A Lesson in Pride (33 page)
Authors: Jennifer Connors
Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Romance, #Regency, #Time Travel, #Historical Romance
“Then maybe your daughter's precipitant departure is for the best for everyone.”
“That is the very reason why I did not go after her. My wife thinks I would not have caught them, but I am not so old yet.”
“Thank you, Malcolm.” Grant showed his guest to the door, then yelled for his valet. There was someone he needed to see as soon as possible.
Chapter 40
The ladies were spending a quiet afternoon in the small parlor. Charlotte was reading a book. Hope was trying to embroider, though her occasional use of profanity said she was not having a good time of it. Ginny was writing a letter to her other stepdaughters. It would soon be summer and they would return to the country.
Mr. Frommer appeared in the doorway. “My lady, Lord Grant Montgomery is here to see you.”
Ginny turned from the desk and said, “Show him in, Mr. Frommer.”
His expression remained passive as he responded, “He is asking for a private audience with you, my lady. I have put him in the front parlor.”
“Thank you. I'll be there in a moment.”
“Oh, my, Ally. A private audience with Lord Grant.” Hope waggled her eyebrows as though she had any idea of what it meant.
Charlotte, who was so blissfully happy, clapped her hands in front of her. “With his brother dead, he will be the next duke.”
“And he already has a bride. Remember?” Ginny said, knowing full well he didn't. She never told her stepdaughters about her meeting with Mrs. Horton. The gossip was bound to be rampant and she refused to contribute to it.
Still her stepdaughters made hooting noises as she left the room. Ginny made her way to the larger parlor and found Grant pacing the room. She watched as he struggled with something on his mind, running his hands through his short hair.
“Hello, Grant. Been quite an eventful few days.”
Grant stopped short and faced her. “Indeed.”
“What can I do for you? I should tell you that I have already spoken to Mrs. Horton. I am sorry to hear about Persephone.”
“Are you? Truly?”
Without taking her eyes from his, Ginny walked closer. After a second, she turned and closed the doors, then returned her attention to Grant. When she was within a few feet of him, she whispered, “No.”
Grant grabbed her and kissed her. It was amazing to Ginny that one kiss could bring so much relief. She had really thought she'd blown this story, that she was lost forever. She should have more faith, she knew. The story would always have its way.
Pulling away, he whispered, “We will be married by the end of the week. I will procure a special license. We will keep it quiet so my father has no time to interfere. I want this to be about us and us alone.”
“You're fairly bossy,” she said with a smile. “One might mistake you for a duke.”
“And one day, my lady, you will be a duchess. My duchess.”
Ginny, who was not prone to fits of sappiness, couldn't help herself when she said, “I can think of nothing I would desire more.”
“Shall we tell your stepdaughters?”
“Of course. But only if you kiss me again.”
His lips descended on hers, marking her, claiming her. Finally. When the dizziness came upon her, it brought both relief and despair. She wanted to play this part just a little longer, to find out where their lives were going, but she didn't want to chance not moving on. It was more than time for her to go.
Just before she left him, Ginny felt Alysanne come back. A wave of love and joy filled her until she thought she might burst. She had done something good, she knew. She had fulfilled a young girl's dreams. There was no better way to move on. So she let herself go.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40