Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

When Lord Waterford placed his palms flat upon the table as if he was preparing to leave, Christopher stalled the man’s actions by saying, “Very well. I agree to your terms.” After all, he’d vowed to do whatever they asked.

With a wide smile, Mrs. Lennox whispered, “Ye should have tried to negotiate.”

“Emma is too valuable to me to risk the council’s wrath.”

“Welcome to me family.” She patted his arm. “I shall do me best to ease things with Emma, but yer brother and the journey across the seas, that ye’ll have to do on yer own.”

“I appreciate the support, but I shall fulfill all requirements on my own.”

Mrs. Lennox stood, and the men followed. Last to rise, Christopher caught Waterford staring at the parchment still sitting upon the table.

He unfolded it, expecting a long list of ladies' names. Instead, there was only one name, and a peculiar one at that. Eliza Suttingham. Damnation. The woman’s name meant either he was to bring Tobias, Lord Burke, the third PORF family back home to England, or the journey was intended to be more permanent. His mind began to whirl with possibilities and ramifications. Stomach and head in turmoil, Christopher simply blinked when Waterford slapped an arm about his shoulders.

His friend gave him a little shake. “Do not fear. I’m at your disposal should you need assistance.”

“My thanks.” Christopher waved the note in front of Waterford. “Who decided upon this?”

“I’m not at liberty to say. I might suggest you have tea with your dear sister-in-law, Countess Hadfield, this afternoon.”

Yes, an afternoon with Bronwyn would be a grand idea. But he needed to speak to her alone. Turning to Waterford, Christopher asked, “I could do with your help.”

Instantly Waterford replied, “I’m happy to assist.”

“I need you to keep my brother occupied for a few hours.”

The man’s eyes widened and lit up with excitement. “Hmmm…what do you suggest?”

Christopher loved his brother and inwardly flinched at the idea of Waterford inflicting physical harm to Landon, but he needed a solid two hours to discuss matters with Bronwyn. “An afternoon at Gentleman Jacksons?”

Grinning, Waterford said, “Perfect. Hadfield needs to be knocked on his arse every now and then. I’ll happily volunteer to do it. How long do you need him gone?”

Christopher suspected Waterford still had not forgiven Landon for vying for his lady’s hand in marriage, not that Lady Mary ever seriously considered Landon’s suit.

Regretting making the suggestion, Christopher asked, “Why?”

“Well, if I knock him out right away, it won’t give you much time with Countess Hadfield. I think I shall let him get a punch or two in.”

“If you wouldn’t mind. But I’ll warn you, while you have been up holed up in Scotland with your wife, Landon’s been practicing with Archbroke.”

“Hmph. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to discuss matters with your dear sister-in-law. However, I do expect you to have whatever is needed to carry out the promises you made here today.” Cracking his knuckles with glee, Waterford left the room.

There was only one last task before he took his own leave. He tore off the bottom half of the parchment with Miss Suttingham’s name on it and placed it between his lips, while he folded the remaining half with the woman’s name on it and tucked it into his breast pocket. Withdrawing his pencil from his jacket, he took the parchment from his mouth, bent over the table, and scribbled the words, me kisses are fer ye.

Grinning, he left the room and as he passed Rutherford the note. “I’ll be at my brother’s townhouse; have it delivered there.”

Without looking at the note, Rutherford said, “It will be done.”

Christopher strode down the path with a new purpose. Anything for Emma.

Chapter Nineteen

Eyes trained on the center of the Hadfield butler’s back, Emma followed the man she’d known since childhood and whose family had served the Hadfields for generations.

Sweeping the drawing room door open for her, he whispered, “My felicitations on your betrothal. We are proud of ye.”

Emma met the old man’s gaze that shone bright with pride. “Me thanks. I hope Christopher survives his meetin’ with the council.”

Bronwyn’s quick, slippered footsteps were nearing, and Emma braced herself for an embrace. Except her best friend didn’t engulf her in a hug from behind; instead, the lady grabbed her hand and tugged her into the room. The soft click of the door echoed through the large drawing room.

Face-to-face with her best friend’s scowl, Emma masked her disappointment. “I’ve come to share the news of my engagement to Christopher and to—”

Bronwyn narrowed her gaze, squeezed Emma’s hand, and said, “While I’m overjoyed at the news, I’m befuddled as to exactly how this all came about.”

“Ye don’t look happy.”

Releasing Emma, Bronwyn gracefully sank down into a chair and waved to the settee. “Sit.”

Emma perched herself on the edge as she had last time she visited. “Wot has ye in such a foul mood this morn?”

“Your mum paid me a visit on her way to the council meeting. Before Christopher arrives, I need to know why you agreed to marry.”

Since her mum had already popped by, Emma repeated the reasoning she gave her mum. “I love him.”

“Emma Lennox, you just met Christopher not long ago. Are you sure there is no other reason?”

Of course her best friend wouldn’t simply accept a declaration of love. Using the tactic of avoidance, one of Bronwyn’s favorite devices to deflect her opponents, Emma said, “The other reason I’m here is to tell ye I’ve changed me mind, and I’ll be attendin’ yer bloomin’ ball after all.”

Hereford had asked for her assistance, and Emma hadn’t the heart to refuse. She’d given her word to watch out for Arabelle at the blasted event. Hereford was a fine negotiator. It was no wonder he excelled as an advisor to the King and Prinny. A burst of pride radiated within Emma and her lips curved into a smile.

Bronwyn leaned forward and pinned Emma with her gaze. “Why do I suspect