Free A Scarlet Bride by Sylvia McDaniel

once again been caught in a compromising position. She'd never forget how Reverend Donahue had found them with Connor's mouth upon the swells of her breast. Or how her Aunt Clara had had to bring her evening cape to cover her torn bodice.
    She sighed heavily. How could she have let such a disastrous event occur only weeks before Hester's Revenge would be published? When people realized that it was her story, why would they believe her if she had once again been found in a damaging position?
    It was bad enough that Gordon had gotten away with making her an object of scorn and ridicule, but letting it happen a second time made her the biggest fool of all.
    A knock on her bedroom door broke her reverie."Who is it?"
    "Your father. I'd like a word with you."
    She didn't need anyone else berating her for her foolishness. "Leave me alone. I don't want to see anyone."
    James Halsted opened the door.
    Alexandra turned her back on him. "One day my doors will have locks on them."
    He ignored her comment. "Connor just left."
    Alexandra spun around, glaring at her father. "What did that scoundrel want? To finish ruining me?"
    "Dramatics do not become you, daughter. He hardly dragged you out on that verandah."
    Walking over to the window, she sat with her back to her father. Why did the truth have to make her so blatantly guilty? "So, what did he want?"
    "He's asked for your hand in marriage," her father stated.
    She turned, hysterical laughter escaping from her lips. "The man has obviously lost his mind."
    Her father moved to sit across from her. "He wants to correct the terrible mistake you made last night."
    "Father, this man is less marriageable than Gordon and we both know how that turned out. He is a womanizer of the utmost degree."
    "Connor wants to marry you, Alexandra."
    "I don't care what he wants. I don't want to marry him. Tell him I politely decline."
    "Your reputation is in shreds. You're a divorced woman who has now been caught in an improper situation a second time. Unless you marry Connor, you will never be accepted by polite society."
    Alexandra stood and paced. "I don't give a fig about polite society. I'm not marrying this man or any other."
    "Daughter, you have no choice. I insist you marry him."
    Alexandra stopped her pacing and stared at her father. "You've wanted me married since I returned from England. You are not concerned with my happiness, only what this latest incident will do to your reputation and your need for a male heir."
    Her father's eyes grew wide and dark; his cheeks turned a brilliant pink and puffed out, giving him the appearance of a chipmunk. He stood and pulled his suit coat down over his burgeoning stomach. "I'm going to give you time to think over your response. When you are more composed, we'll discuss Connor's offer again."
    "The answer will still be no!"
    She watched as her dignified father crossed the room and slammed the door behind him. She sank to the bed behind her, holding back tears of despair. Why would Connor ask for her hand? Why would the womanizer suddenly want a wife?
    ***
    The knock on the door jolted Alexandra awake. After her father had left, she had cried herself to sleep. How could he be so cold and distant?
    She sat up and called, "Who is it?"
    "It's your uncle. Can I come in?"
    Alexandra opened the door. Uncle Sydney took two steps into the room and handed her a bundle of wildflowers. "I thought these might cheer you up."
    Taking the flowers from his hand, she threw her arms around his neck, giving him a hug. He always had the ability to make her smile. "Thank you."
    He patted her gently on the back. "I just want you to be happy again, girl. You know your aunt and I love you and think of you as our only child."
    "I know."
    "That young Manning is a nice enough chap, but if you don't want to marry him, don't let anyone talk you into it."
    Leaning back, she gazed up into her uncle's eyes and saw the man she'd always wanted her father to be. "Even if it means I would no longer