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Claire wrapped his words carefully around her heart. She would
treasure them always. She shook her head and stepped back,
before she did something impulsive, like accept his proposal.
 Your mother dislikes me. She raised her chin when he rolled his
eyes toward the ceiling.  You make it seem trivial, and it s not!
Your mother would make our lives miserable if we wed. Such
animosity can wreak havoc in a marriage. I won t have it. If I ever
marry again, I intend to be as happy and content as possible.
 Mother will come around. I ll talk to her.
 No, Harry, she won t come around. To force the issue will only
alienate everyone involved.
 Has she ever said anything to you?
Claire forced a smile and sipped her lemonade before she spoke. If
she told him the truth he might do something rash, and she didn t
want to cause a division in his family.  Some things need not be
said aloud.
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Gerri Bowen
 I refuse to believe this can t be resolved. By Jupiter, I do this in
committees all the time! So, may I escort you and your cousin to
the picnic?
* * * *
Claire wasn t surprised when Lady Seton was announced the next
day. Her aunt and cousin received the news with twitters and
nervous smoothing of hair, caps and gowns.  I believe it would be
best if I saw Lady Seton alone.
 Oh, but Claire, her aunt said,  how would it look if 
 This isn t a social call, aunt. The woman is coming here to warn
me away from her son.
Her aunt and cousin exchanged a look between them.  Then we
shall remain and support you.
 Please, I prefer to face her alone. There are things I wish to say,
and if you and Ellen are present, I wouldn t be comfortable
expressing myself.
* * * *
Harry was shocked yet pleased to learn his mother was paying a
call on Claire. He said as much to Claire s aunt and cousin. The
way they looked at one another caused prickles of alarm to run
down his spine.  Is there something I should know?
After more looks passing between them, the aunt gestured up the
stairs.  My daughter and I were forced to remove ourselves from
the vicinity. Perhaps it is best if you take your mother home, Lord
Seton.
Prickles of alarm turned to dread. Harry took the steps two at a
time, and followed the sounds of dissension. He stood outside the
door and listened.
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Only and Always You
* * * *
 . . . pray, do not force me 
 You, Lady Seton, are the one who is no lady. You, my lady, are no
better than a bawd!
 How dare 
 You admitted you paid your godson to wed me. What do you
think that makes you?
 He made you a lady! I helped you, you ungrateful chit! I gave
him funds to ensure the two of you would live comfortably for 
 Phillip gambled away your money before we arrived in India.
Were you so naïve you thought a gamester might actually save his
money and not gamble it away?
Lady Seton looked down her nose at Claire.  A proper wife would
have known how 
 Rubbish! The man was an out-and-out rotter! When he wasn t
seducing anything in skirts, he was gambling with their
husbands.
Lady Seton gave an icy smile.  If a man strays, it s because of his
wife.
 You are correct, Lady Seton, on that score. I banned Phillip from
my bed when we sailed from London. Claire leaned close and
winked.  And don t you know, she said in an Irish accent,  he
never bothered me once he saw my skain. I always keep it close,
she said as she slapped her leg.
Lady Seton stood.  That confirms what I ve always known. You d
murder us all in our sleep! Just wait until Harry hears about this!
Claire rose as well.  Yes, do tell him. Heaven knows I tried last
evening.
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Gerri Bowen
* * * *
Harry turned when he concluded his mother was taking her leave,
and saw the cousin and aunt behind him, their faces grim.  Don t
tell her I was here, please, he said before making his way out.
Having his carriage moved so his mother wouldn t see, Harry sat
back, still reeling from what he d heard. Good God, his own
mother had maneuvered it all, had paid to have Claire wed to
another man. Not just any other man, but Stauton-West! He gave
orders to follow his mother s carriage and was relieved she
returned home instead of visiting. He didn t think he could contain
himself for much longer. As it was, what he had to say wouldn t
take very long.
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Only and Always You
Chapter Seven
 I m sorry, Claire said to her aunt and cousin.  I assure you, she
won t be returning. Heavens, all she wanted to do was fall on her
bed and cry. There was no telling what Lady Seton would tell
Harry, but certainly nothing good.  That reminds me. When Lord
Seton arrives, extend my apologies, but I couldn t possibly go to [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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