The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens Read Free Book Online Page A

sure; the duke truly had wanted to speak with him. Michael had already made the right impression there; they remained locked in serious discussion for some time. While continuing to patrol her guests—there was never any time during diplomatic entertainments when a hostess could relax—she tried to keep an eye on him, yet toward the end of the evening, she suddenly discovered him gone.
     
      One quick survey of the room informed her Geoffrey was also absent.
     
      “ Damn !” Plastering on a smile, she swept up to Edward. “You’re on duty for the next while.” She lowered her voice. “I have to go and haul your irons out of the fire.”
     
      Edward blinked, but he’d stood as her deputy through far worse crises; he nodded and she moved on.
     
      Casting a last glance about the room, reassured there were no other impending disasters threatening, she slipped into the front hall. Catten stood guard there; he told her Geoffrey had taken Michael to his study.
     
      Her heart sank. Surely after all he’d seen of   Elizabeth   that evening, all the serious questions   Elizabeth ’s performance ought to have raised in his mind, Michael wasn’t so boneheaded as to persist with an offer?
     
      She couldn’t believe he was that stupid.
     
      Almost running, she hurried to the study. With barely a tap, she opened the door and swept in. “Geoffrey, what…”
     
      With one glance she took in the scene—both men leaning over the desk, poring over some maps spread on its surface. Relief swept her; she hid it behind a disapproving frown. “I know you’re unused to these affairs, but really, this is not the time for”—she gestured at the maps— “constituency matters.”
     
      Geoffrey grinned apologetically. “Not even politics, I’m afraid. There’s a blockage on a tributary to the river. It’s in Eyeworth Wood—I was just showing Michael.”
     
      With a fine show of sisterly exasperation, she linked her arm in Geoffrey’s. “What am I to do with you?” She bent a mock frown on Michael. “You, at least, should have known better.”
     
      He smiled and followed as she led Geoffrey from the room. “But the woods are mine, after all.‘
     
      Her heart no longer beating in her throat, she ushered them back into the drawing room.   Elizabeth   glanced over and saw them enter; her eyes flared—Caro smiled serenely back. And made sure Michael had no further opportunity to speak with Geoffrey by retaining her hold on her brother’s arm and taking him to talk with General Kleber.
     
      The end of the evening drew near. Gradually, the guests took their leave. The diplomatic contingent, more accustomed to late nights, were the last remaining. They’d gathered in a group in the middle of the room when Ferdinand spoke.
     
      “I would like to invite all those who would enjoy it to join me for a day’s cruise on my yacht.” He looked around the circle; his gaze came to rest on Caro’s face. “It is moored in Southampton Water close by. We could sail for a few hours, then find a pretty spot to anchor for lunch.”
     
      The offer was generous. Everyone present was tempted. With a few questions, Caro ascertained that the yacht was sizeable, large enough to accommodate them all easily. Ferdinand assured her his crew would arrange a luncheon; it was too good a prospect to dismiss—on more than one count.
     
      She smiled. “When should we go?”
     
      They all agreed that the day after next would be perfect. The weather was currently fine and not expected to change; having a day to recover before they came together to enjoy each other’s company again would work nicely.
     
      “An excellent notion,” the countess declared. She turned to Caro. “Aside from all else, it will put that boat to better use than I suspect it has been put to date.”
     
      Caro hid a smile. The arrangements were quickly made. Michael accepted; she’d been sure he would.
     
      As everyone