Free Frigid Waters (Ladies of Loomcroft) by J.E. Clymer Page B

always welcome in my study, father.”  George said slowly.  He looked at her for just a moment, with wonder.  “Is that for me, Bella?”
     
    Belladonna cleared her throat.  “We both missed our morning meal, so I thought we might do well to split this loaf of bread.”
     
    The Earl let out a disgusted sniff.  “She should be beaten, George.  Loomcroft allows his girls too much free reign, she needs to learn her place.”
     
    “Father, our conversation has been done for some time.  I expressed my wishes for you to leave my home yesterday.  Today, I am demanding it.  If you are not gone by sunset, you will be sleeping on the streets.”  George said with authority.
     
    Belladonna slowly made her way to her husband's side.  She slipped an arm around his back as the old man stood to leave.  The Earl looked at her again.  “George did not need you, Miss Loomcroft.  Carl does.  An annulment can easily be gotten so you can marry the right brother.”
     
    She swallowed hard.  “I am married to the right brother.”
     
    The Earl huffed and hobbled out of the study.  Before closing the door he met George's gaze.  “This is not over.”
     
    The door slammed behind him.  George pulled her into a passionate kiss that left them both gasping to breathe.  “Are you alright?”  Belladonna asked him.
     
    “I am now.”  He said before pushing her away.  “Don't stand so close, Bella.  I do not have the control I would like to have after dealing with him.”
     
    She walked around the desk and sat in a chair opposite him.  “Why does your father dislike our match so?”
     
    George slumped into his own chair.  “My father prefers to have control over his sons.  I have made my own way in the world, not bound to his purse strings and it upsets him.”
     
    She nodded.  He looked at her face for a few seconds before leaning forward.  “Bella, you are doing it again.”
     
    “What?” She almost squeaked, but it came out a flat and even tone.
     
    “Acting like you don't have feelings.  What do you really think?”
     
    Her eyebrows rose in a moment of surprise.  She couldn't help but bite her lip.  “I wonder how such a decent man such as yourself emerged from that lot.  I do not want to be around them, George.  I am sorry, but I would rather manage my father's nursery during an outbreak of the coughs.”
     
    George chuckled.  “Well, at least we are of a similar opinion.  Both of our families are in London, but would it please you to make this our full time home?”
     
    Belladonna smiled.  “I think it would be lovely.  I am particularly fond of the beach.”
     
    George could feel she was leaving something out.  “...and...”
     
    She blushed, turning her cheeks the color of roses and her exposed chest a lovely pink.  “If we live in London Cara would expect help with the children.  I will not lie; it has been grand not worrying over any children for a few days.”
     
    “We do still have to go back to tell your father you have married.  That said, most of my work can be done from here.  We should only have to visit London a few times a year.”  He pulled off a piece of the bread and chewed on it. 
     
    “Is there anything I can do?”  Belladonna asked.  “I daresay doing naught but reading the day away will not do.”
     
    George nodded.  “The house has been in need of some order for some time.  Would you feel capable of taking charge of it?  I can still do the ledgers if you want, or you can, whatever pleases you.”
     
    She watched him as his attention drifted back to the papers on his desk.  She pulled herself off a piece a bread and ate it as he became engrossed in his work.  “You truly have work to do, do you not?”
     
    “Yes, my dear, I do.”  He said absently.
     
    She pushed herself up out of the chair and walked towards the door.  She stopped and looked back with her hand on the door frame.  “Will we be leaving for London soon,