The Reluctant Bride by Beverley Eikli Page B

expecting.
    Her simple white muslin gown moulded her shapely body, which she moved with an obvious understanding of the allure she must hold for most men.
    â€˜A pleasure to meet you, Monsieur McCartney,’ she murmured as she curtsied before advancing towards him with the languid grace of a young woman confident of her powers of attraction.
    â€˜I see it was not a good crossing,’ she added, raising one eyebrow in amusement as her eyes met his.
    She was exquisite but he forced aside the admiration, imagining her instead sizing him up like a well-fed cat sized up its prey; wishing he didn’t care that she’d found him wanting after the rigours of his journey.
    â€˜I shall have the kitchen prepare something soothing.’
    In only a glance she’d accurately summed up the reasons for Angus’s obviously pallid looks. Now she took his arm and led him to a chair while her father set about procuring them both a glass of Madeira. ‘Poor Major McCartney,’ she crooned, ‘We shall do what we can to make you feel better.’
    Angus was uncomfortably aware of his vulnerability. Mademoiselle Delon exuded an incredibly powerful magnetism.
    After arranging the cushions to facilitate his comfort, the young woman moved to the mantelpiece from where she regarded him with sharp interest as she draped one arm languidly along the marble. ‘Captain Noble, now he was a good traveller,
n’est ce pas
, Papa? We were saddened to hear of his death but are very happy such a brave man has replaced him. Our cause needs you, Major.’
    The perfect symmetry of her face reminded Angus of a Gallic Madonna with impish eyes. Now she no longer reminded him of Emily, though both were of similar height and build, each with a smile notable for their small, white pearly teeth.
    To his embarrassment he realised he was looking directly at Madeleine’s mouth, full and sensuous, the lips moist and slightly parted, and he shifted and swallowed, feeling the heat in his face as he realised she was studying him with equal interest.
    He forced his thoughts under control. Madeleine, the poised beauty with her raven tresses and confidence of her place in society and appeal to the masculine sex, was no match for Emily’s purity and modesty.
    He returned Madeleine’s smile with the courtesy required while his skin prickled with the knowledge that this was the Madeleine after whom Jack would have Emily name their child. What duplicitous swine would do such a thing?
    â€˜Though the crossing was bad, I hope you recovered while riding over our excellent roads, Monsieur.’ Mademoiselle Delon smoothed her glossy coiffure, smiling at Angus as her father handed him a drink.
    And although Angus replied appropriately, he could only wonder how much Madeleine knew about Jack Noble’s betrothed and whether she’d entered into the malicious fun of deceiving Emily.
    After refreshment had been taken, Monsieur Delon laced his hands across his neat, round, beautifully upholstered belly and gave a sigh of appreciation.
    â€˜You would, Major, probably care to rest for an hour or two before dinner. I’d hate Madeleine to weary you with her childish prattle.’
    Father and daughter nodded in familial accord, and Madeleine swayed against her father’s side as she focused her amusement upon their visitor.
    â€˜I would, sir,’ Angus said stiffly, his thoughts turning to how much Monsieur Delon knew about his daughter’s dealings with Jack Noble and whether the personal deceptions practised in this household compromised the operation.
    He forced a smile. ‘As you accurately surmised, Mademoiselle Delon, the crossing was diabolical but the carriage ride was not as bad.’
    â€˜Perhaps you’d like me to rub your neck with lavender balm,’ the young woman suggested. Her bright amber eyes raked him with undisguised appreciation. ‘Captain Noble found it helped ease the ill effects of