The Suitable Bride (The Emberton Brothers Series Book 2) by Karen Aminadra Read Free Book Online Page B

accepted the glass of wine. “I would give anything for a cup of tea right now,” he whispered to Stainton, as he placed the glass back on the tray the butler held so steady.
    “I will bear that in mind, sir, and have tea ready for you at a moment’s notice should you manage to escape and seek solitude.” The man bowed and disappeared almost instantly.
    Again, Edward was grateful for his mother’s aid and regretted that so many times in his life he had referred to her help as interference. It was she who had procured a butler for him. And, if he was not mistaken, it was she who also interviewed and engaged Mrs Clamp, his housekeeper. He looked to his right and caught his mother’s eye, giving her a grateful smile. She returned a puzzled smile, and he made a note to thank her at some point during the evening for all she’d done.
    “Well, this is a splendid turnout, make no mistake,” smirked the old man standing before Edward.
    Edward turned his attention to the man before him with his mouth wide open. “My! Lord Davenport! What a surprise it is to see you here. I had thought, wrongly, I believe now, that you did not attend such gatherings.”
    The old man guffawed and slapped him on the shoulder, knocking him off balance. “The young lass, my daughter, you see her there?” To Edward’s utter disbelief, Lord Davenport pointed his finger across the room to the very young lady that had caused Edward so much discomposure. “Frances…”
    Now Edward knew her name.
    “She absolutely insisted on coming and refused anyone else as chaperone. A feisty little miss if ever there was one.” He winked at Edward. “If you know what I mean.”
    Edward had absolutely no idea what he meant, but smiled weakly and nodded his head all the same.
    “Well, what can a father do under such circumstances, eh? So I’m here. I expect you and I’ll be talking at some point,” he said matter-of-factly.
    “Oh?”
    “Yes. That bill of Wilberforce’s. You’re behind it, aren’t you?” The old man frowned eyeing his host up and down.
    Instantly, Edward’s mind snapped back and realisation dawned upon him. Lord Davenport was referring to Wilberforce’s abolition of slavery proposal to Parliament. “Yes, I am, sir. I wholeheartedly support it.”
    “Hmm… You do, do you?”
    Edward was unclear as to whether Lord Davenport approved of his support of the abolition of slavery bill or not, but Edward was not about to bow down or back out of something that was of such importance. “Yes, Lord Davenport, I do.”
    Lord Davenport threw back his head and guffawed, a wheezing kind of laugh that made Edward immediately concerned about the man’s health. “Good! I like the man who knows his mind. We’ll talk later after all this frippery and chitchat nonsense.” He waved his hand around the room, and Edward hoped his mother did not overhear Lord Davenport referring to the ball she and Grace had so painstakingly arranged as frippery and chitchat nonsense.
    “It would be a pleasure, sir.” Edward bowed gracefully and smiled benignly as Lord Davenport moved away down the line to be introduced to Richard.
    So, Edward thought, her name is Frances. Miss Frances Davenport. He smiled across the room in the general direction of that dark-haired goddess. As though she knew his thoughts, Frances turned and fixed him with a heart-stopping stare. If it was the last thing he did that night, he would dance with Miss Frances Davenport.
     
    * * * *
     
    Frances was more than pleasantly surprised with Edward Emberton. Something had passed between them when she was introduced to him, the likes of which she had not known before, something that made her pulse beat faster, her breath come in huge gasps, and her whole being tingle with an intensity that intrigued her. Frances Davenport knew about men, but no man had ever captivated her the way in which Edward Emberton now enthralled her.
    She tried to feel light-hearted and joyful as she made her way