Free Napoleon's Woman by Samantha Saxon Page B

gentleman, just as Sarah had ordered, and was admitted into the drawing room with the other guests. He nodded a greeting to Christian St. John who stood on the opposite side of the room with cousins Lady Pervill and Lady Appleton, then gave his sister an armful of roses as he kissed her dutifully on the cheek.
    "Well, when is my future bride arriving, and by the way, who is she," he teased, glancing down at her as her lips pinched with annoyance.
    Her green eyes were mere slits when she glared at her husband who stood blissfully unaware of her ire as he poured himself a sherry from an exquisite crystal decanter.
    "I am going to throttle Gilbert."
    "Only right the duke should warn me of your deceitful intentions." Aidan grinned, revealing his dimples. Sarah smiled as well and then turned to face him, making him exceedingly uncomfortable.
    "It will just be the six of us for dinner, Aidan."
    His brows furrowed as his head whipped around to view the two cousins conversing with Christian St. John and the Duke of Glenbroke.
    "You’re not serious?"
    "Deadly."
    "Which one have you claimed as my bride?"
    Sarah’s laughter rang out, causing the others to turn toward the siblings. "Come now, Aidan, you could no more handle Juliet than catch a fly."
    "So Felicity is more manageable ?" he asked with irritation.
    "Think of it as compatible. Felicity is a stunning, charming, intelligent lady and would make you a splendid wife. I have thought you perfect for one another for quite some time."
    Aidan was reeling. "Have you spoken to her about the possibility?"
    "Of course not, what sort of sister do you take me for? Besides," she grinned. "Felicity would be mortified and would most probably not speak to me for a month. Juliet and I thought it best to just let you handle the matter."
    "Juliet!" he hissed through clenched teeth.
    "She approached the subject several weeks ago. I think she is concerned about Felicity nearing her twenty-second year with no husband in sight."
    Aidan chuckled. "Come now, it is not as though Lady Appleton is a wall flower. The girl has refused six offers for her hand already."
    "Seven." Sarah sighed. "I know. She says she is not in love with her suitors, but I was certain she would accept Lord Summers. The man is an absolute pleasure to look at."
    "Sarah." The word held his disapproval.
    "Therefore, brother dear, if appearance is not a primary concern for Felicity, you might just have a chance," she said, adding an impish grin.
    Aidan rolled his eyes at his sister just as dinner was announced.
    The Duke of Glenbroke escorted his irritating wife. Lady Pervill wrapped her arm firmly around Christian’s, which, very cleverly, left him to offer his to the elegant Lady Appleton.
    He hated to admit when his sister was correct, but he had considered Lady Appleton before he left for the peninsula. She was exceedingly beautiful and by far the most gentle creature he had ever had the pleasure of meeting. Any man would be lucky to take her for wife.
    Dinner was excellent, and his observation of Lady Appleton distracting enough that Aidan very nearly forgot why he had come. Then the ladies were excusing themselves, leaving the three men to their port.
    Glenbroke turned to him the moment the doors had closed, asking, "So, what do you think of your bride?"
    Aidan grinned with amusement and Christian’s fair brows furrowed. "What bride?"
    The duke’s silvery eyes met the Nordic blue of the befuddled Lord St. John. "It would seem my wife has decided that Aidan should offer for Lady Appleton."
    Christian’s face registered shock. "Lady Appleton? You jest?"
    Aidan was mildly insulted. "And what, pray tell, Christian, is so amusing about my paying court to Lady Appleton."
    Lord St. John looked from the duke to Aidan and back to the duke then he rushed headlong into the hole he had dung for himself, "Well…well, nothing, old boy, I just never imagined…you and Lady Appleton?"
    The duke roared with laughter and Aidan’s scowled,