The Prince's Bride by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online Page A

her.”
    “What?” Jocelyn whirled toward her aunt. “You can’t be serious. What on earth do you mean by that?”
    “I mean, my dear child, that this man is clearly the only one qualified to truly protect you and keep you out of the hands of these madmen.”
    “Him?” Jocelyn waved disparagingly at Beaumont. “How can you say that? He’s done a terrible job of it so far.”
    “That may well be. Still”—Aunt Louella turned toward Beaumont—“from what’s been said here, and a very great deal that hasn’t, I gather you are in the employ of the government. Our government, that is.”
    Beaumont nodded. “At the moment.”
    “And I am also aware that he is an old friend of yours.” She glanced at Thomas. “Is that correct, my lord?”
    “I have known him for years,” Thomas said.
    “And is he a good and honorable man?”
    “He is, my lady, as well as a true and loyal friend. I would trust him with my life.” Thomas grinned wryly. “I have trusted him with much more.”
    “Very well then.” Aunt Louella nodded in satisfaction. “It is settled.”
    “Nothing is settled as far as I’m concerned,” Jocelyn said.
    Her aunt ignored her and directed her attention only to Beaumont. “Do you know of a place where she will be safe?”
    Beaumont thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I believe I do.”
    “I don’t care,” Jocelyn said stubbornly. “I’m not going anywhere. And I’m not going anywhere with him.”
    She stepped to her aunt and knelt on the carpet before her. Jocelyn had always been her aunt’s favorite. The only one of the Shelton sisters who truly understood the value of a season in London and fine clothes and a good match.
    Jocelyn took the older woman’s hands and gazed into her eyes hoping against hope that if she’d ever had any power to persuade her aunt she had it tonight.
    “Aunt Louella, if I were to go with him, no matter how legitimate the reasons, my reputation would be ruined. And any chance for a good marriage, let alone a match with a prince, would be destroyed. My very life would be over.”
    “But you would still have a life, my dear Jocelyn. And that is the overwhelming consideration in all of this.”
    Jocelyn’s voice took on an edge of panic. “But you’ve never allowed me, or any of us, to do anything that that could be considered the tiniest bit improper. Surely you can see the potential for scandal here. Regardless of the circumstances, I can’t believe you would ever permit me to go away with a man, any man, let alone a virtual stranger.”
    “You’re right, child. I would never permit that.” Aunt Louella cupped Jocelyn’s chin in her hand and gazed into her eyes. “You shall have to marry him first.”

Chapter 4
    The pronouncement hung over the room like a sentence of condemnation. Shock was apparent on every face. No one said a word.
    Jocelyn couldn’t believe her ears. How could her aunt suggest such a thing? But Aunt Louella had that look in her eyes that declared her decision was not open for discussion.
    “Never!” Jocelyn got to her feet. “I can’t! I won’t!”
    She looked at Beaumont. His jaw was clenched and his lips pressed into a firm line as if he was trying not to protest.
    “If it is a question of marrying him or losing my life at the hands of a lunatic”—Jocelyn raised her chin defiantly—“I’d rather die.”
    “It appears there’s a very good chance you will if you refuse,” Aunt Louella said.
    “Then shoot me right now and be done with it because I won’t do it. I absolutely will not marry him.” Jocelyn shook her head vehemently. “Besides, I’m supposed to marry the prince. I know he’s about to ask me and once he does ...”
    “But he hasn’t asked you and I cannot allow your life to rest on the possibility that he will.” Aunt Louella gestured at the floral arrangements filling the room. “These are lovely tokens but they do not mean Prince Alexei’s intentions are entirely honorable. I