Lord Heartless Read Online Free Page A

napkin to wipe his lips. Using a conciliatory tone, he offered a slight apology. “In hindsight, I wish I might have known his difficulties with drink or in finance, for I would have forced him to recount the wager immediately rather than deny you your house.”
    For a moment, he wondered if she believed his words. Her eyes narrowed. The rapid breathing that raised her breasts subsided. Juliet glanced down at her plate, her tongue damped her lips. “Forgive my doubt.”
    He reached over and placed a palm upon her still-clenched hand. “I would forgive you anything.” At his words, he could feel her pulse quicken as a silence settled over the table.
    Amos cleared his throat. “Perhaps this is a good time to see the grounds if you wish to keep the manor?”
    “Yes, I think you are right.” Her hand retreated from his and she turned her gaze to his solicitor.
    A pang of jealousy filled his breast. Landon wanted nothing more than enjoy the depth of her smile. He placed his napkin on his plate. “Yes, I am curious to see more of Holly Grove. Lady Juliet, would you do the honors?”
    “Of course.” She made ready to scoot her chair back.
    Landon rose and made a quick grasp of the back, easing it from the table. “I am thinking of perhaps moving my stables. Tell me, this looks like fine horse country.”
    “It is.” The reverend stood and helped his wife rise. “Many a Darby winner has been sired in the surrounding countryside.”
    “Excellent.” He smiled and looked to Juliet, hoping to see approval. She lowered her eyes and turned away, denying his anticipation.
    “We shall need our cloaks.” Juliet turned toward the doorway.
    He paused and allowed her to lead the party out. As he followed, Amos reached out to grasp his arm.
    “What are you up to?” his lawyer asked, lowering his voice so that no one else could hear.
    “Wooing.” Landon arched his brow as if he thought his friend mad.
    “That girl is not a milkmaid fresh from the farm. There’s substance behind that beautiful face and innocent blue eyes, or have you been too rattled by her unblemished complexion to notice?”
    “They are blue, aren’t they?” Landon grinned. This time there was no hiding the excitement in his voice.
    The man’s hand flew from his coat sleeve as if burned “Don’t be a fool, Landon. She will not go quietly to your marriage bed and you can ill afford another scandal if she does not agree.”
    “Afraid you’ll lose your retainer?” Landon reached over the table and pocketed several sugar cubes.
    “You know I’m not.” Amos shook his head. “You, however, are a magnet for disaster when it comes to women. Do not forget your dealings with Alexander’s mother or Lady Scarborough’s manipulations. You cannot let sentiment get in the way of business, nor can you sully her nature and walk away. Neither your mother nor the Ton will stand for it. If you intend to marry, it will have to be legitimate.”
    “Business is it, Mr. Black?” Landon seethed. “I think I should have paid a bit more attention to my card partners and I would not be in this situation.” Seeing Amos open his mouth, Landon raised a hand. He could ill afford to lose his temper. Taking a breath, he pulled his vest straight and calmed his nerves. With his next words, he took the responsibility for his actions. “Such that it is, I shall make the most of it and do right by this young woman.”
    They stared at one another. Landon could almost read the surprise in Amos’s face.
    “Lord Montague, are you coming?” the reverend called from the hallway.
    Landon put a finger to his lips. “I want no more of this talk. Do you hear me? I will not have her hear of it. I plan to find an opportunity to propose the question of marriage this very afternoon whether I have your support or not. Is that clear?” He waited. Only when Amos nodded did he moved to the door.
     
    ***
     
    Juliet, doing her best to remain calm around Lord Montague, led them around