Read Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) for Free Online

reason for it she could only guess. Perhaps her father wanted to be rid of the responsibility for her upkeep. In the past she had pleaded with him to take her to London so she could be presented at court, but he had refused her so often that finally she had given up asking altogether.
    It was a lonely, solitary life at Chatsworth. The young girl was never invited to attend any of the village functions, since it would be unseemly for the Lady Season Chatsworth to socialize with the locals. She sighed heavily, and reflected that she didn't seem to belong anywhere. She had grown up without benefit of family or friends.
    Pushing an unruly lock of golden hair away from her face, Season bit her lip. She had only a short time of freedom left. In three weeks she would become the wife of Lord Ransford. If only there were some way she could save herself from this marriage, she thought unhappily.
    Shaking her head, Season picked up her straw bonnet, tied it under her chin, and walked out the door of her bedroom. If nothing else, she would enjoy her last three weeks of freedom to the fullest.
    As she made her way to the stables, Season decided she would groom and curry Cinibar. Perhaps after luncheon, she would ride to Chatsworth Village. The people of the village always seemed genuinely happy to see her. They were always warm and friendly to their lord's daughter.
     
    Season patted Cinibar's black coat, which gleamed from the brushing she had just given him, and gazed out the stable door, allowing her eyes to move over Chatsworth Castle. The aged white brick structure was the only home she had ever known. She felt an ache deep inside, knowing she would soon be leaving it behind. The huge castle was made up of two different architectural styles: the oldest part had been constructed during William the Conquer's time, and boasted nine Norman towers; the latter wing, added in time of Henry VIII, represented the Tudor era. At one time there had been a moat surrounding the castle, but it had been filled in with earth during Season's greatgrandfather's life; he had complained of the stench that came from the foul, stagnant water. However, a huge lake was located behind the castle, and in warmer weather a large number of white swans drifted lazily over the water.
    Looking up at the sky, Season noticed it was a bleak, overcast day. It looked as if snow might fall before the afternoon ended.
    "My lady," Tom, the stable boy, said, coming up beside her, "there be a coach drawing up in front of the main house. I think it's the Lord Ransford."
    At first Season thought Tom must be mistaken. Not even Lord Ransford would dare visit her while her father was away in London and she was unchaperoned. Peeping around the stable door, she saw it was, indeed, he. She felt fear, knowing there was no one to protect her from the earl. Lately he had become very bold in his advances toward her. How would he behave with her father away?
    "He is not alone," she said, observing the two other gentlemen who stepped from the coach.
    Season frowned, remembering the last time Lord Ransford had visited Chatsworth. On that occasion he had told her he couldn't wait to show off his young, innocent bride-to-be to his friends.
    Her eyes flashed with anger. How dare he come to her home when he knew very well that she would be alone and unchaperoned! Yet this act was so typical of him, she wondered why she was so shocked by his behavior. Did he think he could parade her before his friends as a fine catch? Season knew her father well enough to realize even he wouldn't be over pleased by Ransford's untimely visit. She hoped he would be furious at the man's audacity.
    Suddenly a devilish plan began to form in Season's mind. Knowing what a prideful man Ransford was, she knew he would want her to make the best impression on his friends. Unmindful of the far-reaching consequences of thwarting the earl, she decided this would be the perfect occasion to rid herself of the hateful