Lady Catherine's Share

Welcome back to the kickoff of the upcoming release of Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart & Soul. I trust you enjoyed the first three excerpts from What He Would Not Do. In the first excerpt, The First Kiss, you witnessed Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Harriette in a clandestine moment that started it all. In the second, The Darcys' Take, Elizabeth questioned Darcy on his thoughts about Richard and her ladyship's blossoming romance. In the third, The Proposal, poor Richard was flabbergasted. Fortunately, true love prevailed. However, it's not all smooth sailing—not if Lady Catherine has anything to do with it. She is seriously displeased about the pending nuptials, and she intends to carry her point. Enjoy the final excerpt in this series!    

 

What He Would Not Do

Chapter 14 ~ Reluctant Suitor

© Based upon an excerpt and reprinted with the Author's Permission

Lady Catherine kept her eyes firmly trained upon her nephew and Lady Harriette throughout the evening. When at last the two parted company, she seized upon the young woman. Despite her size, she practically dragged the statuesque young beauty off to a quiet corner of the room.

“You might be able to fool my unsuspecting nephew with this little ruse, but you do not fool me one bit.”

“Whatever do you mean, dear Aunt?” Lady Harriette asked sarcastically.

“Do not get ahead of yourself young woman. You are not married to my nephew just yet. If I have anything to say in the matter, this marriage shall never come to pass.”

“Do not be ridiculous. He loves me, and I love him. There is nothing that you can do or say to change that.”

“Just a month ago, you were hopelessly in love with Darcy,” boasted Lady Catherine. “I am utterly convinced he visited you in your apartment. Perhaps you think that in marrying Fitzwilliam, you shall forever bind yourself to Darcy.”

Lady Harriette outstretched her hand and admired the stunning engagement ring Richard had given her. It was his paternal grandmother’s ring. Lady Catherine believed it should have been given to her upon her dear mother’s passing. She bore the young woman a look that would surely cut right through the magnificent diamond stones.

Lady Harriette smirked. “Speaking of being hopeless, I do believe it is the one appellation that best describes you. Take my words of advice, mind your own business. Do not dare to try to cause trouble in my affairs. I assure you that you have nothing to gain, and everything to lose.” At that moment, she looked about to see Richard and Darcy enter the room. Returning her attention to her ladyship, she said, “I beg your pardon, dear Aunt. I see my true love has just returned.”

She quickly crossed the room with the sole purpose of provoking her ladyship. She approached both gentleman and enfolded her arms through either of theirs, rendering Lady Catherine utterly amazed. Harriette commenced a shameless flirtation with both men, all the while keeping one eye on Lady Catherine, until the elderly woman could take no more. The elderly woman stood and proceeded to leave the room in a huff. She could be heard uttering, “Why! I never saw such scandalous behaviour in my life!”

Lady Harriette’s satisfaction with herself could not be contained. She fought mightily to stifle her laughter.

Lady Catherine’s precipitous exit did not go unnoticed by Richard. He excused himself from his cousin and led his incorrigible intended aside. “What are you about, young lady?”

“Why, I am merely enjoying the company of my beloved betrothed and his best friend in the world.”

“Pray, you are not having fun at my aunt’s expense.”

“Well, now that you speak of it, she did mention her great suspicion that a certain Fitzwilliam visited me in my apartment.”

“And did you say anything that might put her mind at ease?”

“What would you have me say?” Lady Harriette asked coyly.

“Let me think. Perhaps, you might have suggested that a certain Fitzwilliam shall be visiting you again—tonight.”

 

Are you quite diverted? I hope so. I also hope you will join me next week for a sneak peek at Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart & Soul.

For now, I encourage you to take part in Giveaway #2, which is still under way. The winner will be announced on May 25th. Good Luck!

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