Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two by Abigail Graves Read Free Book Online Page B

there
would be no grand wedding but were determined to make the best of it. An
intimate family ceremony would be held at Clerendon House in two days time.
They had their heads together over lists and menus. Alastair and Elise were discussing
changes he had planned for a section of the garden. At Gilles’ request, he was
creating a layout that was a smaller version of what she had at Longwood. Short
paths would be lined with various herbs and flowers, allowing her to find her
way by smell and touch. Lucien and Gilles were continuing a debate that started
in Parliament the evening prior. 
    As Mirabelle took her usual seat
between Alastair and Lucien she was disappointed that she could still sense her
brother’s hostility towards Lucien. She had attempted discussing their
engagement with him but he would have none of it. He would change the topic or
leave. Gilles assured her he would come around. He needed time to see that Lucien
wouldn't hurt her and that she was happy. Deciding to be grateful that he loved
her enough to feel so protective, Mirabelle set her hand on Alastair's arm and
squeezed. He turned to her and his eyes searched hers. I love you. She knew
he'd see. He nodded slightly and touched the back of her hand briefly.
    She turned her attention to Lucien.
He was laughing and his shoulder brushed hers as he shook. Apparently, the
debate with Gilles ended with a grape being lobbed across the table and landing
in Gilles’ coffee. Maman looked up and narrowed her eyes at both men. Both
cleared their throats and busied themselves with eating. Mirabelle raised her
coffee cup and did her best to keep her lips straight. She took a sip and
turned to Lucien.
    “I have an errand and I was hoping
you would accompany me.” She smiled sweetly and waited expectantly. Apparently,
he wasn't fooled. Or he'd been warned. His eyes widened and he looked to Gilles
for support. He shook his head and became engrossed in his plate.
    “Of course. Anything.” Lucien
attempted gallantry.
    “Excellent! I’d like to call on
Lady Gasden. She's still not feeling well and I thought having some company
might bring her around.” Mirabelle had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep
from laughing at Lucien. His face twisted in horror and he groaned. He looked
as if he was six and presented with a bowl of peas.
    “Really, Mirabelle? Couldn't we do
anything else? Perhaps we could find some barn cats to bathe or I could run
naked through some rose bushes.” He slouched in his seat for a moment before
Madeline’s head jerked in his direction. He sat up straight and turned to
Mirabelle. “What if I bought you something very large and very expensive?” He
begged. Mirabelle laughed and shook her head.
    “That won't work, I'm afraid. You
forget that I've enough money to buy myself whatever I want.” She teased.
    “Ah! But you don't have palace
money. I could buy you a palace.” Lucien boasted.
    “How lovely for you.” She said
sarcastically as she reached for the jam. “I'm not really in the mood for a
palace, today. I want to visit Lady Gasden.” Lucien grumbled and pouted over
his plate. Mirabelle tried to eat while imagining Lucien naked in the garden.
     
    An hour later, Lucien was still
complaining as he helped Mirabelle to the seat of his phaeton. Once he was
seated, he set the team in motion.
    “I thought that once I was an adult
I was done being dragged into old dragon’s dens. She's only gotten worse since we
were children.” He sighed as an overturned cart stalled traffic.
    “She's only worse to you because
you give her so much to comment upon.” Mirabelle relaxed and smiled as she
watched Lucien fidget with the reins. He was leaning forwards, his elbows
resting on his knees. His tailor certainly knew how to fit a coat; the muscles
of his back were visible as the fabric stretched. It took a great deal of self
control on her part not to run her hand down his back. Would he believe she was
an ardent fan of Bath Superfine?