Page 101 of Never a Bride
“What do you mean?” Alex asked, wishing his mother didn’t look so intrigued and hopeful. He was getting tired of always disappointing her.
“The Cumberland town councils elected you to represent them in the House of Commons.”
Stunned, Alex accepted his mother’s hug, and let Spencer pump his hand. “But why? I wasn’t acting like me—I was acting like you.”
“Apparently you were knowledgeable enough to impress everyone. I’ve heard from various people how diligent you were in the House of Lords—even when your eyes were bloodshot.”
Alex nodded slowly, amazed at how good it felt to have a purpose in his life. And then he realized that the first person he wanted to tell was Emmeline.
After their mother left to spread the good news, Spencer’s grin faded. “Can I just say one more thing? ’Tis about Lady Emmeline.”
“Spence, I know what I’m doing.”
“I’m sure you do. But you’ll want to hear this. Years ago, I danced a time or two with your betrothed.”
Alex laughed. “My ‘betrothed.’ I never thought I’d hear that. Don’t worry—I am not a jealous man.”
Spencer only raised an eyebrow. “After we danced, her father drew me aside and told me that Emmeline was ill and not expected to live long.”
Alex gaped at his brother. “She’s as healthy as any woman I know!”
“I see that. I just thought you might find it interesting.”
“When exactly did this happen?”
“About seven years ago.”
Alex ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “This is too much of a coincidence.”
“What do you mean?” Spencer asked.
“That was the exact time she thought she was in love with a tutor. Her father forbade her to marry.”
“Could it have been because she was ill?”
“No, she told me her father didn’t approve of Roswald, that he wasn’t good enough for her. Of course, I’m sure he’s said the same thing about me.”
Spencer grinned. “Well, you aren’t good enough for her.”
“I know,” Alex said as he shrugged. “I think her father was trying to hold on to her. She keeps his books like a steward, and she’s practically Blythe’s mother. Kent never had to worry about a thing with Emmeline in charge.”
“If that’s true, it’s quite sad.”
“Oh, it’s true,” he said grimly. “Why else would not a single man court her? But I don’t think I can tell Emmeline. She’d be devastated.”
Spencer nodded. “No need to start a marriage with a devastated bride.”
“After the wedding,” Alex continued, “I’ll have a talk with my father by marriage. I’ll make it clear that if he doesn’t leave Emmeline and me alone to begin our new life, I’ll reveal his lies to the world.”
Spencer clapped him on the shoulder and left the room. Alex stood still, remembering Emmeline’s passion in the coach, her plea that he make love to her. And then he thought of her alone in bed later tonight, waiting for him.
Chapter 28
That night, Emmeline stared wide-eyed up at the shadows cast by firelight on her bedchamber ceiling. The scene at Thornton Manor kept playing over and over in her mind.
Alex hadn’t seemed angry—or had he merely hidden it well? She’d known not to expect declarations of love, yet she couldn’t help feeling vaguely disappointed.
But she had chosen this plan, and it had worked; Alex was going to marry her. She didn’t care about where they would live or any other detail—she was going to be married to the man she loved, and she would make him so happy, he wouldhaveto love her.
