Page 33 of Brazen

Chapter Nine

Two hours later, Mia stared into the flickering fire in the hearth, the book on her lap forgotten. She had failed at seduction. Just when things were going so well. What had she done wrong? She’d asked herself that question a dozen times the last two hours, but she knew the answer. Aunt Leana had been wrong. Men didn’t fall at the feet of just any woman who threw themselves at them. True, she’d been noticed by men, until those men saw Angeline. Her chest tightened. Memory called forth the warmth of Lord Magnus’s fingers grasping hers, the strength of his arms as he’d carried her into the house as if she weighed no more than a feather.

To her shame, the need to cry arose. Of course, it was Angeline he wanted, not her. But why had he told her she was beautiful? Mia sighed. What woman understood the fickle heart of a man? She’d foolishly allowed herself to believe she might be able to capture his interest. Desperation gave a woman all sorts of silly ideas. If she’d been able to get him to seduce—and marry—her, he would have maintained Kaerndal Castle. Now, there was simply no hope. Unless, by some miracle, Angeline attracted a very wealthy husband. But very wealthy bachelors were not all that common. Thus far, the gentlemen she’d attracted had been respectable, but not well off enough to maintain Kaerndal Castle.

Angeline simply couldn’t marry George. She had to understand. She was young. Surely, she could grow to love a man who cared for her. Couldn’t she?

A frantic knock on the door jarred her from her thoughts.

“Mia,” came her aunt’s desperate whisper.

“Come in,” Mia said as she rose.

The door opened and Aunt Leana rushed into the room. She shook a sheet of paper in Mia’s face. “She’s gone. I cannot believe it.”

Mia frowned. “Gone? Who?” Then she knew.

Nae.

Mia took the note and read.

Dearest Aunt Leana and Mia,

I know you want the best for me, and I love you both for it. But I must marry George.

I hope you can forgive me. George procured a special license and by the time you read this note, we will be man and wife.

I know you worry, but please be happy for me.

I will send word once we are settled.

Love,

Angeline

Mia looked at Aunt Leana. “It cannot be. Have you any idea where they have gone?”

Her aunt shook her head. “Not the slightest idea.”

Mia sank onto the chair she’d occupied. This was all her fault. If she had paid more attention to Angeline and George, instead of allowing herself to be distracted by Lord Magnus, none of this would have happened.

Oh, Angeline. What have you done?

“It is still possible to save her?” Aunt Leana said.

Mia frowned. “How? They left together. No one will believe she is an innocent after running off with George.” She doubted Angeline would remain an innocent past tonight. She would ensure the marriage was permanent.

Aunt Leana shook her head. “Not that. Lord Magnus.”

Mia stiffened. “You have miscalculated, Aunt. It isn’t me he wants, but Angeline.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I saw the way he looked at you.”

“You saw what you wanted to see,” Mia said. “I tell you, it is Angeline he wants. Tonight, he couldn’t rid himself of me quickly enough. He handed me off to Lady Chastity and went his way.”

“But—”

Mia shook her head. “It is finished. We must sell the estate as we planned. Joshua will finish school and help Robert attend university. Perhaps there will be enough left after paying the creditors to settle a modest amount on Angeline.”