Miss George's Second Chance (14 page)

BOOK: Miss George's Second Chance

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“Oh no, that’s what
my
lady has to believe. Lady Watson. I’ve always liked the sound of that, you know.”

Imogen rubbed her cheek against his chest, discovered the sensations tickled and then stilled. “I suppose I should confess I like it, too.”

His grip tightened around her body. “Good. I don’t care what happens next, Imogen, as long as you love me and will be my wife. Preferably by the end of the month. I don’t think I can count on your brother making himself scarce like he did this afternoon too often before we are married.”

She would have to find a way to thank Walter for his support, but not tonight. After an eventful day, Imogen was growing very sleepy. She pulled the sheet over her shoulders with Peter’s help. “He’s very kind. I don’t know what I’d have done without him.”

Peter pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek. “Well, you have mine now too for all the days of my life. Rest now. I’ll be here when you wake again.”

Imogen covered her mouth as she yawned. She snuggled against Peter, her mind at once sleepy and excited for the future. A future she’d never though to have. She’d underestimated Peter in every way possible. Tomorrow, if she could see, she’d pen a new story in secret, one written just for him.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Peter whistled tunelessly as he descended the stairs of Walter George’s house. For the first time ever, he felt completely proud of himself. Imogen would be his wife and although he had anticipated their wedding night, he felt utterly justified in being so bad.

There was a chance that Imogen would not see again and he’d not wanted to deprive her of what she’d wanted. That her desires ran in the same direction as his only made the night before so much sweeter.

He stepped into the dinning room and then reared back as a blow connected with his stomach. He gasped for air and struggled to look for his assailant.

Walter George stood before him, a satisfied expression on his face. George glanced at their friends. “Was that sufficient brotherly outrage do you think?”

Merton dragged him upright, ignoring his groan of pain. “He does appear winded and your sister’s honor has been satisfied. That should be more than enough for the tattletales.”

“I believe it will be, too.” Radley’s jaw clenched and then he hurried out.

Peter rubbed the ache in his stomach. “What the hell are you doing? I promised I would marry her.”

George’s smile grew smug. “We never really dispensed with the rule that made sisters off limits for dalliance. How soon can you get a special license?”

Peter drew a sealed letter from his pocket. “I was about to arrange for this to be sent. I happened to meet the archbishop of Canterbury on several occasions this past year. Nice fellow. Said he’d be very happy to see me wed and get settled. I’m sure I can acquire a license very quickly without having to leave Imogen or Brighton.”

“Good.” George yelled for Perkins and his letter was taken away to be franked and posted. “I was just about to eat. Are you hungry?”

“Starved.” Peter winced as angry color rose in Walter’s cheeks. Perhaps that wasn’t the wisest choice of words after spending the night in Imogen’s bed. However, it was true. He’d missed several meals yesterday due to his concern for her. He followed Walter and Merton into the dining room, and sat where told.

Merton pulled out a chair to his right. “Can she still see this morning?”

“Yes.” The memory of her sleepy smile and warm expression caused his heart to thump wildly. “She had returned to sleep by the time I left her so it may be a few hours before she’s ready for visitors.”

Merton’s lips twisted into a smirk that he tried to hide. “I’ll let my cousin know. She was most anxious to visit and celebrate the good news of your renewed engagement.”

No one could be happier than himself. “I’m very glad to hear Miss Long will support our happy news. What does your sister say?”

Merton’s lips pressed together tightly and his gaze darted around the room before he met Peter’s. “Best not to say. I’m thinking she should take a trip up to the Lakes district. Mother and Father will be glad to have her home and we have relatives there she hasn’t seen in a good long while.”

Relatives, but no mention of friends. It would not surprise Peter to know the harpy had none. “Will your cousin go as well?”

Miss Long lived in her cousin’s shadow. It would be a shame to have her sent away too. “I think not. Teresa gives me far less trouble than my own sister. She’s of a practical, but sentimental, heart and doesn’t care to gossip about friends.” Valentine shrugged. “Besides, the air here by the sea is better for her health than at the Lakes. It would be cruel to disturb her.”

Peter glanced down at his hands. What a bind to be in. He didn’t envy Valentine that discussion with Melanie. The girl had a tongue of acid and could speak cruelly of others without a second thought. She would not take kindly to expulsion from Brighton. If Walter hadn’t forgiven her for remarks she’d made at Imogen’s expense then perhaps it would be better if she spent some time away. Disagreements between friends could end friendships if not resolved and it was worse when family became involved. Having already come close to losing Hawke as a friend, he well knew the damage problems would cause.

Once he and Imogen were married for a while, any gossip about impropriety before their marriage would have run its course and become meaningless. He smiled at the bright future unfolding before him. He felt lighter, more sure than he’d been in years. A home, love and companionship, and complete trust. K.D. Brahms could continue to write fascinating stories in the complete privacy of their home, and he would strive to be everything Imogen needed in a husband. If her sight failed again, they would accommodate the change together.

For when a man’s heart was involved, he had no option but to follow where it led when granted a second chance to be with the love of his life.

THE END

Thank you so much for reading Miss George’s Second Chance. I hope you enjoyed it! Please consider leaving a review—either positive or negative. Reviews help other readers find a book that’s right for them.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission.

For more information visit

www.heather-boyd.com

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