Free The Earl's Stolen Bride (Marriage by Deceit Book 4) by Ruth Ann Nordin

worry you might have taken Lord Reddington as a lover while Lord Hawkins was alive.  And if they don’t assume that, they’ll undoubtedly talk about your marriage.  You’re still in mourning, and you’re a lady.  They will say you should have waited the full year to honor Lord Hawkins’ memory.” She reached for Chloe’s hand and patted it.  “I’m just wondering if it’s possible you and Lord Reddington might be willing to conceal your marriage for the time being?”
    No, there was no way Chloe could deny she’d married Orlando.  Ever.
    When Chloe opened her mouth to protest, her mother quickly added, “Only for the rest of the mourning period.  When it’s been a year after Lord Hawkins’ death, we can have banns read and a wedding.  Then you can be with him openly.  In the meantime, you can be with him.  Just be discreet about it.  Many ladies are allowed the freedom to be with a gentleman as long as they’re discreet.”
    Unable to think of a suitable argument, Chloe closed her mouth.
    “You don’t have to make a decision right now,” her mother said.  “Your father and I will go to the cottage and spend a couple days there.  Then we will return, and if you agree to this plan, you will return with us.  Lord Reddington can return to London on his own.  That way, no one will be the wiser.  Your father and I will tell people we went to comfort you, and you were able to gather enough strength to finish up the Season in London.  Dr. Harvey said he’d like to pay his respects if he can get a chance, and others are eager to console you as well.”
    Her mother rose to her feet.
    “Your father and I don’t want to get in the way of you and your husband,” her mother continued.  “You two are newly married and should enjoy your time together.  Your father and I are delighted you have a love match.  You have our blessing.  I just hope you consider protecting yourself from a scandal.”
    Her mother leaned forward and kissed the top of Chloe’s head.
    “I love you, dear,” her mother whispered then headed out of the room.

Chapter Eight
     
    Though Orlando had poured brandy into his glass, he couldn’t bring himself to drink any of it.  He tried to pay attention to what her father was saying, but his mind kept going to Chloe, who was in the drawing room with her mother.  One could only guess what her mother was telling her.  He should have probably stayed with her.  Even though she’d assured him it was all right, he didn’t feel at peace with it.  Something was wrong.  He just knew it.
    “You play chess?”
    Dragging his gaze off the doorway, Orlando looked at her father.  “From time to time,” Orlando replied.
    The older gentleman sipped the last of his brandy then set the glass down.  “Are you any good?”
    “I do well enough, I suppose.”
    “Want to play?”
    Her father offered a smile, but Orlando sensed he was only being polite.  Shifting in his chair, Orlando shook his head.  “I’d rather not, if it’s all right with you.  I don’t care much for the game.  I have it because it was my grandfather’s.”
    “He was a lover of the game then?”
    “Yes.  I think he played a game every day.”
    And on some of those days, he had to coax his wife or one of his children or grandchildren into playing the game, but Orlando saw no reason to share this information with him.  He probably wouldn’t care anyway.  He was only here to pass the time until Chloe’s mother was finished talking to Chloe.
    “I’m not much of a chess player either,” her father said, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands in front of his stomach.  “I prefer to go fox hunting.  I only recently discovered it.”
    Though Orlando couldn’t care less, he figured the gentleman expected a response, so he asked, “Is that so?”
    “Yes.  Lord Hawkins introduced me to it.  I’ve been an avid hunter ever since.”
    Orlando wasn’t sure if her father slipped Lord Hawkins’