An Inadvisable Wager (The Curse of the Weatherby Ball Book 2) Eliza Lloyd (reading books for 7 year olds .TXT) 📖

“No, not anymore, dear. What is that dirt all over your skirts?” Gigi had a way of reminding her she was more girl than mature woman.

“I got stung in the garden, but it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“I think it is a good sign he has trailed after you.”

“Just his pride. He’s doesn’t want me to make a fool of him so soon after our wedding,” Nora concluded.

“If you think so,” Gigi said cryptically. “We’ll need to talk some more about why a man follows a woman anywhere.”

“I know all about men,” Nora said. Of course, she didn’t! She didn’t even have a good idea about who her husband and his family really were.

Lady Fortenay sighed. “I have failed you!” she said dramatically. “Dinner will be at seven.”

* * * * *

Gabriel stood at the base of the staircase, glancing around and trying to imagine the young Nora running free and plotting her revenge. It was a clear vision. Nora, sitting at Lady Fortenay’s feet, a fire burning to ward off the winter chill, while they read Hamlet, fueling the romantic notion of vengeance.

Nora had changed into her grey dress with the white cuffs and had brushed her windblown hair, now slicked back and placed in a tight knot at the back of her head. She was dramatic, as she descended the stairs, in the way of a marble sculpture. Perfect lines, serious appearance and so flawless. A look of rigidity, but a heart of tenderness.

What other woman would try to carry his valise, insist on bringing hot water to their room and want to clean his boots before dinner? He’d held her hands firmly. “I am capable,” he’d said an hour ago. Oh yes, he was more than capable and growing more capable with every hour he spent with the delectable Nora. He was still having trouble believing she was actually his wife. Later in life that might change, but right now, everything about Nora was enchanting.

“Good evening, Lady Carlow.”

“Carlow,” she said with a sultry smile, then followed with a quick curtsy.

He braced his arm against the flat top of the newel post. He glanced around to confirm they were alone. “Are you sure we should share your room tonight? Your bed doesn’t appear big enough for the both of us.”

“You could sleep on the floor.”

He stared hard, trying to convey the message she kept ignoring. “I could. If there is ample room, perhaps we could sleep there together.”

“I haven’t slept on the floor since I was twelve.” A bell sounded, summing the household. “Lady Fortenay wants us in the dining room,” Nora said. Timothy came tromping down the stairs, bowed to Nora and walked in behind them.

Lord Fortenay was seated at the head of the table and Gabriel was to his right, as the only guest of the evening. Nora was seated opposite him. Lady Fortenay was seated to Gabriel’s right. He expected to be questioned with all the intensity of a Spanish inquisitor. He anticipated the first salvo before the potatoes were passed.

Country living had always appealed to Gabriel and anytime he visited his estates, he savored the informality, the easy politeness, the familiarity. The earldom had three large estates each with its own estate manager. They operated without much direction from Gabriel, other than a review of the account books and an annual visit to view the livestock, crops and outbuildings. Henbury had been different. He imagined Henbury Hall was much like this. Or at least it would be when the repairs were completed.

“You realize this was a most imprudent marriage on your part, Lord Carlow?” Lord Fortenay said in a casual voice that brooked no impertinence. Timothy held a bowl of grilled brussels sprouts in butter sauce, afraid to move.

“Grandy!” Nora said, pressing her hand to Lord Fortenay’s arm, alarm in her expression. “Gigi, we don’t need to do this here!” She appealed to both of them who raised her.

Gabriel had wondered at the treatment two young orphans would receive from distant relatives. He was assured of a close relationship in the use of pet names, implying they treated Nora and Timothy as grandchildren. He was struck by the idea that Nora’s need for vengeance must have been tempered by the association. How much more she would have felt the betrayal without a family member to assuage her anger, sorrow and resentment. He was glad he would not have to meet that Nora.

“My dear, it is too late to quibble over details. The fact is we can only provide a fifty-pound a year dowry for Nora. I wish it could be greater. Nora is a fine young woman, but in this matter of your marriage to her, we are grateful, considering the circumstances.”

Nora folded her hands in her lap and looked down.

Gabriel cleared his throat. “You may rightly believe a prosperous economic situation was vital to Nora’s marriage prospects. It was not and is not a consideration for me. And you may think that the only reason I married her was because of a small indiscretion at Lady Weatherby’s ball. Rest assured, I am most content with the arrangement and how it came about. A settlement was not and is not expected.

“I want to hear no more of dowries or ton gossip spread by busybodies who have nothing better to discuss. Nora is my wife and that is the end of the matter,” Carlow finished, and reached for his mug of cool ale.

“Hmpf. And to you I say, in spite of the circumstances, we expect you to care for Nora as the jewel she is,” Lord Fortenay said with equal force.

“I am sitting right here. You may include me in this conversation. Maybe I have something to say!” Nora said.

“What do you wish to say, Nora, dear?” Lady Fortenay asked.

“Um. I’m…I’m married. There is nothing else to