My Sister's Intended
Page 21
Brand shifted positions to look her in the eye. “It’s done?”
“Yes. Last night—or rather, early this morning.”
“And you’re only now telling me this?”
She blinked at him, somewhat surprised by his interest. She had assumed he’d grown tired of listening to her prattle on about scenes and characters and plots.
“Did you want me to bring it to your attention during our wedding ceremony?” she asked with a smile.
“No, but—please do not say you have given it to Sophia.”
“I did.”
He stared at her, his mouth agape. “Over your husband?”
Prudence would have laughed if not for the genuine disappointment she saw in his expression. She felt a twinge of guilt because of it, but mostly, it thrilled her to know that he wished to read her story.
“You were not my husband this morning,” she pointed out.
“No. I was your betrothed.”
“Perhaps. But you did not beg as Sophia did.”
“I didn’t think I would have to beg.”
“But you must,” said Prudence. “How else am I to know you would like to read it? Sophia made her wishes quite plain, whereas you did not.”
He shook his head, turning his attention to the window, and muttered, “Incredible.”
Prudence might have felt another prickling of guilt if she hadn’t been so delighted by his reaction. He was adorable when he appeared put out. She leaned into him, running her fingers between his neck and neckcloth, a touch she knew he could not resist.
“Did you really expect me to hand over my story on our wedding day?” she asked. “What would you have done with it, I wonder? Taken it with us on our wedding trip? Surely you must know I would never tolerate such a thing. For the next fortnight, you are to be mine and mine alone.”
That seemed to placate him, for he chuckled and pulled her onto his lap. “Very well. I will forgive you this once. But from this point forward, you must promise that you will give any and all future stories to your husband first and your sister second.”
“Agreed.” She pressed a kiss to his lips, showing him precisely how much she liked his proposal. He was not a man who craved the written word as she did. On the few occasions they’d retreated to the library to read together, he preferred books on science or farming or medicine. He had never once reached for a novel.
But here he was, showing he loved her enough to read her silly stories of love, friendship, and romance. What’s more, he wanted to read them first. She kissed him again for good measure.
The coach slowed to a stop, and Radbourne Abbey appeared in the window. Prudence sighed in protest, wanting to go on kissing her husband and keeping him all to herself.
“Shall we go in?” Brand asked softly.
“In truth, I’d rather not. But I know we must.” She slid off his lap and attempted to repin the escaped strands of her hair. “How do I look?”
“As though you’ve been ravished.” He grinned, attempting to help with the pins. His large hands were probably making it worse, so she pushed them aside as the door to the coach opened.
“One moment,” she called to the coachman, tucking in the last few strands. “Is that better?” she asked Brand.
“Now you look ravishing. If we do not leave the coach this instant, I will not be responsible for my actions.”
She grabbed him by the lapels and said, “You, my lord, are a wretch.”
“Yes, but I am your wretch.”
“Indeed you are.” She smiled and kissed him one last time before he assisted her from the coach. As they walked slowly up the stairs, Brand leaned in close and lowered his voice. “How would you feel if I were to introduce Nathan and Phillip to Abby and Sophia before we depart.”
She slowed her steps and raised an inquiring brow. “Your old school chums?”
He nodded. “Nathan is an incorrigible flirt and Phillip a little too passionate about politics, but they have been good friends to me and will remain at Radbourne for at least a week. They will also be in London for the season.”
Prudence turned to face him, smiling coyly. “Are you attempting to play matchmaker, my lord?”
“I would never presume to take on such a role. But I do have many friends, and I plan to introduce Sophia to the lot of them during our stay in London. She may choose whom she wishes. I only desire to give her ample opportunities to find someone who will make her as happy as you have made me. If Abby should find a suitable match as well, so much the better.”
Prudence could have hugged him for his answer. Up until now, she had thought she and her mother would be alone in their quest to find Sophia a worthy husband. But as she peered into the determined expression of her husband, she knew better. He was not just her husband. He was her hero—her friend, her helpmeet, her companion, and her confidant. He was someone who would read her scribblings, make sure her parents did not fall into financial ruin, and see to it that her sister married well. He would love and cherish her as he had only just vowed to do because he was the sort of man who kept his promises.
Prudence loved that about him. She loved a great many things about him. But mostly she loved that he would be hers and hers alone. Always.
DEAR READER,
Thanks so much for reading! I hope this story gave you a break from the daily grind and rejuvenated you in some way. This is the start of a new regency series (Serendipity) with two more books coming, so if you’d like to be notified when Abby and Sophia’s stories are available, you can sign up for my New Release Newsletter on my website at RachaelReneeAnderson.com or follow me on Amazon.
If you can spare a few minutes, I’d be incredibly grateful for a review from you on Goodreads or Amazon. Even though I can’t thank you personally, I am always so thankful whenever readers take a few minutes to review a book.
May your days be filled with beauty and happiness!
Rachael
Coming next in the Serendipity Series…
My Brother’s Bride
The Solicitor’s Son
OTHER BOOKS BY RACHAEL ANDERSON
Regency Novels
The Fall of Lord Drayson (Tanglewood 1)
The Rise of Miss Notley (Tanglewood 2)
The Pursuit of Lady Harriett (Tanglewood 3)
Contemporary Novels
Prejudice Meets Pride (Meet Your Match 1)
Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined (Meet Your Match 2)
Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity (Meet Your Match 3)
Not Always Happenstance (Power of the Matchmaker)
The Reluctant Bachelorette
Working it Out
Minor Adjustments
Luck of the Draw
Divinely Designed
Novellas
Righting a Wrong
Twist of Fate
The Meltdown Match
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Where do I begin?
A huge thank you to my mother, Linda Marks, and my sister, Letha Wendel, for brainstorming with me, listening to my ramblings, and helping me to plot out my stories. You have both been a huge blessing in all aspects of my life.
My friend and walking buddy, Alison Blackburn, thank you for talking books with me and for being an awesome beta reader. Your perspective has been invaluable, and your insights made this story so much better.
Andrea Pearson, so grateful for you! Thank you for always exchanging manuscripts with me, for picking up or pointing out things I missed or didn’t think about, and for always giving me such great critiques. You’re the best!
Karey White, bless you for only being a phone call or text message away, for helping me come up with this series title, and for sharing your brilliant editing skills with me. I don’t even want to contemplate what I’d do without you.
Kathy Habel, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your friendship and willingness to help me with everything from beta reading to marketing to so many other random things. You are always on top of eve
rything, and I feel incredibly blessed to know you.
Helen Taylor, actress and narrator extraordinaire, thank you for bringing this book to life in a way no one else could. You are amazing.
My husband, Jeff, a hundred million thanks for being the husband, father, supporter, confidant, and friend that you are. You are my hero, and I love you.
Lastly, I must my Heavenly Father, for challenging, inspiring, and blessing me.
ABOUT RACHAEL ANDERSON
RACHAEL ANDERSON is a USA Today bestselling author and mother of four crazy but awesome kids. Over the years she’s gotten pretty good at breaking up fights or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies, but she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating. You can read more about her and her books online at RachaelReneeAnderson.com.