The Lady's Disgrace Read Free Page A

“I am pleased to hear that. And both I and my parents have always hoped you and your family regard us as friends. Despite our differences in rank.”
    “Good, good. Glad to hear that.”
    “What is going on here, Manchester?”
    He looked up abruptly, obviously surprised to have his thoughts interrupted. “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, you asked your wife and mother to leave the room. You’ve peppered me with questions about my church and the school I hope to build. Then you talk about the relationship between our families. I am wondering what it is that you’re trying very hard not to say.”
    “Yes, you’re right. I should just get on with it.”
    Drake fidgeted with his pen, taking it out of the holder, slipping it back in again. The man was obviously nervous. Definitely not usual circumstances for Drake. Dare he hope his childhood friend was about to suggest Joseph’s well-hidden desire?
    “What do you think of Abigail?”
    “I think she’s a wonderful woman, and I am distressed at her predicament.”
    “Good. Because there’s something I want to ask you.”
    Finally. His stomach in knots, he motioned with his hand for Manchester to proceed. Trying very hard not to anticipate Drake’s words, he held his breath.
    Manchester leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. “Please give serious consideration to my suggestion.”
    “I’m listening.”
    “I would like you to marry my sister.”
    Joseph sat back, all the breath leaving his body. Exhilaration mixed with shock. Despite what he’d hoped Drake would say, he still would not have been any more surprised if the man had jumped up, taken off all his clothes, and dashed around the room spouting poetry.
    Marry Abigail? The one woman he never thought would be his?

Chapter Two
    A tap on Abigial’s bedchamber door drew her from her musings. “Yes?”
    The door opened, and Drake stuck his head in. “May I visit with you?”
    Abigail shifted from the mattress and stood, adjusting her skirts. “Certainly.”
    “How are you feeling today?”
    Abigail smiled. “You mean am I still soaking my pillow with tears?”
    He grimaced at her astute perception.
    “No more crying, Drake. I’m finished with feeling sorry for myself.”
    “That is good news. I worried that you would end up locked in your room like Marion.”
    “I’m not Marion. If I spend much more time cosseted here, I would be a candidate for Bedlam.”
    He cleared his throat, and waved her toward the daybed in the corner of the room. “Can we sit for a moment?”
    Once they settled, he turned to her and took her hands. “I have an idea.”
    “My, you look so serious. Am I to be relegated to a nunnery?” Her heart skipped a beat when he didn’t laugh. Surely he wouldn’t suggest an abbey? Good heavens, had things really gotten that bad beyond this room?
    “No. No nunnery. I—Well, mother and I—that is, and Penelope too—”
    “Are you going to go down the line and mention everyone? I can save you time. This sounds like something the family has decided on.”
    “It is good to see your humor and spirit have returned.”
    She smiled wryly. “Go on, dear brother. You are stalling.”
    “Yes. Well. I have an idea to get you out of London, and settled where you will be, if not happy, at least content.”
    “The nunnery comes to mind once again.”
    “I have found you a husband,” he blurted.
    She stared at him aghast. “I hadn’t realized I’d misplaced one.”
    “Be serious, Abigail.”
    “I am serious. Extremely so. I know I seem to be missing a betrothed, but surely you haven’t been scouring the streets of London looking for a replacement?”
    “You remember Addysby End’s rector, Joseph Fox?”
    “Of course I remember him. We all grew up together. His father is our rector. I’ve seen him many times over the years. What has he got to do with—” She stopped abruptly. “Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no. You can’t mean your found husband is Joseph?”
    “That is precisely