A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 2), Laura Beers [i read books TXT] 📗

as he removed his jacket and placed it next to him on the bench. “That is much better.”

“I am happy to hear that.”

Oliver gave her a flirtatious smile. “It is your turn now.”

“Pardon?”

Perusing her blue traveling gown, he said, “You are more than welcome to remove any articles of your clothing.”

Emmeline felt her cheeks grow increasingly warm as she chided, “That was most inappropriate for you to say.”

Oliver chuckled. “I was just teasing you.”

“You shouldn’t tease me in such a fashion.”

“No?” he asked. “How would you like me to tease you?”

Emmeline reached into her reticule and pulled out her fan. As she fanned her face, she replied, “There is no reason to tease me.”

“I disagree,” he said. “I find I rather enjoy teasing you.”

She frowned. “I think you teased me sufficiently when we were younger.”

“You will discover that I only tease the people I care about.”

Lowering the fan to her lap, she suggested, “I suppose I should learn more about you, now that we are married.”

“What would you wish to know?” he asked.

“What is your favorite dish for supper?”

“I prefer mutton.”

Nodding, she asked, “And your favorite dessert?”

“I enjoy all flavors of ice cream.”

“Do you engage in boxing?”

“I do.”

“Are you a hunter?”

“I am.”

Emmeline considered her next question for a moment before asking, “What is your favorite book?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have one.”

“But you enjoy reading?”

He grinned. “I do,” he replied. “I believe you will be pleasantly surprised at the size of the library at Hawthorne House.”

“That does please me, because I’ve read nearly every book at my townhouse,” she said.

“Is that so?”

“Yes,” she responded. “I devour all the books that I can get my hands on.”

“Well, you are welcome to read any book in the library,” he encouraged. “We have many first editions in our collection.”

“Are there any types of books you’d prefer I don’t read?”

Oliver gave her a curious look. “Such as?”

“I am referring to books about politics, engineering, physics, or other books that are generally not considered appropriate for a young woman to read.”

“I would prefer if you would avoid books on politics, especially the ridiculous rhetoric from the American colonies.”

Emmeline nodded her understanding. “That will not be a problem,” she shared. “My father was a Tory, and I share many of his political views.”

“My views align themselves with the Tories, as well.”

“That is good to know,” she said. “My uncle is a Whig.”

“How terrible for you,” he teased.

She listened to the sound of the coach wheels rolling along the cobblestone street as she remarked, “It hardly matters, since he refuses to speak to me about politics.”

“It is quite unsavory to speak to a lady about politics.”

Lifting her brow, she asked, “I believe it is different now that we are married.”

“Quite right,” he agreed.

“It is your turn now,” she commented.

He furrowed his brow. “For what?”

“What questions would you like to ask me?”

“Ah,” he said. “That won’t be necessary.”

“It won’t?”

Oliver shook his head. “I know everything I need to know about you.”

“You do?”

“I wouldn’t have married you if I hadn’t.”

Emmeline gave him a baffled look. “What is my favorite dessert then?”

“That isn’t important.”

“It’s not?”

“No,” he replied. “I am more concerned about your qualities.”

“My qualities?” she repeated.

He nodded. “I know you to be good, kind and trustworthy.”

“That is good, but you must want to know more about me.”

Oliver watched her intently for a moment, then asked, “Do you enjoy playing shuttlecock?”

“I do,” she replied.

A smile came to his lips. “I also enjoy playing shuttlecock. Perhaps we can play together on the lawn sometime.”

“I would like that.”

Glancing over at the window, Oliver announced, “We are almost at Hawthorne House.”

Emmeline brought her hand up and smoothed back her blonde hair. “Am I presentable enough to see your family?”

He leaned closer and his eyes roamed her face. “You could wear a shapeless frock and still look beautiful.”

“You flatter me.”

“That was my intention, but it makes it no less true.”

The coach came to a stop in front of a rectangular building with two protruding wings and a large portico hung over the main door. Emmeline’s eyes roamed the gold embellishments around the windows and doors.

Oliver placed his hand out the window and opened the coach door. After he stepped down, he reached back in to assist her.

As she stepped down onto the cobblestone courtyard, he didn’t release her hand but placed it in the crook of his arm.

“Are you nervous?” he asked.

“No,” she replied, holding her breath.

“Liar.”

She let out the breath she was holding. “I am petrified.”

“There is nothing to be nervous about,” he said as they started walking towards the door. “You must trust me on that.”

The door opened, and a stocky butler with kind eyes greeted them. “Good afternoon, milord.”

Oliver led her into the entry hall before saying, “Please inform the household staff that I have married Lady Oliver.”

Pratt bowed. “Yes, milord.”

The butler’s words had just left his mouth when Emmeline heard Jane exclaim from the top of the stairs, “They are here!”

Emmeline watched as Jane hurried down the stairs and approached her. Her breathing was labored as she asked, “Are you two truly married?”

“We are,” Emmeline confirmed.

Jane squealed as she pulled her into an embrace. “I am happy to hear that,” she said. “We are sisters now.”

When Jane leaned back, Emmeline watched as Harriet crossed the entry hall. “I am most displeased with you,” she declared, directing her words at Oliver.

“And why is that, Mother?” Oliver asked.

Harriet came to a stop in front of them. “I didn’t discover your plans until after you had already left for Gretna Green.”

“I didn’t want you to try to stop me.”

Harriet brought her hand up to her chest. “You would think me so cruel as to do such a thing?” she questioned. “After all, I am more than pleased by your choice of a bride.” She turned her attention towards Emmeline and smiled. “I always suspected that you two would make a brilliant match.”

“That is kind of you to say,” Emmeline responded.

Harriet placed a hand on Emmeline’s shoulder and suggested, “Why don’t you take a long