The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest by Mary Campisi Page A

that.”
    “Indeed.”
    “Once I return we’ll discuss the details of
the wedding and you’ll meet my family.”
    She stroked his cheek. “Will they like
me?”
    “It’s not them I’m worried about.”
    “You’re worried about me?”
    He avoided a direct answer. “My family is
different. I want to make certain you don’t cry off after you meet
them.”
    She hugged him. “You could tell me your
sister was a three-headed monster who ate dragons, and I would
still marry you.”
    His hold on her tightened. And what if
they were Langfords, would you still marry me then?

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 12
     
    A solitary figure crouched behind a cluster
of trees, eyes narrowed on the couple emerging from the cottage.
They had no idea they were being watched, which made the whole
affair so much more tantalizing.
    The man’s tanned fingers brushed a tumble of
auburn hair from the Seacrest woman’s neck. The woman laughed
softly when he leaned in close and placed a lingering kiss behind
her left ear.
    Damn the bitch! She would pay for
taking something that wasn’t hers.
    The figure backed away from the trees.
    Soon, the Seacrest chit would pay dearly for
her indiscretions.
    Very soon.
    ***
    Sophie stared at the ledgers spread out
before her. Business continued to decline and she could no longer
blame it all on the blasted Langfords for her father rarely spent
time with the business and when he did, his decisions were erratic
and driven by his current mood.
    With her thoughts in turmoil, Sophie did not
hear the library door open. She glanced up from the ledger to find
her aunt standing beside her, arms crossed over her flat chest, a
scowl pasted on her thin face. “Is it not passing strange that Mr.
Thurston left for London the very day after you announced your
betrothal?”
    Sophie feigned indifference. “He had urgent
business to attend to.” Had he not told her it was imperative he
travel to London and deal with said business posthaste?
    “A man as virile as he is must certainly have
at least one mistress. Have you considered that?”
    “No.” She would be enough for him. Wouldn’t
she?
    “Employ reason,” Aunt Vivian persisted. “Of
course he has a mistress, probably several if he’s as widely
traveled as he says. Don’t look at me as though I’ve told you some
horrific tale. I’m merely asking you to employ logic.”
    “You’re trying to destroy my happiness.”
    “I’m trying to protect you from your own
stupidity,” she corrected. “Men like him aren’t capable of love.
Remember, naiveté is worse than hemlock and twice as deadly.”
    ***
    “Now, you must promise not to say a word of
what I’m about to tell you,” Julia whispered.
    “Of course, I’ll not say a word,” Francie
Bishop whispered back. “Have I ever betrayed a confidence in the
seven months we’ve known one another?”
    “No, and I’m not doubting you now. It’s just
that if this information erupts prematurely, there could be grave
consequences.”
    “Do tell.” Francie leaned closer. “Is
someone’s life in jeopardy?”
    “No, nothing like that.” She gave Francie a
knowing look and said, “But someone’s heart is.”
    “Ahhhh, I see.”
    They sat in the Bishop’s drawing room,
sharing tea and cinnamon bread, the bread being one of Francie’s
latest concoctions. She was always concocting one thing or another,
matchmaking plans included.
    “ Well?”
    “Where’s your husband?”
    “Alexander? He had a business meeting.
Why?”
    “You know he doesn’t like me,” Julia said,
wanting to add the feeling was mutual.
    “Of course Alexander likes you.” Francie
paused. “At least I think he does. Perhaps I should ask him.”
    “Please don’t.”
    There was something intimidating about the
man, even more so than Holt. Perhaps it was the fact that he rarely
smiled and when he met a person, he studied them as though he were
conducting an investigation for the Crown. It was quite unsettling.
And she