Page 12 of The Duke's Inconvenient Bride
“Ashford!”
He looked around at the call and spotted Longley striding toward them across the grass. Longley doffed his hat as he approached and inclined his head to the ladies, who both dropped into curtseys.
“Lady Violet, Lady Emma, what lovely visions you are today.” He flashed his teeth at them.
Vaughan’s eyes narrowed. This was absolutely not a coincidence.
Violet’s dimples made an appearance again. She was clearly glad of the interruption.
“Good morning, Lord Longley,” she said.
He returned his hat to his head.
“Good morning,” Emma murmured from behind them.
“Lady Emma.” Longley directed the full force of his smile at the unsuspecting woman.
Vaughan scowled. What was his friend about?
“Walk with me,” Longley said. “It’s been too long since we spoke.”
“But…” Emma sounded bewildered.
He winked. “We’ll stay close behind Ashford and Lady Violet to ensure your sister’s virtue remains intact.”
“All right, then.” Her tone had warmed considerably.
“By all means, join us,” Vaughan muttered, not that anyone had asked him.
Longley gave him a meaningful look and passed them to join arms with Emma. Vaughan suspected his friend was trying to allow him time alone with Violet to improve upon their acquaintance, but that was the opposite of what he needed.
Violet gently brushed his arm, indicating for him to resume their stroll. Vaughan did so, but his mind remained woefully blank. How was he supposed to charm the woman when he could hardly think of anything to say to her?
Behind them, Emma laughed, low and husky. His gut tightened. What had Longley said to make her laugh? She’d been completely silent until now.
Of course she was silent. She was the chaperone.
His subconscious didn’t care for logic. It was strangely upsetting that someone else had broken through Lady Emma’s reserve when he hadn’t.
He glanced over his shoulder. Longley’s and Emma’s heads were close together, and they were both smiling. Vaughan’s lips pressed into a firm line. Perhaps he and Violet weren’t the ones who needed a chaperone. Was Longley flirting with Emma?
“Shall we get ice cream?” he asked, loud enough for them all to hear.
“Oh, I couldn’t.” Violet touched her chest. “I must be careful of my waistline.”
Vaughan frowned. There was nothing wrong with her waistline. He could hardly say so, though. It wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on her figure.
“I would love an ice cream,” Emma said.
When Vaughan turned to face her, her tongue darted over her upper lip. He stared, entranced, until Longley cleared his throat.
Don’t lust after your future sister-in-law, he berated himself.You can’t have her.
CHAPTER 4
“Thankyou so much for agreeing to come with me,” Emma said to Violet as she rolled on a long white glove.
Violet patted her shoulder. “What are sisters for if not to provide support while husband hunting?”
