Shadowed by Sin Read Free Page B

and rage. She understood the need to protect his family, but at what cost?
    I cannot lose him to this , she vowed silently.
    Estelle prayed that whatever happened during their stay at Hawthorne Hall, nothing too drastic would occur. Every manor had secrets, and hopefully Benedict wouldn’t have to dig too deep to uncover them.
    The carriage came to a halt, and a rush of attendants greeted them.
    Ben exited first and aided her down, while servants lined up at the door. When they reached the main room, she was greeted by her future mother-in-law, who made it no secret she was still not pleased with their betrothal. In fact, if she had to bet her life on it, she probably had some other doe-eyed debutante picked out for him. Estelle shuddered to think what she might have thought of her the first time, when her son professed his love for her.
    “How nice of you to join us, Estelle. Come and sit with me for a bit. Dinner should be ready in a quarter hour. Tell me of your plans so far.”
    “The plans are coming along nicely, my lady. Although, Benedict seems to be keeping me in suspense with the plans for our new home.”
    “I’m sure it will be quite lovely. My son is quite adept at procuring oddities, and I’m positive he will find you something fitting.”
    Her words bit, and with the sting of the insult Estelle only smiled, and was saved by a servant announcing dinner was ready.
    Without a second to waste, Benedict fell into step with her on their way to the dining hall. He winked and whispered to her, “I do hope the weather takes a turn for the worst.”
    She glared at him. His subtle suggestion that they engage in some of their own mischief was terrible, but how she loved him deeply. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for him. However, if they were caught in the middle of anything inappropriate, the wedding would be cancelled or even moved up. Then where would they live?
    Estelle’s cheeks heated and she gently shoved him away. “Do stop, you are embarrassing me,” she replied with a hoarse whisper.
    “If you think that’s embarrassing, I would hate to see what happens if I ever told you my fantasies about you.”
    She smacked him then, and he only laughed at her. They were seated across from each other, as were Benedict’s parents. Oddly enough, she noticed the silent signals he and his father exchanged—wary glances, slight coughing, and petty small talk—when his mother spoke up.
    “Dare I ask what is left of the wedding planning, you two? You’re obviously doing a fine job discussing it discreetly in the corner over there and it has become apparent that neither of you want our assistance, but I am rather put out over the exclusion.”
    “We meant no offense, Mother. Everything is quite settled with the exception of our future home.”
    “In that case, I will insist on aiding you both with the hiring of servants. I have already been seeking out names for all the staff you will require. All you will need to do is find the appropriate home for your future. Estelle needs a home befitting that of a countess. You cannot live in a hovel and call it a home. I will provide you with my recommendations for all of the above and you will not procure a home unless I approve all manners of its state.”
    Estelle dropped her spoon at the countess’s tone. Of all the condescending, pig-headed, arrogant things the woman could say, she dared to interfere in the manner of what residence was selected.
    “How generous of you, my lady. However I was thinking that Benedict and I could stay at the hotel until we have returned from our honeymoon. I do believe we will be going away for a time, so I would hate to rush things at this point.”
    The countess snorted in an unladylike manner. Lord St. John’s eyes narrowed, and her gaze shifted between them. “Well, it would appear I’ve lost my appetite.”
    Her mother-in-law rose from the table and retreated from the dining hall like a wounded animal.
    “Oh, ignore her.