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

two days, and twenty-some hours but she
     couldn’t be exact without looking at a clock.
    “Delilah.” Camille chose her words with obvious care. “I know we haven’t been especially
     close in the past—”
    Teddy choked then coughed and smiled apologetically.
    “—but I shall of course provide you with whatever funding you need.”
    “Thank you, but it hasn’t come to that yet. And I doubt that it will.” Delilah had
     practiced that air of confidence as well.
    “Are you sure?” Worry colored Camille’s face.
    “Quite. But I do appreciate the offer.” She drew a deep breath. “And if you don’t
     mind, I’d much prefer not to discuss it further. It does tend to make my head pound.”
    Teddy nodded. “Understandable.”
    “So you can see why a suitable income would be appreciated,” Delilah said in hopes
     of steering the conversation in a different direction.
    This was not something she wished to talk about, even with her sister and her dearest
     friend. It was bad enough that it was scarcely ever off her mind. Bad enough that
     a heavy weight that felt suspiciously like doom had settled in the pit of her stomach
     the moment she’d been informed about this difficulty, six weeks, two days, and twenty-some
     hours ago. She had never been an especially patient person and waiting to find out
     her financial fate was wearing on her nerves. The only time her finances were out
     of her mind was when her thoughts turned to Mr. Russell. Which was every bit as disconcerting.
    “Even so.” Camille studied her sister. “Don’t you want to find what Beryl and I have
     found? Don’t you want to be happy?”
    “I fully intend to be happy. However, it’s been my observation that love does not
     ensure happiness. One only has to look at the trials and tribulations you and Grayson
     have experienced to see that. No, I think life is much easier without allowing emotions
     to muck things up.” Delilah shrugged. “I shall be quite happy with a man with a respectable
     title and impressive fortune.”
    “And should he be handsome as well?” Teddy teased. “Tall and broad-shouldered with
     a square jaw and a twinkle of amusement in his dark, smoldering eyes?”
    “Goodness, Teddy. You’ve been reading romantic novels again. I am not so shallow as
     to judge a man on his appearance. Why, that would be the very definition of shallow.”
    The other women glanced at each other then burst into laughter.
    “I know what you’re thinking.” Delilah huffed. “And choosing a man for his position
     and his fortune is not the least bit shallow. It’s practical.”
    Teddy grinned. “So you wouldn’t refuse to consider a man who was handsome?”
    “That too would be silly, if he met all of my other requirements. This is absurd.”
     She crossed her arms over her chest. “I will confess, I don’t want a man whose visage
     would make small children run in fear. I will have to share his bed after all. He
     should be of acceptable appearance. And I would prefer that he not be more than ten
     years older than I. I would like my next marriage to last longer than the mere five
     years my first marriage did.”
    “I see.” Camille glanced at Teddy’s notebook. “Do you have the list of everyone we
     have invited?”
    Teddy turned a page then slid the notebook across the table to Camille. “It starts
     here.”
    “Let me see.” Camille studied the list.
    Delilah didn’t like the look of that. “What are you doing?”
    “Helping you with your plan.” Camille ran her finger down the page.
    “Oh?” Delilah arched a brow. “I had the distinct feeling you were not impressed with
     my plan.”
    “It’s not a bad plan, as far as it goes, although I think there are any number of
     variables you have not considered. In truth, I have always believed in plans and in
     being prepared. I have had quite a few excellent plans myself in the past.” Camille’s
     voice was absent, her gaze on the list of names before her.