If Love Were Enough Read Online Free Page A

his father took his last breath. It would give his father and hers the joy of knowing their families and lands would be united at last. It would also double the properties he would leave to his heir, whenever he had one, and reinforce his family fortunes. Though not tapped out, they could benefit from the bolstering in short order.
    Why then was he hesitating when he knew it was expected he would marry his childhood friend? He knew her as well as anyone. She seemed ready to accept him and their parents’ plans for them. Yet, for some reason, he was filled with reservation. Theirs would be a better match than most. Probably better than any of those in this drawing room, or for that matter, his parents’.
    Even Asher married for money, not for love.
    What was it that made him hesitant, wary even, of marrying Estella?
    Could it just be it was not a love match? How possible was it he could ever make one?
    He barely settled his elbow on the mantel before his solitude was breeched by his host.
    “Well, Brandon, I must say again, I did not expect you here, what with your father’s illness and all.”
    Thomas Merton, Viscount Asherton, had always been a good friend even after his marriage and escape to the countryside. Just over six feet in height, he still kept himself in shape with his riding and hunting. A Corinthian in his youth, his vanity must still be too strong to let his physical appearance dissipate the way his moral ethics had.
    Having been clapped on the back, Brandon answered, “As I mentioned, I was kicked out, Asher. My father felt I had been too long out of Society and needed some company to renew my spirits. Even Estella urged me to come, though I am not sure she was clear on the type of activity I am attending. Thus, I am here to partake of your generous hospitality, though I doubt I shall partake in much else.”
    His eyes roamed the room once again. No one garnered his interest until his tutored gaze fell upon a new face of fair and enduring beauty standing near the open French doors. He missed her moments ago because the four gentlemen hovered around her, shielding her from his view.
    “If you are to renew your energies, Brandon, then you must find some willing accomplice to entice you. I am sure Anne would be happy to assist you in making a temporary match.”
    Just what he needed, Asher’s wife fitting him up with an empty-headed female. Or worse, based on past experience, Anne would be throwing herself at him.
    His eyes had not left the beauty near the French doors. Her auburn hair showed to advantage when the setting sun glinted red upon it. Her eyes looked green from this distance, or were they made so from the green satin she wore. She was not tall, no more than an inch or two over five feet from his estimation, but her small frame had all the curves a man could want to smooth his hands over. And the high neckline of her gown did little to camouflage the generosity of the charms beneath it.
    “The lady near the French doors, Asher. Who is she? I have not seen her in your company previously. I doubt she is shackled to any of the four gentlemen pressing their company upon her, since she does not look the least bit interested in any one of them. Her demeanor is polite but cold, if I had my guess.”
    Asher looked over. “I have never invited her to any of my house parties. In fact, she was not invited to this one.”
    “She doesn’t look the type to force herself into such a gathering.” Brandon let his gaze flow over her curvaceous form again. His inner being stirred; his body hardened.
    “One does not introduce one’s sister into such society intentionally, my Lord Brookfield.”
    Brandon’s perusal stopped short then he turned his head to meet the gaze of his host.
    “Your sister? I never knew you had one. You never mentioned it when I met you in town. What was that? Near ten years ago? You have been holding out on me. Have you introduced her to the other rakes gathered here?” Brandon could