Free The Baron's New Wife: Regency Romance by Emily J. Rose Page A

engagement announcement.
     
    “Your parents have been very generous in letting me stay with you this long. You have not needed a governess for a long time, as well you know. Now what sort of bride still needs an old maid like me lurking in the background?”
     
    Anna stood and took Miss Wayfair’s hand. “I do. I still need you.” Anna’s voice broke slightly as the emotion started to take over.
     
    Miss Wayfair lifted Anna’s chin up, “Come, come. You are a fine young lady now with a whole new life ahead of you. Your guests are waiting, we can’t delay this any further.”
     
    Anna knew her governess was right and if she didn’t hurry her mother would soon be pounding at the door in a less understandable manner. She took in a few deep breaths and calmed herself. “Very well, let us brave our last evening hand in hand.”
     
    The two ladies left the room and made their way down to the dining room where they were greeted by several guests. Anna’s parents stood in the center of the room talking with Baron Hester but Anna could feel the heat from her mother’s glare for entering the gathering late. She made her way over and braced herself for any sharp comment her mother would certainly make.
     
    “Thank you for joining us darling.” Her mother smiled and then placed a hand on the curve of Anna’s back and pushed her closer toward the Baron.
     
    “Mother. I apologize for my tardiness, I lost track of the time.”
     
    “Well you are here now and such a beautiful sight to behold, don’t you agree Baron?”
     
    Baron Hester had small beady black eyes which scanned Anna up and down. She felt violated, as if she were standing in the room with nothing but her nightgown on. Anna herself looked at the Baron, as this was the first time she had met him and she had only the reports her mother had provided of his appearance. He wasn’t tall but neither was he short. He wasn’t particularly overweight and neither was he too slim; overall he was average. His muddy brown hair framed his face which again lacked any outstanding feature. Anna started to realize that Baron Hester was getting the better part of the deal as Anna was regarded as a ‘fine beauty’ in most circles.
     
    “Yes, your daughter is most pleasant to behold.” The words flowed from the Baron’s lips as easy as if he had asked about the weather. He showed no actual interest in Anna and quickly returned to his conversation with her father, Lord Kemp. She stood there bemused wondering what she was to do now that she had met and been examined by her future husband.
     
    Anna perused the room looking for any allies that might help her escape her awkwardness but she could only see friends of her parents. Miss Wayfair had quickly left the gathering the moment Anna entered the room knowing that a governess would not be wanted on such an occasion.
     
    “Looking for your dear Miss Wayfair?” Anna’s mother leaned in and whispered.
     
    Anna put on her poker face, quick to hide any emotional reaction from her mother. “No mother, just taking in all our fine guests.”
     
    Lady Kemp smirked not convinced by her daughter’s answer. “Don’t worry, I’m sure she is right now in a carriage and on her way to whatever hovel it was that she came from.” Anna couldn’t help and gasp slightly at her mother’s hateful comment towards the woman who had practically raised her. “Her duty is finished. You are my daughter don’t forget and it’s time you fore filled your own duties.” At this Lady Kemp walked away leaving Anna stunned. She had never had a close relationship with her mother and knew that Miss Wayfair had been kept on purely as a kindness from her father but she had no idea her mother’s disdain ran so deep.
     
    A champagne glass clinked and then Anna heard her father’s voice. “We are so delighted to have you all hear this evening as we announce our daughter’s engagement to …” His voice faded from Anna’s ears as she