Free The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander Page A

once.”
    Delilah braced herself. No one knew her better than Teddy and if anyone could discern
     the truth it would be her oldest and dearest friend. “Realized what?”
    “My dear friend, I do apologize. I should have seen it sooner. It’s obvious to me
     now why you’re not being at all your usual self.”
    “Is it?” Delilah held her breath.
    “You may be able to fool your sister, but then she doesn’t know you as well as I do.
     And you’ve never been able to fool me.”
    “No, I suppose I haven’t.” Delilah sighed in surrender. She had never kept anything
     quite this significant from her friend before and Teddy had always seen right through
     her. “It’s just so, well, awkward and embarrassing.”
    “Nonsense,” Teddy said staunchly. “It’s not your fault and you have nothing to feel
     awkward or embarrassed about.”
    “I don’t?” Still, one might think it was at least partially her fault. The man hadn’t
     forced himself on her after all. She had been a more than willing participant. Eager
     really.
    “Of course not.” Teddy laid her hand on Delilah’s arm. “It’s this business about the
     claim to Phillip’s estates, isn’t it? You’re much more concerned than you’re letting
     on, aren’t you?”
    Relief swept through Delilah. What a perfect excuse for her behavior. She should have
     thought of it herself. “Well, yes. I am worried.”
    “I know better than most how financial difficulties can make anyone a bit surly.”
     Sympathy shone in Teddy’s eyes. “You’ve been keeping it to yourself, and while I can
     understand that, it is always better to share your concerns.”
    “Perhaps,” Delilah said in a weak voice.
    “There is no perhaps about it. While there is nothing we can do to help, we can at
     the very least offer you our unflinching support and affection. And you do have that,
     you know. Besides, the load always seems a bit lighter when shared.”
    “Indeed it does.” Delilah cast her friend a grateful smile.
    “With all you have on your mind, it stands to reason that you might be a bit less
     than gracious.”
    “It does, doesn’t it?” And really, when she thought about it, the feeling of doom
     in the pit of her stomach did seem much heavier now with Samuel’s arrival.
    “Still, I know it’s hard, but you mustn’t take it out on others. Sam is Grayson’s
     good friend and the poor man has done nothing to deserve your being less than pleasant
     to him.”
    “You’re right, of course. I was dreadful, simply dreadful.” Delilah rubbed her forehead.
     “All that talk about my not remembering him, and, well . . . My head is pounding .
     . .” She sighed in a helpless manner. “I will apologize to him at the first opportunity.”
    Which wasn’t a bad idea. She could apologize and then ask him to keep his mouth shut.
     And point out to him how it would be best if they avoided one another as much as possible.
     And perhaps suggest that he might want to spend the time before the wedding traveling
     England as it would be a pity to miss this opportunity.
    “Excellent.” Teddy paused. “You are certain you didn’t meet him in New York?”
    “Come now, Teddy.” Delilah scoffed. “I don’t doubt he was most memorable as a pirate.
     Can you imagine anyone would forget meeting him?”
    “I know I never will.” Teddy smiled in a wicked manner. “He’s quite handsome and I
     found him most amusing.”
    “If you like that sort.” She shrugged.
    “Apparently, you’re the only one who doesn’t.” Teddy thought for a moment. “You know,
     aside from the fact that apologizing is the proper thing to do, I suspect he has any
     number of resources, in addition to his London solicitors, that might be of assistance
     to you. He could prove to be a valuable friend.”
    “I hadn’t thought of that but you’re absolutely right.” Delilah cast her friend a
     brilliant smile that belied a momentary stab of guilt. She’d rather lose everything
     she