The Marriage Lesson PDF
Preview The Marriage Lesson
This book is dedicated with great affection to Meg Ruley, who lets me find my own way through the dark forest but always makes sure I come out alive. Contents CHAPTER 1 “Blast it all, I’m a marquess, not a bloody … CHAPTER 2 “The neckline should be lowered a bit.” CHAPTER 3 Thomas strode to the baluster overlooking … CHAPTER 4 “It is exceedingly kind of you to take … CHAPTER 5 “Are you quite all right?” CHAPTER 6 “Good day,” Marianne called … CHAPTER 7 The evening was as perfect … CHAPTER 8 “I daresay, my lord, there are many people … CHAPTER 9 Marianne quietly opened the library … CHAPTER 10 Lady Cutshall’s rout was much … CHAPTER 11 Thomas peered cautiously around … CHAPTER 12 Marianne had never imagined such … CHAPTER 13 “I’ve asked you to meet privately … CHAPTER 14 “There’s a lord to see you.” CHAPTER 15 If Effington House in London … CHAPTER 16 “Grand day for the Ride, eh, Helmsley?” CHAPTER 17 Marianne plucked the note from … CHAPTER 18 The dowager’s ball was indeed as grand as … CHAPTER 19 Cadwallender was his last resort. CHAPTER 20 “What?” Shock swept through her … CHAPTER 21 “I think it went well.” CHAPTER 22 “What are you doing?” CHAPTER 23 It seemed as though Marianne … ABOUT THE AUTHOR OTHER AVON ROMANTIC TREASURES BY VICTORIA ALEXANDER COVER COPYRIGHT ABOUT THE PUBLISHER Chapter 1 nm Spring 1819 “B last it all, I’m a marquess, not a bloody gov- erness.” Thomas Effington, the Marquess of Helmsley and future Duke of Roxborough, drained the glass of brandy he held in his hand and promptly poured another. Randall, Viscount Beaumont, studied him over the rim of his own glass. “You’ve mentioned that already this evening. Several times, in fact.” “It bears repeating.” Thomas sank into a wing chair identical to the one his friend occupied. Both were an- gled toward the massive oak desk that had well served the previous eight Dukes of Roxborough. For a moment he considered suggesting they move to the sofa facing the fireplace at the far end of the long Eff- ington House library. In spite of the fine spring day, the evening was cool and the warmth of the fire would be welcome. Still, these chairs were closer to the cabinet that housed his father’s supply of spirits and their prox- imity was more important than mere creature comfort. 1 2 VICTORIAALEXANDER Thomas drew a long, appreciative swallow. There was a great deal of warmth to be had right here. “I ask you, Rand, how can my family possibly expect me to find a bride—their idea, mind you, not mine—if I’m also expected to play nursemaid?” “I’d scarce call it playing nursemaid. Or perhaps I’ve misunderstood.” Rand glanced wryly at his drink. “It’s entirely possible I’ve overlooked some of the finer details of your dilemma.” “It’s quite simple.” Thomas heaved a heartfelt sigh and launched into a recitation he thought he’d already given at least once tonight, although at the moment he was not entirely certain. “Last year my sister, Gillian, married Richard, the Earl of Shelbrooke. You know him, don’t you?” “I know ofhim.” “He promised his three youngest sisters—they’ve been raised in the country—a season in London, with all the stuff and nonsense such a thing entails to women. My mother—” “Ah, yes, the Duchess of Roxborough,” Rand said, “and a woman not to be trifled with, if rumor serves.” “None of the Effington women are to be trifled with. From my grandmother to my youngest cousins, they are stubborn and opinionated to the last.” Thomas glared at his glass. “My mother had planned to take Richard’s sisters under her wing personally and had gone so far as to arrange for a come-out ball for them. It seems my sister was something of a disappointment to her when she married her first husband after only one season. It was all my mother could do to keep from drooling at the very thought of steering not one but three young women through the rigors of a first
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