The Opening Night Murder by Anne Rutherford Read Free Book Online

him and he resented having to pay a dowry at all. Plainly he didn’t care if her future were secure; he wanted only to be rid of her and her sisters, so her brothers wouldn’t be burdened by them when they would one day inherit what there was. The paltry money he’d set aside for her wasn’t enough to attract a man of character, never mind one of rank. She knew she was pretty enough, but even great beauty would be no help if the dowry was inadequate. Farthingworth was the best she could ask for, and he wasn’t enough. She could never love him. She didn’t intend to marry him.
    Poor Farthingworth stood straighter at Thornton’s words. Father wasn’t nearly as wealthy as Farthingworth’s father, but was well respected in London and held minor office, so Suzanne knew Farthingworth was getting some social advantage to make up for the tiny dowry. In addition, Suzanne had a realistic assessment of her looks. She was the prettiest of her sisters, and at her age understood the attentions of men and what that meant to her future. Particularly her future with Daniel Stockton, who would one day be the Earl of Throckmorton and, more important, who loved her as Farthingworth did not.
    Stephen Farthingworth had only met her once before, knew her not well at all, and certainly hadn’t made his offer of marriage out of love. Nor out of regard of any kind. He was a pleasant enough fellow in polite company, but certainly was not themost intelligent creature she’d ever met and seemed a little more interested in the whores on Bank Side than in Suzanne during his visits to London. Though on this visit at least, while requesting her hand, he didn’t stink of French perfume.
    “You’re to know, Suzanne, that I’ve accepted his offer on your behalf.” He might have at least made a pretense of inviting her opinion of this offer. Most girls at least had veto power; Suzanne was offered nothing.
    Father continued, “He’s accepted a very reasonable dowry.” Ever the miser her father. He fancied himself a loving and responsible parent, but she knew in this family her brothers were the important ones. He might even be happy to learn the truth about her and Daniel, for it would save him the dowry entirely. As Daniel’s mistress, she would be the responsibility of the future earl and Father needn’t be bothered with her anymore. There would be both love and security, and she’d had little of either in her life before Daniel. It seemed to her the best thing for everyone involved.
    She drew a deep breath, steeled herself, and said, “Father, I’m afraid I can’t accept Mr. Farthingworth’s eminently generous offer, and you cannot accept for me.”
    “Why not?” Father’s voice carried the edge it always did when he sensed she was about to embarrass him. And he was right. This time the news would be devastating.
    Another deep breath, and she plunged into her confession. “Father, I could hardly give myself in marriage to a man when I’m already with child by another. Particularly, given that my dowry is so ‘reasonable,’ I expect Mr. Farthingworth will want to withdraw his offer.” The last she said in a voice rather thick with sarcasm, and she lowered her gaze to the floor for it. Bluntness was her worst fault, and she wished she could be more tactful because her straightforward nature was never helpfuland always made Father harsher toward her when her impatience with dull people showed through.
    One glance at him, and by the look on his face she saw she’d severely overestimated his willingness to accept the situation. She wished she could reel in the words she’d just spoken. His eyes went wide, and his jaw dropped. The silence in the room lengthened, and tension grew until she thought the very air would snap to pieces. She glanced at Mr. Farthingworth, who stared a hole in the wood floor, his lips pressed hard together. Father said in a trembling voice, “What did you say?”
    “I said I’m pregnant, Father. By the