The Marriage Bargain by Michelle McMaster Page B

wedding-day kiss flooded her senses, a reminder that Sir Harry could never claim her.
    Isobel would fulfill her part of the marriage bargain by appearing publicly united with her new husband.
    Then she would retire to Hampton Park as the true mistress of the estate. And she would rid herself of Lennox once and for all. It was a perfect arrangement.
    At least that’s what she kept telling herself.

Chapter Eight
    “So. You actually had the audacity to attend Lady Whitcomb’s ball. How very provincial.”
    Isobel turned around slowly, as befitting a countess, and met the icy green eyes of Cordelia Haversham.
    Where was Beckett? He was nowhere in sight. She would have to do battle with this harpy alone.
    “My husband, the earl of Ravenwood and I, were specifically invited by Lady Whitcomb. I am sorry if our presence distresses you, Miss Haversham.”
    “Distresses me?” Cordelia gave a brittle laugh that was quite unattractive. “Oh, I assure you, I am not in the least bit distressed. It is you, my dear, who should be distressed.”
    “Miss Haversham, I wonder, are you planning to use the word ‘distressed’ with such constancy during our discourse? Because if you are, and you surely have a preference for the word, I will leave off using it.
    I have found that it is quite tiresome to use the same word so very much during genteel conversation.”
    Cordelia’s eyes blazed. “You have quite the nerve!”
    “I am sure you think so.”
    Cordelia’s eyes narrowed. “You are deceiving yourself if you think he married you for any other reason than to get back at me. You are a joke, my dear. A little trollop from the gutter, masquerading in a countess’s clothing. Everyone knows who you really are.”

    “Oh—Lady Ravenwood, you mean? Why, thank you for reminding me, Miss Haversham. I can hardly get used to the idea myself. And considering that you yourself might have been Beckett’s countess, it really is so very kind of you to point out my good fortune.”
    If steam had risen from Cordelia’s ears, Isobel would not have been the least bit surprised. As it was, the woman’s face contorted into a strange configuration and turned a very unbecoming color.
    “My word,” Isobel intoned. “Are you ill, Miss Haversham? You look as if you’ve swallowed a large fruit.”
    Cordelia seethed. “If there were any large fruit near at hand, I would most likely stuff it down your throat!”
    “There is a pineapple across the room, there,” Isobel said, pointing, “and I would dearly love to see you attempt it. Shall we give everyone a good show?”
    “Do you think me stupid enough to cause a scene? There’s no use in trying to make me look a fool.”
    “Oh, you don’t need my help, Miss Haversham. You’re doing quite well on your own.”
    Cordelia looked around quickly and grabbed Isobel’s arm, jerking her close. Her voice was a harsh whisper in Isobel’s ear as she said, “Look, you little harlot. You may be the countess of Ravenwood but who knows—you might get sick. You might die. People have accidents.” The woman pulled her closer, so that they were nose to nose. “I had Beckett wrapped around my little finger before, and I can do it again. I could have any man in this room, but I want Beckett and I want the Ravenwood estate. No one casts me off, do you hear?”
    Isobel yanked her arm back and met Cordelia’s venomous eyes. “If you’ll be so kind as to remember, Miss Haversham, it was you who put Beckett aside when you learned that he had no fortune.”
    “Well, now he has one, doesn’t he? That was the only reason I broke the engagement.” Cordelia made a face. “And don’t try telling me that you married him for love. I know very well why you married Beckett, and so does everyone else in this room.”
    “For his fortune and title?” Isobel asked. “Those were your reasons. Not mine.”
    Cordelia stood back and glared at Isobel. “Whatever the reason, be warned. I shall not rest until I am the