The Perfect Bride Read Free Page B

He also has a reputation for great stamina and skill, never mind his war injury.”
    Blanche stared at her friend, aware of heat rising in her cheeks. “That is gossip.” Then, “I do not think it appropriate to discuss Sir Rex this way.”
    â€œWhy not? We talk about my lovers all the time—in far more detail.”
    â€œThat is different,” Blanche said, but even she realized how lacking her rationale was. She had never thought about Sir Rex in any way except as a family friend, albeit a distant one.
    â€œIt is unbelievable that he would bed servants,” Felicia said with condescension. “How crude!”
    Blanche felt the heat in her cheeks increase. “It cannot be true.”
    â€œI overheard two maids discussing his prowess very frankly—one of the maids having been the recipient of that prowess,” Bess grinned.
    Blanche stared at her, more uneasy now than before. “I really prefer we not discuss Sir Rex.”
    â€œWhy are you becoming the prude now?” Bess asked.
    â€œIt is reprehensible for a nobleman to dally with the servants,” Felicia said swiftly, obviously determined to be catty.
    â€œWell, I enjoyed my gardener very much,” Bess shot, referring to an old affair.
    Blanche didn’t know what to think. She would never judge Sir Rex; it wasn’t her nature to judge and condemn anyone. Still, it wasn’t really acceptable for noblemen to dally with the servants, but now and then, they did. A mistress was acceptable, as long as vast discretion was used. Sir Rex probably kept a mistress. And now she was thinking about Sir Rex in a way she had no wish to continue. How had this conversation begun? Did he really have a reputation for stamina and skill? She truly did not wish to know!
    â€œWhen was the last time you spoke with Rex de Warenne?” Bess now asked.
    This was far safer ground. And Blanche didn’t have to think about it. “At Amanda de Warenne’s comeout—before she married Captain de Warenne.”
    Bess gaped. “Are you telling me you have pined for a man you haven’t seen in two years?”
    Blanche sighed and smiled. “Bess, I am not pining for him. And that was a year and a half ago. And frankly, I have had enough discussion for one day.” She stood abruptly, her feet hurting, too, forgetting all about the most enigmatic de Warenne.
    Bess also rose, but like a terrier with a bone, plunged on. “Darling, do you realize that Sir Rex has not presented himself as a suitor?”
    â€œOf course I do.” She hesitated. “I know what you are thinking—he needs a fortune and a wife, so that lapse is odd. Obviously he is not yet inclined toward matrimony.”
    â€œHow old is he?” Bess asked.
    â€œI think he is thirty, but I am not sure. Please, Bess, stop. I can see where you lead. Do not think to match me with Sir Rex!”
    â€œI have distressed you,” Bess finally said. “And you are never dismayed. I am sorry, Blanche. It must be the strain of your comeout. I would never match you against your will—you know that.”
    Blanche was relieved. “Yes, I know. But you did begin to worry me—we both know how tenacious you can be. Bess, I cannot bear the strain of these suitors—and it is only the first day. If you do not mind, I am going to retire for the evening.”
    Bess hugged her. “Go and have a hot bath. I’ll leave instructions for supper to be sent to your room, and I will see you tomorrow.”
    â€œThank you.” Blanche smiled at her friend, embraced Felicia and left the two of them alone together, and as they started whispering, she knew they were discussing her. It didn’t matter. They had her best interests at heart and she was truly exhausted. Besides, she had to escape the conversation about Sir Rex. It had been oddly disturbing.
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    â€œI SEE YOU ARE SCHEMING ,” Felicia declared.
    Bess seized her