The Sherbrooke Bride Read Online Free Page A

Napoleon, committed to saving England.
    Now, he was only committed to saving Northcliffe and the Sherbrooke line.
    Aloud, he said, “Her name is Melissande and she is twenty-one, the daughter of Edouard Chambers, theDuke of Beresford. I met her when she was eighteen, but I left her because I had no wish to wed then. The devil, I was only home because of that bullet wound in my shoulder. It is likely she is long wed now and a mother. Ah, Sinjun, she was so beautiful, so dashing and carefree and spirited, and behind her was the Chambers name, old and honored, become dissolute only in her grandfather’s day. There was little money for her dowry three years ago, but I didn’t care if she came with naught but her shift on her back. Aye, her brother is another rotter, and even now he brings new odor to London with his profligacy. He is dissolute and a wastrel, gaming away any guinea he can get his hands on. It is likely that he will finish off the Chambers line.”
    â€œI think it noble of you not to be concerned with a dowry, Douglas. Mother says again and again that it is the only basis for marriage. Perhaps your Melissande has waited for you. I would. Perhaps no one wed her because there was no money, despite the fact she’s a duke’s daughter and beautiful. Or, what if she did wed another but is now a widow? It’s possible her husband would have been obliging and died, and it would solve all your problems.”
    Douglas smiled at that, but nodded, again, comfortable with speaking aloud his thoughts and his plans to Sinjun. Yes, he had liked Melissande, found her careless ways fascinating, her clever manipulations intriguing. He’d also wanted to bed her very badly, had wanted to see her tousled and whispering endearments to him, adoration in her eyes for him.
    Sinjun said quietly, “If Melissande is still available then you won’t have to worry about spending time in London to find another appropriate girl.”
    â€œYou’re right,” he said, rising and dusting off his breeches. “I will write immediately to the Duke of Beresford. If Melissande is still available—Lord, it makes her sound like a prize mare!—why then, I could leave immediately for Harrogate and marry her on the spot. I think you would like her, Sinjun.”
    â€œI’ll like her if you do, Douglas. Mother won’t, but that doesn’t matter.”
    Douglas could only shake his head at her. “You’re right. Do you know she’s the only one who’s never carped at me about marrying and providing the Sherbrooke heir?”
    â€œThat’s because she doesn’t want to give up her power as chatelaine of Northcliffe. The Sherbrooke dower house is charming but she disdains it.”
    â€œYou sometimes terrify me, my girl, you truly do.” He touched his fingers to her wind-tangled hair, then cupped her chin in his large hand. “You’re a good sort.”
    She accepted this token of affection calmly, then said, “You know, Douglas, I wondered why the Virgin Bride would come at this particular time, but now it makes sense. I think she appeared because she knew you were planning to marry. Perhaps her coming is a portent; perhaps she is trying to warn you or your Melissande about something that will befall you if you aren’t careful.”
    â€œNonsense,” said the Earl of Northcliffe. “However, you are still a good sort, even if you are overly fanciful upon occasion.”
    â€œÂ â€˜There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’ ”
    â€œAh, Sinjun, and I shall say back to you, “ ‘Rest, rest, perturbed spirit.’ ”
    â€œYou are sometimes a difficult man, Douglas.”
    â€œYou sulk because I out-Shakespeared you?”
    She poked him in the arm in high good humor. “You are too earthbound, Douglas, but perhaps that won’t continue after you are