Barbara Metzger Read Free Page B

and she could not have waited until she knows her own mind better. Its not as if some heavy-handed patriarch is going to arrange a match for her, willy-nilly, like in olden times. Nowadays a female should be mature enough to make such important decisions for herself. Susanna is still an infant.
     
     
His mother shook her head, then removed the heavy turban, revealing still-shiny black hair untouched by gray. She wants what every woman wants: a home of her own. A handsome man by her side. Babies.
     
     
Great gods, she is a child herself!
     
     
She is almost eighteen. And no one claims she should marry immediately. A respectable courtship takes months, for the young people to know their own minds, as you said. And for that first infatuation to ripen into lasting affection, if it is going to. The wedding itself can take almost a full year to plan properly. Why, you were born when I was not much older than Susanna is now. Lady Cora smiled, remembering. You did arrive a bit early, I must admit. Long engagements are such a trial when you are in love.
     
     
Mother! The notion of his baby sister with a man was bad enough. But his parents anticipating their vows? Lord, he needed something stronger than tea in a fragile cup. He looked around, but did not see any decanters or bottles. Just one more reason he wished he were back in his rented rooms.
     
     
His mother was lost in her own musings. You might wish to consider starting your own nursery, you know. Ive never pressed you, but it wouldnt hurt you to look around at the other debutantes while we are out and about.
     
     
Those simpering little twits in pastel ruffles? What would I want with one of them?
     
     
Babies, she firmly stated. A son to inherit the manor. A daughter to cuddle.
     
     
More responsibility. Daniel shuddered, remembering Rexs twin infants. They had put the girl in Daniels arms at the church christening. He was her godfather, after allan honor, everyone said. Why they couldnt have made him the boys godparent instead of Harry, he did not know. He could teach a lad to ride and shootno, Harry was better at both, and he supposed Rex was thinking Daniel could fend off those rakes and fortune hunters better, with his size.
     
     
But a female? A tiny, red-faced female? Why, hed broken out in a sweat fearing hed crush her in his big, clumsy paws. Or get her dirty in that trailing white lacy thing she wore. Or make her cry. That would be the worst. No, misplacing her like he did his gloves would be worse. Jupiter, a baby girl of his own?
     
     
Ill, ah, be content with Rexs hatchlings. And Harrys.
     
     
Well, I wont be, you gudgeon. I want grandchildren of my own. Yours and Susannas.
     
     
Daniel used his napkin to dab at the bead of sweat he could feel forming on his forehead. Then he tried to speak softly, without shouting or foul language. I am not in the petticoat line, Mother.
     
     
She patted her own lips with her napkin, barely hiding her smile. That is not what we hear in the country.
     
     
Now he did shout: Those are not ladies, and we shall not speak of my private affairs! He winced at the last word, stood, and strode to the hall. Dobbson was waiting there, as Daniel knew he would be, likely taking in every embarrassing word. Dash it, a good butler would have anticipated the need for stronger sustenance when discussing weddings and babies. Brandy. Now.
     
     
When Daniel sat across from his mother again, she was already compiling mental matchmaking lists; he could tell by the speculative gleam in her eyes. He kept his voice lowered in case Dobbson was on his way back. I tell you, I am not ready to marry.
     
     
Of course not. A gentleman never is, until he cant wait for the day.
     
     
Daniel ignored that bit of feminine illogic. Besides, no female in her right mind would have me.
     
     
Piffle. You are handsome
     
     
Not nearly as good-looking as Harry. Or Rex before he was scarred.
     
     
Bosh. You three are like peas in a pod