Free The Convenient Bride by Teresa McCarthy

become part of an eccentric group that wanted
complete change.
    Oh,
Clayton knew there were some things that needed to be changed in England, but
Kingsdale had been over the top. He was a liar bent on always having things his
way, not only in government but with the women he encountered.
    Like a
spider, he lured females into his web, and once they were in his clutches he
struck with a vengeance.
    A muscle
ticked in Clayton's jaw as he recalled watching the man spin his plans at
Vauxhall Gardens so many years ago. It was evening, down a secluded path, and
Kingsdale thought he was alone with the lady. But he had not been alone.
Clayton had intervened, rescuing an innocent maiden from Kingsdale's hands,
making the man furious. Afterward the two men had severed their friendship.
Their childhood memories were no longer a reason to forgive and forget.
    "Yes,
I remember," he said to his sister, inverting his frown. Emily knew
Kingsdale enjoyed the study of Egyptian artifacts, but Clayton suspected she
didn't know the man's heart was as hard as that of the pharaoh from the story
of Moses. In truth, Clayton was glad to no longer have contact with the man.
    "We
had good enough sense to keep our breeches on, but when I caught up to you, you
were sitting innocently next to Father, telling him what a wonderful day you'd
had."
    "Yes,
and Briana was embroidering near the fire. We could hardly contain our
laughter."
    "I
imagine it was your idea," Clayton said, raising a speculative brow.
    "No,
it just happened. We saw a lady walking along the road with her maid and
thought it would be hilarious to leave you and Lord Kingsdale without proper
attire. Briana wanted nothing to do with it. But after Clarice bit you, the
game was on."
    "I
admit, it was amusing. But only years later, mind you. Kingsdale was
furious."
    Clayton
did not want to think what the man would have done if he had been alone with
the girls. It had taken Clayton years to uncover Kingsdale's unpleasant side.
    "It
was silly of us girls, but poor Briana didn't swim. We were going to wade in
the lake when we found you boys. You never had a chance. And since you had
ruined our plans ..."
    Clayton
frowned. "Clarice was what?"
    "She
was twelve then. We were about fifteen. You know, I think she was only
seventeen when she died."
    "She
was a silly little chit, but pretty as a princess."
    "But
she's dead. And poor Briana still feels the pain. I suppose it was like that
for me when Papa died."
    Clayton
strolled about the room, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "Yes,
well, I suppose it was." He paused. "You know I care about you, Em,
and I do care about the feelings of others, even Miss Garland's. However,
sometimes one must be practical. You must know why I made this appointment to
see you."
    Emily's
brows dipped. "Don't say it."
    Clayton
glanced over his shoulder. "What?"
    "Don't
ask me to help you find a bride."
    "Em,
I'm in dire straits here. You're my devoted sister. If not you, then who?"
    Emily
tilted her head. "You know, I always wondered what happened between you
and Lady Serena."
    "She
married a colonel," he stated in a cool tone.
    "Yes,
well, I know that. Everybody knows that."
    "His
rank was higher than mine," he bit out "Anything else?"
    "She
was a fool."
    "Love
is for fools."
    Emily
stiffened.
    He shook
his head. This deuced will was making him insane. "I'm sorry. I didn't
mean that. You and Jared have a wonderful marriage. It just isn't for me."
    "I
know what you mean. You want a biddable wife? A woman who will stay in the
country while you enjoy the entertainment in Town. You don't want to involve
your heart in any way, matter, or form. Tell me I'm wrong."
    "Oh,
for the love of the king, I'm not asking for much. It would be a marriage of
convenience, but I certainly don't want my bride to throw me into debtor's
prison after a year of marriage. A husband is responsible for his wife's
actions, you know."
    She put
a hand on her hip. "So you want someone with some brains,