The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online

friend’s voice. “Exactly. One should always marry
     up. It defeats the purpose to marry down. Two, he should have a fortune again at least
     equal to my own. I agree that a woman should not be wealthier than her husband.” She
     paused. “Although I shall follow Beryl’s example in terms of legalities and make certain
     my funds remain mine.”
    “Very wise. One never knows what might happen in life.” Camille nodded.
    “I want him to be intelligent. Perhaps even of a scholarly nature.”
    “Scholarly?” Doubt rang in Teddy’s voice.
    “I cannot abide stupid men.” Delilah shuddered. “I prefer a man who can carry on an
     interesting conversation. One who isn’t overly amusing—”
    “Can’t have that,” Camille said.
    “Although I wouldn’t mind a droll sort of wit. And above all, I want a gentleman of
     honor, of good English stock. A man who understands the value of tradition and heritage.
     One who treasures the symbols of that heritage like Millworth Manor and Hargate Hall.”
     Delilah’s gaze shifted between her sister and her friend. “Is that too much to ask?”
    “Probably.” Camille chuckled then sobered. “But what of love?”
    Teddy shot Delilah a quick look.
    “You haven’t mentioned love or passion,” Camille continued. “This time, Delilah, don’t
     you want that?”
    “Not necessarily. With the right match, love will surely come in time. Love is much
     more difficult to find than a suitable income and much less important.” Delilah refilled
     her cup. “And a suitable income would come in handy at the moment.”
    “What do you mean?” Camille’s eyes narrowed. “Phillip left you a fortune. Don’t tell
     me you’ve gone through it.”
    “That’s not all like you, Dee.” Teddy stared at her friend.
    “Of course it’s not like me. And it’s nothing of the sort. It’s a . . . oh, a legal
     difficulty I would say.” Delilah braced herself. She couldn’t continue to hide the
     truth forever. Still, she had avoided it up till now and had hoped it would be resolved
     before she had to mention it to her family and her closest friend. She chose her words
     carefully and adopted a casual tone. As if this was of no importance whatsoever. “While
     I had always assumed Phillip had no heirs, indeed he thought the same, there seems
     to now be a claim on his—or rather my—properties and fortune and, well, everything
     from some scoundrel in Leister or somewhere thereabouts.”
    “Good Lord.” Camille stared.
    “My solicitors have assured me this is nothing more than a momentary annoyance. It
     should be resolved in no more than a few months although it does seem to be taking
     forever. Unfortunately, my assets are not available to me until this matter is settled.
     So you see . . .” Delilah cast them her brightest smile. “There is nothing to worry
     about at all.”
    “Nothing? Delilah.” Camille leaned closer and put her hand on her sister’s arm. “Nothing
     is exactly what you could end up with. And you are not the type of woman to survive
     long without money.”
    “I admit, it is a bit awkward. I have had to economize,” Delilah said smoothly but
     then she had known she would have to reveal her predicament eventually and she had
     practiced. Why, the word economize scarcely stuck in her throat at all now. “I have closed Hargate Hall and the house
     in London for the immediate future. I intend to stay here at Millworth until this
     is settled. With any luck at all, it will be over before the wedding.”
    “And if it isn’t resolved in your favor?”
    “I shall cross that road when I come to it.” That was a possibility Delilah tried
     not to consider even if it loomed in her mind nonetheless. “I am confident this is
     nothing more than a temporary inconvenience.”
    “When did you learn this?” Teddy asked.
    “Oh, let me think.” Delilah forced an offhand note to her voice. “Six weeks or so
     I believe, something like that.” Six weeks,