Married in Haste by Cathy Maxwell

ask a question, she’s gotten all prune-faced and told me not to worry my head about that.” She dropped her voice. “Once I even went to the lending library to search for a book that might tell me.”
    Tess sat bolt upright. “I did too. Did you find one?”
    “No.”
    She shrank back down. “I didn’t either. But I found some very interesting allusions in poetry. The poets make it sound like something earthy and enjoyable.”
    Anne leaned forward. “Why don’t you ask Stella?”
    “I can’t do that! We detest each other.” For a moment, Tess curled her tongue, remembering those motions that the earl had made with his hips and how she’d felt them, deep down in a place below her stomach. She hadn’t known she could feel anything down there. Just remembering that kiss seemed to churn a host of confused, dizzying emotions she’d never known before.
    “I know who we could ask,” Anne said, “but I don’t know how you feel about her.”
    “Who?”
    “Leah Carrollton. I saw her today when I was at Parisham’s with my aunt. She told me to thank you for taking the blame last night. She truly appreciates it. I’ve heard her mother is very strict about public behavior.” She paused a moment and added, “I appreciate it too. I had to listen to my aunt lecture me about your outrageous behavior but at least she didn’t imprison me up here on bread and water, her favorite punishment. Was it too bad for you?”
    “No, apparently all is forgiven provided I marry and leave London. Stella says that even Lady Garland is willing to forgive the whole incident.”

    “Leave London? Tess, you didn’t tell me that!”
    “No,” she admitted in a small voice. “My earl is a Welshman and he wants to return home.”
    “Tell him you won’t go. I can’t imagine being here without you.”
    “I don’t have a choice, Anne.” Tess set the pillow aside and rose from the bed. She paced the length of the room before saying, “Do you really think Leah would know?”
    “Leah’s mother is strict in some matters but not so much in others. I overheard my aunt gossiping that Leah’s mother encourages her to throw herself at every titled peer who has a bit of cash to his name. I’ve heard whispers of her kissing in the garden.” She lowered her voice. “Captain Draycutt was at Parisham’
    s. My aunt was skeptical of his motives for lurking among the dry goods especially after Leah arrived. Of course, the two of them acted surprised to see each other. My aunt says that if Leah isn’t careful, a man like Draycutt will have her ruined in no time. And I think Leah wants that to happen.”
    “But Draycutt has such a terrible reputation.”
    “She had stars in her eyes, Tess.”
    Leah. “Do you really think she would know?”
    “We can find out. We should see her tonight at Lady Ottley’s musicale.”
    A musicale would be the perfect opportunity to ask such a personal question. Anne and Tess had learned long ago that some of the most public places were also the most private, since their chaperones were usually too involved with their own affairs to pay close attention.
    “Yes, we should ask her tonight,” she agreed.

    Two hours later, Tess found herself sitting beside Lord Merton, trotting around Hyde Park in an elegant carriage. It was obviously a hired equipage but Lord Merton had a good hand with the horses.
    The day was overcast but there were still many people out taking a ride in the park. Tess knew the announcement of her engagement would be old news by the time it appeared in the papers. She said as much to Lord Merton. It was really the only intelligent thing she did say.
    They sat side-by-side while Lord Merton kept a steady monologue going on about the joys of Wales.
    She, who was usually so glib, felt tonguetied and nervous. She hadn’t acted this way since she’d been seventeen and presented at Court.
    She was terribly aware of him. If she looked at him, she’d catch herself staring at his lips and