Marriage to a Mister (A Daughters of Regency #1) Read Free Page B

the middle of those memories, not when he had fled Norfield for so many years to forget his own.  
    For a moment Julian became unnerved, angry that Charles and Madeleine may try to pair Fleur and Evan, to right past wrongs. He could not find it within himself to forgive the boy, not for his cruel words, or for his leaving not only Fleur, but all of them. He calmed when he recalled that Charles said Maddie had spoken to him and Edward this morning, nothing about Evan.
    Julian breathed a sigh of relief. "What did Maddie say?"
    "She said we were both old fools and —"
    "Not that. I can imagine what she would have said on that subject, but what does she think we should do? How are we to address this?"
    "A marriage between the families. We cannot recant, not when it was us doing the announcing. Anything else would be a scandal of the first order, and the ton would shout with mirth and drag both your girls through speculation and gossip. They would be merciless."
    Julian's face drained of all color, the reality of what they had done settling in. "God help us."
    "Yes." Charles agreed, pulling out his golden watch from his fob pocket, checking the time. "Maddie thinks the marriage should be between Edward and Fleur, as they are the eldest. Not to mention I have not seen that younger son of mine for more than a month — he comes and goes as he pleases. She's already spoken to Edward and he is coming here to address Fleur within the hour, if you are amenable. And Julian, you must be."
    Julian nodded, feeling as though the sense and order that ruled his life had run away from him. "How many times will we cause our children grief? Why do they have to pay for our assumptions and our mistakes?"
    Charles bowed his head, knowing Julian talked about the past as much as he did the present. "We can only hope Edward and Fleur will grow to love one another. They already do to some extent, you know this, having been raised together should make the transition a little easier, one would think."
      Julian grasped the letter opener on his desk, his knuckles turning white. "How does your son feel about the betrothal?"
    Charles paused. "He was very accepting."
    "Not exactly a confession of love, is it?" Julian asked, his jaw tight.
    "He wouldn't want to see your girls come to harm any more than Maddie or I."
    "We tried pairing them off before, Charles, and look what happened."
    "There is always Evan," Charles said slowly and carefully.
    Julian's eyes hardened, his voice rough. "No."
    "It might make things — "
    "I said no."
    Charles nodded, not willing to bring up the old argument of his younger son, knowing Julian would never relent. "Then try not to worry. Maddie has thought of everything, brilliant as she is. Within the last few hours, she planned a house party and sent off invitations. Everything has been arranged and instructions sent to the staff at Blackburn Hall. The two can be married at the end of the gathering in a quiet ceremony surrounded by family and a few friends. They will have time to come to know one another, Julian, after all, the banns still have to be called."
    The duke nodded — it was a good plan, considering the circumstances. "I suppose we must announce the betrothal tonight. Everyone's tongues will be wagging. I am curious though, what would you have done if I had refused your plan?"
    Charles huffed but made no move to answer. Julian suspected he had none.
    "You said Ravenbrook would be here within the hour?"
    "Yes, of course. The sooner the better I think. We should not delay, don't you agree?"  
    "I do, but I must to speak to Fleur immediately and at least give her some time to prepare herself." Julian said while turning, if possible, a shade more puce.
    "Do you think she will take it badly?" Charles asked, sinking further down into his chair at Julian's glare to such an obtuse question. He rubbed his face in frustration. "Edward will be here any minute."  
    "The more reason for you to get out of that chair and delay