With His Ring (Brides of Bath Book 2) by Cheryl Bolen Read Free Book Online Page B

within
him. Those feelings must have rushed through his memory as he
spoke. Good lord, would George think him a cradle robber? His heart
pounded. George was taking a deuced long time to make a
comment.
    The expression on his friend's face was
solemn. Was he angry at Gregory’s desire for the unspoiled Glee?
Was he remembering all the wicked things Gregory had done which
would render him unsuitable to marry his sister?
    Finally, George spoke. "I hope you
understand your declaration has been rather a shock for me. First,
for as long as I've known you, you've insisted marriage was
something you meant to avoid. Then there's the fact you've never
been remotely attracted to a girl like Glee."
    George, of course, was alluding to all the
tarts Gregory had been involved with since he lost his virginity at
sixteen. "The lightskirts who have gone before her make Miss
Pembroke's innocence completely refreshing. She's the first—the
only—lady of quality I have either desired or wished to marry. I
suspect you must have felt the same way over Miss Moreland—before
she became Lady Sedgewick."
    George nodded. "Like you, I had scoffed at
the idea of marriage."
    "Then Miss Moreland stole your heart as Miss
Pembroke has stolen mine."
    Now a wide smile crossed George's face.
"Forgive me if I'm a bit taken aback. 'Tis hard to realize the
elusive Mr. Blankenship has lost his heart to that scamp of a
sister of mine."
    Gregory's heart pounded. "But I have most
assuredly."
    "Then I'm glad of it, even happier to have
you for a brother."
    The two men stood and embraced, then moved
to the desk to arrange settlements. When they were finished, George
leveled a serious gaze at his friend. "I must tell you I now
realize I'm rather happy my sister is the means by which you will
secure your fortune."
    * * *
    Diana would be the test, Glee thought as she
nervously strolled toward the morning room after changing from her
wet clothing. Her stomach plummeted. She mentally kicked herself.
Isn't this exactly what she wanted? What she had prayed for? Hadn't
she told herself if she could just capture Blanks, she would make
him fall in love with her? Never mind that he had long ago vowed to
never marry. Never mind that he didn't love her. Never mind that
he’d always been as immovable as a mountain. Mr. Gregory
Blankenship had met his match in Glee.
    She casually strolled into the room.
    Diana looked up, then began to pour a second
cup of tea. "I thought you would be with Blanks."
    Glee took the proffered cup and saucer, then
sucked in her breath. "He's in the library with George."
    "A pity he has to leave today," Diana said
as she continued with her sewing. "George would love for him to
stay longer."
    "As would I," Glee said softly. "We have
just become betrothed."
    Stunned, Diana's mouth gaped open, her
sewing flung aside.
    "Did I hear you correctly?"
    I have to be convincing , Glee told
herself. "I confess, I've never been so surprised in my life.
Please don't tell George, but I was the one to tell Blanks how
advantageous it would be for him to marry me. He was aghast at
first, but the longer we've been together, the more sense my
proposal made. Especially in light of his growing ardor for me."
Glee continued stirring her tea long after it was necessary.
    "It doesn't seem that you two have been
together very much," Diana countered.
    "You forget the mornings when you've been
taking a tray in bed. Blanks and I have breakfasted together every
morning and have spent a great deal of time outdoors with one
another." Glee sighed happily. "I wonder what it is about the fresh
air that makes gentlemen so amorous?" She felt guilty for
misleading her sister, but there was nothing she wouldn't do for
Blanks, and he had told her to convince everyone theirs was a love
match.
    Diana smiled smugly. "Then you two have
kissed?"
    Glee's heart tripped. "Any number of times,"
she said casually. Would that it were so.
    "Oh, Glee," Diana exclaimed, rising from her
chair and throwing