Aimée blinked in surprise. The sight of Septimus in a cold fury would have made many women swoon. And Lord Matthison had such a terrible reputation that people trembled when his shadow fell on them. Yet this Cora had made them both mind their manners. She had a sudden vision of this tiny woman, quelling the rage of two such men as Lord Matthison and her Septimus, and felt a rising urge to giggle.
‘I think I shall like her.’
‘Well, I very much hope so, because I seem to have invited the pair of them to come and stay with us when we open up Bowdon House,’ he admitted, colouring up.
‘You have done what?’ She had agreed, after much persuasion from both her husband and grandfather, to go to London and enter society. The Earl of Caxton had sworn that his other granddaughter would help to smooth her path. And even though she still felt nervous about meeting Lady Jayne, who sounded so very polished and self-assured, in the end, a mixture of curiosity about her cousin, and her ingrained pride had made her agree. But now he expected her to entertain guests as well!
‘We got to talking, you see, about the money. After he refused to tempt fate by taking it back, I swore I would not risk offending my own wife by keeping hold of it. It was Cora who suggested we find some worthy cause, and donate it to that. So naturally I thought of my plans to open up homes for ex-mariners. And she was so interested, so enthusiastic, that before I knew it I was inviting her to stay with us.’
‘She sounds like a remarkable woman,’ said Aimée, much impressed.
‘Yes, that is just what I thought,’ said Septimus with relief. ‘She has something of your spirit. She openly admitted she has spent the last seven years working as a seamstress, quite unaware of her true identity. And with you having lived the same sort of hand-to-mouth existence, she seemed to think you would both become friends—’
He broke off suddenly, as she stiffened in his arms, aware that she could only have heard about Aimée’s background from him.
‘And you know, my darling,’ he said cajolingly, nuzzling her neck, ‘you will find London society a sight easier to deal with if you have a friend at your side. It struck me that you will not have many friends, just at first. And nor will she.’
She promptly forgave him. He was doing his best to deal with all her worries the best way he could. And, to be honest, it would be good to have a friend who would completely understand the feelings of inadequacy that Were bound to assail her as she entered her new sphere of life.
Besides, Cora would also be finding her own way in a society that would look askance at any girl who had previously worked for her living.
And she had shown wisdom in suggesting they put the disputed money to a good use. She sounded like a person who was determined to use her influence to benefit others. A kindred spirit indeed.
‘In a way,’ Aimée admitted, ‘I owe my happiness to her husband. If Lord Matthison had not sent me that money, I would never have taken fright and run away. But because I did, I now have the best husband in the world, as well as a new family, and, oh, everything I could ever want. The least I can do is stand friend to his wife.’
Septimus heaved a sigh of relief. ‘Best husband in the world, hmm?’
‘Without a doubt,’ she declared. And kissed him.
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II BV/S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
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First published in Great Britain 2011
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of Harlequin (UK) Limited,
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
© Annie Burrows 2011
ISBN: 978-1-408-92325-2
Table of Contents
Cover
Author Note
About the Author
Title Page
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Epilogue
Copyright
Captain Corcoran's Hoyden Bride Page 24