The Misplaced Husband, page 19
“Well, a compromise is reached,” said her papa, moving over to their sofa and kissing his wife on the head. “The moment I can work out how to bear the pains of labor for you, we’ll have triplets.”
Their laughter rang out in the room as Coral smiled. “I am glad you are back, Papa.”
“I should think so, too,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Though I suppose you are another mouth to feed,” Coral said quietly.
“You always worry about money,” grumbled Micah from behind her.
“No, I don’t,” snapped Coral, her temper rising rapidly. What was it about brothers that made them so entirely irritating?
“Coral, dear, you do know it was your mother who had most of the money when we married?” pointed out their father mildly.
Coral sniffed but did not say anything.
And she was the eldest daughter, the eldest female de Petras. She would inherit whatever was left after her parents raised them all.
“I will have you know, I will never worry about money again,” said Coral sharply to the brother she could not see. “When I marry, it will be to a very wealthy man.”
“Are you getting married?” Emerald asked from behind the sofa.
Heat seared Coral’s cheeks. “Not now.”
“Goodness, I am not sure I could cope with any of you girls leaving home yet,” said their father mildly. “Give me a few more years!”
Coral smiled at her father’s jest. “I am serious.”
“Oh, Coral, you cannot just decide to marry for money,” Opal teased. “You are far too much of a romantic.”
“Oh yes, I can. When I marry, it will not be for love. That I promise you. I will never marry for love.”
Discover whether Coral is able to hold to her convictions in…The Impoverished Dowry…Book 2 of THE DE PETRAS SAGA.
About Emily E K Murdoch
If you love falling in love, then you’ve come to the right place.
I am a historian and writer and have a varied career to date: from examining medieval manuscripts to designing museum exhibitions, to working as a researcher for the BBC to working for the National Trust.
My books range from England 1050 to Texas 1848, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with my heroes and heroines!
Follow me on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find me on facebook at facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read my blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com.
Murdoch, Emily E K, The Misplaced Husband
