Lady Henrietta's Dilemma: Regency Suspense Romance Book 2 (Lords of Sussex) Read Free Page A

began walking to the far end of the huge room, ‘ May we talk a little further away?’
    ‘But of course.’ Leaving his chair ,  he walked by her side.  
    ‘ This is not for anyone’s ear, except yours and mine.’ Reaching a seat under a faded tapestry hanging between family portraits, she sat down. Holding his eyes, she said, ‘my dear Henrietta is heartbroken my lord. Tis all to do with that book you gave to her. It has fair terrified her.’
    ‘Deuce, not the wretched book again.’ Lord Vaughan muttered, clasping his hands behind his back.
    ‘It harmed her delicate senses. Pray, may I advise you of Henrietta’s sensitivity?’
    ‘I am aware of my lady’s proclivities.’ Vaughan muttered the muscles of his face tensing. ‘However, I was most confused with Henrietta’s blind ignorance of anatomy, if I might put it that way.’
    ‘My lord, I know it is such a delicate matter, but I am forced to speak.  She received no instruction in the marriage bed.’ She looked up, another blush adding to the bloom of her cheeks. ‘However, I fear your happiness , and hers, depends upon me speaking out. Her mama refuses to discuss any indecorous matters with her daughter.  She left it to the governess, who knew nought.’
    ‘Deuce, I find this most taxing – you are too direct my lady.’
    ‘Not in this instance my lord. Women have an equal right to speak out.’
    ‘Hmm, you are indeed audacious , and intrepid. I wonder what your fiancé Lord Thurston thinks of this?’
    ‘He is in sympathy with my views and encourages me in my views, as you know there is a strong women’s movement now with regard to then concepts of equality. But, to come back to Lady Henrietta, she loves you; but is terrified, and now heartbroken that you will not allow her to accompany you to Brussels.’
    ‘I am a gentleman Lady Phillipa, not a brute. I care for Henrietta very much….’ he paused, if it were not for the blessed dowry, he would end this façade now, and send the chit packing. 
    ‘She is disconsolate.’ Phillipa knew she would have to warn him. Henrietta could be inflexible when she made up her mind. ‘I fear she might run away my lord – or—’
    ‘What?’ he felt his heart jump into his throat.  No, that could not happen, damn – damn.  His whole future was now at stake.
    ‘Have you not the charity in your heart to take her with you?’ Phillipa asked, unaware of his turmoil. 
    ‘Leave it with me, my lady.’ he said, his voice gruff. ‘I must consider the matter. Now, if you will excuse me.’  He strode over to her, and bowing, took her hand, kissing the air above her knuckles.
    Watching the carriage bear Phillipa and her maid away down the drive, Lord Vaughan bit his lip.  Deuce what a mess. He could not banish Esther from Brussels; she was his delight in and out of bed. He would take Henrietta, but he would have to fly on the eagle’s wing. At least, the two women would be streets away from each other. He might just about manage it.

Chapter 4
     
    As Henrietta lay on her bed, evening shadows crept across the walls, deepening her gloom.  Pippa returned and told her of her conversation with Vaughan, but still he had not contacted her. How could she go through with it anyway? Before her lay a loveless marriage. She was nothing but a vessel, from which to fill her lord’s nursery.  He refused to discuss his mistress, just waiving her off with some vague thing about contracts; obviously, he was lying.  Could she abide lying in bed alone, whilst he stroked the body of another woman? Her chest heaved, as she shuddered.  At first, she thought in time he would come to love her. However, what chance did she have if that woman stood between them?  Spiteful acquaintances apprised her of the woman’s beauty; that Vaughan kept her in splendour, her every whim catered for; a fine apartment, servants, jewels, horses. Why, she even hosted parties for him; engaged the finest musicians for his