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probably terrified he would change his mind and walk out first thing in the morning.
    Perhaps he should. He didn’t want a wife, nor did he care about easing the woes of a father who had always treated him like the bastard son that he was.
    But Garrett’s hasty departure would only result in more lives ruined because of him, and he had come a long distance to atone.
    Rising from his chair, he moved from the fire to the chilly side of the room where he could take a moment to think. He looked up at all the books on the shelves. A spectacular collection to be sure. Enough to keep one’s mind engaged for a lifetime. A lifetime?
    Marriage was supposed to be for a lifetime...
    But did that really matter? Time and happiness had no meaning to him now. There was nothing but dust in his veins. He didn’t care who he married, or how he spent his future. Nothing mattered anyway. Except for one thing. The money.
    “ I will be courteous to her,” he said, turning to face all of them. “I will put on a good show for Father, as long as you promise me that the money will be forthcoming on Christmas Day.”
    “ I’ve checked with Father’s solicitors. It will,” Devon replied.
    “ Good. Then I will do what is required.”
    Bloody hell, he didn’t even know the girl’s name.
    Devon rose from his chair. “Excellent. Then let us go and meet Lady Anne. Follow me to the drawing room. I will introduce you and you can spend some time getting better acquainted this evening.”
    Wonderful. He could hardly wait.
     
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Anne immediately rose to her feet when the Sinclairs entered the drawing room. The marquess led the way, followed by his sister Charlotte, then the duchess, Lord Blake, and last to enter the room...their youngest brother, Garrett. Her betrothed.
    Dear God, her heart was pounding like a drum. She had watched from the window a short while ago as Lord Garrett exited the coach, but could see little through the darkness and shifting moon shadows. Now here he stood before her, waiting to be introduced.
    His skin was bronzed from the sun, his hair thick and wavy—the color of honey. He had full lips, a strong, chiseled jawline and a charming dimpled chin. He was not tall and slender like his older brothers. Instead, he sported a stocky, muscular build. His hands were big and strong, which was not surprising for she had been told he was a master yachtsman.
    He lifted his sky-blue eyes and met her gaze. She could not tell a lie. He was, without a doubt, one of the most ruggedly handsome men she had ever encountered. It was madness that he had to pay a woman to marry him. What the devil was wrong with him?
    Lord Hawthorne approached. She was vaguely aware of Rebecca and Chelsea rising from their chairs behind her.
    “ Garrett, this is Lady Anne.”
    “ It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady,” he said.
    He bowed to her, and she gave a polite curtsy while wondering how to proceed from here. What exactly did one say to a beautiful stranger, a stranger one was being paid to marry?
     
    * * *
     
    Garrett frowned as he stood before the woman his brothers had selected for him. He had not expected to be wedding such an incredible beauty. She was slender and petite, with striking dark features and sea-green eyes that nearly knocked him over as he walked through the door.
    There was something serious and intelligent in those eyes—possibly something a little jaded as well? Or was it greed at the sight of him? Perhaps it was that. She was marrying him for money, after all.
    “ Would you like to escort Lady Anne to the gallery and show her the family portraits?” Devon suggested.
    His brother obviously wished to give them an opportunity to become better acquainted in private.
    Fine . Garrett had promised to do what was required, so he would do exactly that. With a polite nod of his head, he approached his fiancée and offered his arm.
     
    * * *
     
    As they left the room, Anne worked hard to settle