A Scarlet Bride Read Online Free Page B

in front of the twostory LaRoux home. He'd been here many years ago and remembered the screenedin porch that ran around the back of the house, looking over a lovely view of the Ashley River. The home had a quiet elegance about it that hinted at grandeur on a smaller scale.
    "I can't believe I let you talk me into accompanying you on this trip," William said, dismounting from his black Thoroughbred.
    "You wanted to watch this lady make a fool of me, remember?"
    William chuckled."I remember. I just hope she doesn't have her servant throw us both out on our rears."
    "What, you doubt my charm?"
    "That charm of yours has gotten us in trouble before."
    "Sit back and watch a master."
    Though he spoke with confidence, doubt lingered. How would he be received? Would Alexandra welcome him or send him packing? Last night she had lied about her dance card being full, but he hadn't been able to put her out of his mind. Somehow her deception had only increased his interest.
    He smiled at the memory of their innuendoladen conversation. She had returned his insinuations with stiff rebuffs. Never once had she acknowledged that she knew their banter was about anything other than horses. Never once had the lady lowered her guard.
    The woman was a tempting morsel, much too sweet to resist. A woman who didn't easily fall for the considerable Manning charm always piqued his interest. He'd had his fill of easy women and their false smiles. And he knew Alexandra would resist him every step of the way to his bed, right up to the moment she let her passion overwhelm her.
    "Come on, William, quit dawdling," Connor demanded as he strolled down the path lined with pink azaleas and wisteria. Bees buzzed around honeysuckle climbing the latticework that framed the stairs. Its sweet fragrance filled the air.
    "I can't remember the last time you were in such a hurry for a setdown . This woman must have your blood simmering."
    "She's an irresistible challenge." Connor smiled at William, who raised his eyebrows with disdain.
    Reaching the door, Connor brushed the dust from his suit before he knocked. A few minutes later, a manservant answered his summons.
    "Connor Manning and William Cunningham to call on Mrs. Thurston and Mrs. LaRoux ."
    The man swung open the door. "I'll show you to the parlor and tell the ladies you're here."
    "Thank you."
    Handing the servant his hat, Connor followed the butler down a short hall to a room elegantly furnished with a rosewood piano, surrounded by a love seat and chairs. A picture of a beautiful woman hung over the fireplace and dominated the room.
    The same emerald eyes that had intrigued him the previous night stared down at him. The woman's head was tilted back, a smile on her lips. She looked as though she'd just whispered a secret to her lover.
    The rustle of silk announced the arrival of Mrs. LaRoux , followed by an obviously reluctant Alexandra. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," Mrs. LaRoux said. "What a pleasure to have you call upon us."
    Connor kissed the back of her hand. "My pleasure, madam." He glanced at Alexandra and nodded his head in greeting. "Mrs. Thurston."
    She bobbed her head in return. "Hello, Mr. Manning."
    Connor smiled. "You ladies look even lovelier in the daylight."
    Aunt Clara laughed. "Always the charmer, Mr. Manning. And who is your friend?"
    "I'm sorry. This is William Cunningham."
    William bowed slightly from the waist. "Nice to make your acquaintance, Mrs. LaRoux ." His gaze shifted to the Thurston woman. "I don't think you remember me, Mrs. Thurston, but my sister is Bernadette Cunningham Smythe ."
    Connor watched as she smiled at William, the corners of her mouth turned up sweetly. "Yes, I know who you are, though it's been years since we've met. How is dear Bernadette?"
    "She's fine."
    Aunt Clara pointed to the love seat against the wall. "Please, be seated."
    The two men sat down beside one another. Connor kept glancing up at the painting over the mantle, his eyes drawn to the lovely woman in