A Suitable Bride Read Free

proposal should an invitation be forthcoming. For all his bluster he wasn’t an unkind man and surely would never carry out his horrible threat to kill her beloved animals?
    Although not especially interested in horseflesh he was an astute businessman and well aware that the stud she’d set up was already bringing in a satisfactory return. Obviously she couldn’t legally own this business venture, but so far he had allowed her free rein and was content to sign whatever papers she put in front of him. To shoot any of her livestock didn’t make economic sense.
    But what about her dogs? He wasn’t fond of them and they were of no monetary value. She kicked Rufus into a canter and arrived in the stable yard at such speed that an unfortunate boy tripped over his pitchfork and fell head first into a pile of manure.
     

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
    Grace tumbled from the saddle and dropped to her knees to greet her three dogs who were waiting patiently for her. She apologised to the stableboy and tossed him the reins; her stallion would behave now he’d had his exercise for the day.
    This time she didn’t go upstairs to change before searching out her father. He was, as usual, in his study going through various business documents and papers. He looked up, his expression unfriendly, when she stepped in.
    ‘What do you want now, miss? Have you come to your senses?’
    She curtsied politely. ‘I’ve come to apologise, Papa, and tell you that I agree to attend this house party if an invitation can be obtained for us to go. Can you tell me when this event is likely to take place?’
    Immediately he was all smiles and bonhomie . ‘Good girl, I knew you would see sense. I shall write at once to Lord Peabody and set things in motion. The house party is to take place in three months’ time in June, and we shall be there for several weeks. Your mother must send for the modiste and have your wardrobes replenished. I’ll not have you looking dowdy – I want you both to look as fine as any of the toffs.’
    ‘I shall go at once and give her the message. We have ample time to get ready, which is a relief.’
    Mama roused herself sufficiently to listen to this news. ‘A completely new wardrobe each? How delightful! Sit down, daughter, and look through these fashion plates which arrived only yesterday from Town. We shall have gowns, spencers, new bonnets and parasols to match – we shall spare no expense. Imagine being invited to such a prestigious event and to be mingling with a duke and his family – I’ve never been so excited in my life.’
    Her mother swung her legs to the carpet and stood up. ‘I’ll send a man by post to London and have Madam Ducray return with him.’ She bustled off with more speed than Grace had seen since the new carriage had arrived three years ago.
     
    Several days later the interminable measuring and selection of fabrics was over and Madame Ducray had departed promising the gowns would be delivered within the allotted time. ‘If you don’t mind, Mama, I’m going to the stables. We have a new filly just born and I want to ensure she’s well.’
    Her mother waved a hand. ‘Run along, Grace, but remember your papa is returning today and will expect you to be here to greet him at four.’
    ‘Yes, Mama, I’ll not be long. The men we employ are more than capable of taking care of things, but I like to see for myself how matters are progressing.’
    Her mother sniffed. ‘I warn you, my girl, that all this nonsense will stop once you’re betrothed to Lord Sheldon. Young ladies shouldn’t spend so much time in the stables; they should be doing embroidery, playing the pianoforte or painting pretty watercolours.’
    ‘Yes, Mama, I’ll bear that in mind.’
    The mare and the new filly were doing well and Grace returned to the house in good time to change and be downstairs in order to greet her father. He was going to be in a foul mood because he would have now discovered what she