Page 41 of Ravished

"I seriously doubt that love goes hand in hand with practicality very often," Felicity said dryly.

"I suppose you are right. Just look at the situation in which I find myself."

"What is wrong with your situation? If you ask me, it looks very pleasant, indeed. You are extremely fond of St. Justin. You cannot deny it. I have seen the expression in your eyes when you speak of him."

"I am fond enough of him," Harriet murmured, thinking thatfondwas far too bland a word for what she really felt for Gideon. "But there is no getting around the fact that he is offering marriage only because his honor requires it."

Felicity scowled. "For heaven's sake, Harriet. Of course he must marry you, although Mrs. Stone is still predicting he will not. You have been ravished, after all." She paused meaningfully. "You were, were you not? Not that the actual facts matter, according to Aunt Effie. Appearance is everything."

Harriet narrowed her eyes at her sister. "How on earth have you managed to grow up with such an unfortunate lack of delicacy, sister, dear?"

"I expect it has something to do with the fact that you are my sister and, until now, you have always been very straightforward about most everything. You have no social polish, as Aunt Effie is constantly reminding us."

Harriet nodded with grim resignation. "I knew that somehow it would be all my fault. Everything around here lately appears to have been my fault."

"Feeling sorry for ourself, are we?"

"Yes," Harriet muttered. "If you must know, I am feeling a bit sorry for myself."

"If I were you, my dear ruined sister, I would be thanking my lucky stars that the man who ravished me has offered marriage. Do you know what they are saying in the village?"

"No, and I doubt that I wish to know."

"Well, there is a great deal of talk about the capture of the thieves, of course, but people are far more interested in your situation."

Harriet groaned. "I can imagine."

"They are saying that history is repeating itself," Felicity confided with gleeful drama. "They are claiming that the Beast of Blackthorne Hall has ravished another young, innocent rector's daughter who will soon find herself cast aside."

Harriet frowned. "Do they know St. Justin and I are engaged?"

"Yes, of course. They simply do not believe he will go through with the marriage. They are convinced you will share poor Deirdre's fate."

"Fustian." Harriet picked up her quill again and went to work. "The one thing I can be sure of in this unfortunate situation is that I will be married. Not even the demons of hell could stop St. Justin from doing the honorable thing."

"Let us hope so. This is all going to be very awkward if he does not."

The sound of a horse's hooves out in the drive intervened before Harriet could respond. Felicity jumped to her feet and went to the window.

"St. Justin," Felicity announced. "Wheredoeshe purchase his horses? They are true monsters. I wonder what he wants this time? He looks very grim."

"That means nothing. He frequently appears grim."

Felicity swung around, eyeing her sister's appearance. "The least you could do is take off that dreadful apron and straighten your cap. Hurry, Harriet. You are going to be a viscountess soon. You must learn to dress accordingly."

"I do not think St. Justin notices how I dress." Nevertheless, Harriet obediently removed her apron and began to fuss with her hair.

Mrs. Stone's voice sounded loudly from the hall. "I'll tell Miss Pomeroy you've come calling, sir."

"Never mind. I am in a hurry. I shall tell her myself."

Harriet turned toward the study door just as it opened.

She smiled brilliantly. "Good morning, my lord. We were not expecting you."

"I am aware of that." Gideon did not return the smile. He was dressed in riding clothes and Felicity had been correct about his expression. He did look grim. Even more so than usual. "I am sorry about this, Harriet, but it was either come here myself without notice or send a messenger. I wanted to tell you personally."

Harriet eyed him in growing alarm. "What is it, my lord? Is something wrong?"

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