The Perfect Bride Read Free Page A

long afternoon!”
    â€œAnd it is only the beginning.” Lizzie laughed while Blanche felt a moment of dismay. “Well, I have seen a number of interesting prospects. If you wish to gossip, let me know.” Lizzie laughed again, now holding out her hand for Tyrell. He instantly left his group and came to her side, clasping her palm, their gazes meeting briefly in an intimate communication.
    â€œWe should go, as you seem very tired, dear,” Mary remarked. The women exchanged hugs and goodbyes.
    Blanche then spent the next half hour smiling at the departing gentlemen, doing her best to seem gracious and truly interested in each and every one. The moment her last caller was gone, she went to the nearest chair and collapsed, her smile gone. Her cheeks actually hurt. “How can I do this?” she gasped.
    Bess grinned, settling on the sofa. “I thought it went quite well.”
    Felicia asked a servant to bring sherry for three. “That went very well,” the voluptuous brunette smiled. “My God, I had forgotten how many dashing men remain eligible!”
    â€œThat went well? I have a raging migraine!” Blanche exclaimed. “And by the by, the Earl and Countess Adare will be celebrating their twenty-third anniversary in May.”
    Felicia looked surprised; Bess did not. “And Rex de Warenne will attend,” she said.
    Blanche looked at her and their gazes held. What did her friend mean?
    â€œAre you certain you want an elderly husband, Blanche?” Bess smiled.
    Blanche was uncomfortable. “Yes, I am very certain. Why did you just mention Sir Rex?”
    â€œOh, hmm, let me see. I was standing behind you while you were discussing Sir Rex with his family,” Bess said pointedly.
    Blanche failed to understand. “I am bewildered. I asked after the entire family, Bess. Are you implying I am somehow interested in Sir Rex?”
    â€œI hardly said such a thing,” Bess gasped in mock denial. Then, “Come, Blanche. This isn’t the first time his name has come up.”
    â€œHe is a family friend. I have known him for years.” Blanche remained confused. She shrugged. “I have merely wondered why Sir Rex never called. It was a lapse. It was somewhat insulting. That is all.”
    Bess sat up straighter. “Do you wish for him to court you?”
    Blanche could only stare. Then she started to smile—and briefly, she laughed. “Of course not! I wish for a peaceful future. Sir Rex is a very dark man. Everyone knows he broods—and that he is a recluse. We would never suit. My life is here, in London, his is in Cornwall.”
    Bess smiled sweetly. “Really. I have always found him disturbingly sexual.”
    Blanche paled. She did not want to know what that meant! And only her friend could get away with such an inappropriate remark. She decided to ignore it. “If anything, I want my old life back,” she said sharply.
    â€œYes, of course you do. Your old life was just so perfect—doting on your father, and living vicariously through me and Felicia.”
    Felicia pulled up an ottoman as they were finally served the sherry. “Bess, I tried to seduce him after Hal died. He is truly a boor. In fact, he was so lacking in charm, he was almost rude. He would be the worst possible candidate for Blanche’s hand.”
    Blanche didn’t hesitate to defend him, for she hated malice of any kind. “You mistook an introversion of character, Felicia,” she said gently. “Sir Rex is a gentleman. He has always been the perfect gentleman around me—and perhaps, just perhaps, he did not wish to dally with you.”
    Felicia flushed. “The de Warenne men are notorious for their affairs—until they marry. Perhaps he simply isn’t virile.”
    â€œThat is a terrible thing to say!” Blanche cried, aghast.
    Bess cut in. “He has a reputation for preferring housemaids to noblewomen, Felicia.