Mysty McPartland by The Rake's Substitute Bride Page A

staring at me strangely?”
    Nathan let out a sigh. “He thinks you’re very odd and doesn’t know what to make of you.”
    Insulted, Sheldon shot her husband an irritated glare. “Well he’s a stuffed shirt.”
    “I suppose you could be right, Wallace like things orderly and doesn’t like the unusual.” Nathan replied trying to hide his amusement over the look of indignation on his bride’s face.
    “Oh that’s right, stick up for your butler and let the insult to your wife go unremarked upon.” Sheldon huffed back, disappointed that he wasn’t annoyed over the insult to her.
    Nathan managed to hold back his laughter knowing it would only upset her even more. “Perhaps because I didn’t think you’d been insulted.”
    “You call being thought of odd not insulting?” She snapped at him.
    Good God, she was certainly worked up over being called peculiar and he couldn’t help smile no matter how hard he tried not to. “Well you have to admit wife you are very different from the other ladies of the ton. Before you get offended, let me tell you I find it very refreshing and quite pleased that you are.”
    His remark took her completely by surprise and Sheldon couldn’t help the warmth spreading through her. “Thank you, I think.”
    He did chuckle then. “You’re welcome sweetheart.”
    “You know Nathan, you’re very different from what I thought you would be. Oh you are annoying and bossy, but I’m beginning to think that you can be considerate as well.”
    Pleased that he was making some headway with his bride, Nathan relaxed back in his seat and stretched out his long legs. “Do you think your sister might have returned home by now?”
    Relieved to have the conversation turned to another subject, Sheldon shrugged her shoulders. “I really couldn’t say. You know Nathan I’ve been giving the matter some thought. Bethany definitely had an agenda for running away but for the life of me, I just can’t imagine what it might be.”
    “You could be right. It does seem rather strange to me since she seemed so keen on the idea of becoming my wife.” He gave a dismissive wave of his hand, he couldn’t care less what the woman had up her sleeve, he was only grateful that she’d fled before he married her and doomed himself to a life of hell.
    “Oh yes, she was very eager and that’s what puzzles me. What exactly did her note say to you?” Her brow drew together as she contemplated all the reason her sister could have for waiting till the very last minute to flee.
    “I only read the first two lines. Didn’t need to read the rest and tossed it away.” Nathan shrugged.
    “Drat. If you’d read all of it I might have some idea what she’s planning.” It didn’t surprise her though that he never finished reading the missive. He’d been in such a rage at the time.
    “I can’t understand why you’re so upset over it. Myself I’m relieved that she ran away. From what you have told me so far about your sister she sounds very unpleasant.” He was astounded to see how remorseful his bride was looking and couldn’t fathom the reason why.
    Guilt washed through her, Sheldon realized she was being most dishonorable towards a member of her family. Even though she wasn’t close to her sister, she should keep her opinions to herself. “Oh Bethany isn’t that terrible.” She muttered knowing that she was lying and she could see that her husband knew it to when he raised a brow in disbelief.
    “Your faith in her is to be commended even if it is misguided, and we both know the truth.” When he saw her open her mouth reply, he beat her to it. “I know I am insufferable and annoying.”
    Sheldon couldn’t help herself she laughed. “Well at least we agree on something.”
    His half aroused flesh between his thighs started to swell even more when she laughed, and he mumbled a curse when he caught sight of that delectable teasing dimple. He shifted uncomfortable in his seat, hoping to kill the passion