Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies)

Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies) Read Free Page A

Book: Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies) Read Free
Author: Layna Pimentel
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by his mother and sister on his way out.
    “Where do you
think you’re going, Nathaniel?”
    “Nowhere of any
import to you, Mama,” he whispered, removing her stiff hand from his wrist.
    “Come, dear
brother. I shall not be deprived of at least one dance.”
    Nathaniel huffed,
knowing what they were up to. “I think not. I have something I must do right
now.”
    “ Pish posh, love. White’s is no place for a man in the
marriage mart. Lord and Lady Sinclair’s ball is, and you’re leaving far too
early!”
    “I think not,” he repeated. And without giving
either woman a second glance, he abandoned the ball to find out more about
Brimley’s dealings with the Duchess of Downsbury.

 
    *
* * *

 
    Isabel dressed
in her riding habit, prepared to go on horseback if needed. One way or another,
she would witness the proof of her husband’s betrayal.
    “You’re mad, My Lady!”
the butler exclaimed. “You cannot attend. No respectable lady attends a duel.
If you wish, I’ll make an appearance in your stead and return once it is over
to deliver the news myself.”
    “Absolutely not.
If you desire to accompany me, then do so. Otherwise, I ride alone.”
    The servants
begged and pleaded for her to stay behind, and deep down she knew she’d regret
her decision, but one couldn’t blame her for wanting closure. Isabel slipped
out the back entrance, racing toward the stables before her footmen could
intervene.
    “I’d like my
horse readied immediately,” she commanded the stable hand.
    When her mare
was brought forth, she climbed up, accepting the young man’s assistance, and
bolted willingly from the stall. No one, not even providence, could stop her
from watching her foolish husband make the biggest mistake of his life.
    The unfortunate
thing was that she could only watch from afar. Rows of Beech trees with lush foliage
rustled in the early morning breeze. She dismounted her horse and wrapped the
reins around the fence. Walking around the tree line, she attempted to remain
out of site. At the sound of men shouting, Isabel halted beneath an oak and
peered around the trunk for a better look.
    Her husband and
Downsbury stood angrily facing each other, their seconds hovering to ensure
they didn’t start before the surgeon arrived. When the he finally showed, he
crossed the green, and the count began.
    “Five. Four.
Three. Two.”
    The hair at the
nape of her neck rose, and her lips trembled. Yes, her husband had many faults,
but none should be punishable by death. Lord
have mercy on his soul.
    “One.”
    The pistols went
off, followed by some shouts.
    Isabel’s heart
hammered in her chest as she gripped the bark harder. She squinted to find her
husband on the ground, lifeless. His silvery-blue waistcoat was unmistakable. A
chill washed over her, and her eyes began to well up with tears. The surgeon
lifted his limp arm to check his pulse and loudly pronounced his death.
    Isabel inhaled
sharply and backed into the tree, pushing a branch out of her way. It flung
back and smacked her in the face. She bit back the sting, thankful for the
momentary distraction. Hooves galloping away caught her attention. Stepping out
from her hiding space, heavy hands caught her unawares.
    “What do you
think you’re doing here?” a deep, burly voice questioned her.
    She spun on her
heels to face her inquisitor.
    The man gasped.
“I’m beggin ’ your pardon, Your Grace! I had no idea…you
shouldn’t be here.” Henry’s solicitor growled, drawing the attention of the
gentlemen that remained behind.
    No,
I shouldn’t. Her life was about to change. She was
stunned, horrified, and suddenly feeling very alone, the uncertainty of her
future swallowing her whole. Before she could even speak, the surgeon
approached. Would it be too much to ask,
to be left alone. I cannot possibly deal with them right now.
    He tipped his
hat and cast a downward glance. “Your Grace, I offer my condolences. Can I have
someone escort you

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