncomfortable and on edge. Intuitively Camden knew Albert was hinting at something he didn’t want to come out and say. No doubt it had to do with Camden’s past.
    He looked beyond the swirling colors of dresses and dinner jackets and focused on the flickering flames of a candle on a gilt wall sconce across the ballroom. Unbidden, the years rolled back to Hortense, his first fiancée, and the last party they had attended in London.
    He had been captivated by Hortense the moment he saw her. It was her first Season and every young bachelor sought her attention, plying her with sweets, flowers, and calling on her for rides in the park. But from all appearances she was enchanted only by Camden. They danced at every ball for four weeks before his father agreed he could offer for her hand. She accepted. The engagement was announced and the arrangements were being made by their fathers.
    It happened at the last big party of the Season and most everyone who was anyone in the ton was in attendance. At half past one there was to be a presentation of a copy of the statue Diana the Huntress in the formal garden. Everyone gathered in the great hall for the exhibition. The draperies were pulled back from the windows, but instead of revealing the statue of the goddess, everyone saw Hortense in the arms of another man—kissing madly.
    Someone passing by knocked Camden’s arm and brought him out of his reverie. A cold chill of anger shook him. He realized he was standing stiffly and relaxed his shoulders, thankful for whoever had seen fit to walk into him. Blast it! He was over all that. Forgotten! He vowed to never think of it again. Not Hortense or the man who had been with her.
    Hudson was having a whispered conversation with a sweet-looking petite blonde standing beside him. They were so engrossed in each other Camden could have sworn that they didn’t realize anyone else was in the room. This had to be Miss Pemberton, the young lady who had caught Hudson’s heart and wouldn’t let go. And from the way she was looking at him, she felt the same way about him.
    Clearing his throat, Camden interrupted and said, “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
    “Oh, yes. Camden,