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

soirees. 
    Lifting herself up on her elbows, she sighed. No – she would not wed him. Surely, there was someone out there who would love her; fears or not? Someone gentle? However, even as she thought so, her heart cried out for Vaughan. During their courtship, he was always polite and cordial, but the book showed him for what he was – a rake. Maybe in time, she could guide him to better ways, in time he would tire of his courtesan.  She felt the tears rise once more.  No, it was no use; she would go see mama now; the marriage was off; she did not care how angry they became; she would stand firm. 
    Others had cancelled a wedding at the last moment. She could offer illness as an excuse, a febrile fever. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, she bit her lip.  This was such a terrifying moment.  Hearing a knock at the door, she straightened her skirts and cleared her throat, ‘Enter.’
    The maid opened the door, her face bright.  ‘La milady, look at these.’
    Henrietta gasped, as she saw a bouquet of white lilies on the silver tray. Trembling, she lifted the offering, the perfume wafting up from the petals. On opening the envelope, her heart beat a tattoo, Slowly, she pulled out the card, fearing what it would be – joy or sorrow? The words in his firm italic script leapt up. ‘To my wife to be. Carry these to the altar for me.  Be ready for Brussels; pack a riding habit. I have hired a horse for you to ride out there. Yours Vaughan.
    Henrietta held the card to her heart, the tears rippling down her pale cheeks.  He wanted her – wanted her with him. A smile crept over her face, as she lifted the bouquet, only to see a slim velvet box.
    ‘Oh milady.’ Milly whispered, her eyes widening, as Henrietta gazed down at sapphires and diamonds, a necklace, and earrings with matching clips for her hair.
    She lifted out a note. ‘For my bride on her wedding day. Please wear these for me.’
    With a trembling  smile, rushing to the vanity mirror, she placed them across her chest, ‘Oh Milly; they're so beautiful.’
    ‘And so are you milady?' The maid clapped her hands to her face, ‘Oh how romantic.’  Henrietta lifted the jewels coruscating in the candle light. Their glitter matched the feelings in her heart.  She was to be married tomorrow to the love of her life.
    Rushing from the room, she made her way to her mother’s sitting room. Flinging open the door she cried, ‘Mama – look – oh look what Vaughan sent me.’
    The Duchess’s eyes widened, ‘Oh my dear girl, how wonderful, you will truly shine in them tomorrow, and they match your wedding dress.’
    ‘Well I did let slip it was pale blue, so perhaps he remembered.’
    ‘The dear man – truly you have made a wonderful match.’
    That night Henrietta thought she would not sleep for sheer joy and excitement, but as soon as she laid her head on, the pillow, she drifted deeply into dreams. However, they were far from the happiness of the evening.  She ran through a forest searching for her lover; espying him ahead she called out, but he kept on walking away, ignoring her.  A woman appeared, and embraced him; together they sank to the ground. Henrietta leapt up in bed, perspiration beading onto the sheets. Once orientated, she shook her head, and smiled. Twas just a nightmare. Vaughan loved her. What had she to fear now?  With the moonlight flooding the room, she looked at the lilies resting in water. Everything was well with her world. Tomorrow will be the beginning of her life with the man she loved, and who loved her. Although he had not written the word, surely it was there sparkling in those precious gems.
    ***
    Standing at the altar, Vaughan felt an unfamiliar surge of apprehension.  He heard the organ start up and turned to see a vision silhouetted against the light, her hair a halo of gold, her gown shimmering, gems sparking on a slender throat.   How beautiful she was in that moment; she would fetch a good price in the