Read The Wagered Heart: Signet Regency Romance (InterMix) for Free Online Page A

could not. “Oh my. How long will it take to be completed?”
    “The answer to that question is the only good thing about Mama’s mania for improvements. The architect says it may take two years, since the marble is coming all the way from Italy. Papa says she cannot start on another scheme before this one is completed.”
    “What an undertaking! You must visit my aunt and uncle often to give yourself a respite from all the noise.”
    “I shall certainly take advantage of your aunt’s anduncle’s hospitality,” Mariah stated cheerfully. “Any news since I saw you last week?”
    Julia stopped and looked down at her friend with an expression of annoyance mixed with amusement. “Yes, there is. You will never guess who proposed to me again, and then was astoundingly rude.”
    “Oh no! Not Mr. Fredericks again,” Mariah said on a disbelieving laugh.
    Julia gave her friend all the details of her awkward encounter with their neighbor.
    “How horrible of him to suggest that there is something unseemly about your return from London. In truth, I suspect it is Widow March spreading this gossip about you—she casts sheep’s eyes at Mr. Fredericks every Sunday and is jealous that he is so obvious about his preference of you. Still, I shall tell Mama that he is no longer welcome to tea,” Mariah stated, the anger evident in her expressive eyes.
    “There is no need to do that, Mariah. To give him the cut will only cause more talk. I have determined to treat him with the utmost civility when next we meet.”
    “Your tolerance is to be admired, dear Julia. I would not be so sanguine in your position. But I do envy your poise,” Mariah said as they resumed their stroll toward the village.
    “I lose what poise I have at the thought of the Duke of Kelbourne. It has been a year, and still his actions plague me. Mr. Fredericks’ insult is a direct result of the duke accosting me.”
    “Yes, it is. The Duke of Kelbourne should be boiled in oil,” Mariah proclaimed loyally.
    The two young ladies had spent a good deal of time over the last year planning different, tortuous ways to end the existence of the dastardly duke. Boiling in oil had become a recent favorite.
    “Indeed. But regarding Mr. Fredericks, I am grateful that my aunt and uncle have not placed any pressure on me to marry a man like him. I know some in the village would think me a goose-cap for rejecting the suit of a man with his income.”
    “I so envy you in that respect. As a woman of means, you have no need to marry unless you have a true regard for the gentleman.”
    Her gray eyes wide with surprise, Julia stopped short and looked at her friend. She grew more concerned when she took in her friend’s serious expression.
    “Envy me? Dearest Mariah, what fustian is this? I own that my father left me in no fear of the poor-house, but my six hundred pounds a year does not compare with the enormity of your dowry. Your papa is the wealthiest man in the district. What reason do you have to envy me on this account?”
    Mariah raised her tilted hazel eyes to Julia’s face, seeking understanding. “Yes, my papa has settled a fortune upon me, but I have no money of my own.”
    As they continued to walk, Julia mulled over her friend’s bald statement. “Oh, Mariah.”
    “My mama makes sure I am the most fashionably and expensively dressed young lady in the village,” Mariah said in a tight voice. “But I cannot pay for my own subscription to the lending library. I cannot even purchase a sweet in the village today, for I have not a sou of my own. I have asked papa for a little pin money, but he prefers to have even the smallest bill sent to him. He believes that women cannot really understand the value of money and likes to know where every tuppence goes. Yes, my friend, I do envy you.”
    “In truth, everyone knows that your papa is exceedingly careful with his money, but I had no idea it was this bad! Why have you not shared this withme before?” Julia was at