Never Marry a Stranger Read Online Free Page B

they’d notified his family of the marriage. Because then she would have to mention the letter that loomed large in her mind, containing a secret that could destroy this fake marriage and her life. For Matthew had written his parents about a marriage—but she wasn’t the bride.
    Lady Rosa had mentioned it to her when she was still ill, and Emily remembered feeling dull and resigned, thinking her masquerade was finished. In the letter, Matthew wrote that he had married, but gave no other news, not even his wife’s name, promising to explain everything when he had more time.
    But he never had. The Leland family simply assumed he’d been preparing his family for Emily, making them even more willing to accept her. And all along, the worry lurked in the back of her mind that another Mrs. Matthew Leland would return.
    What had happened to his real wife, and whywasn’t she with him? For this was the one woman who could spoil everything she had worked so hard for.
    It was so easy to study her, Matthew thought as he watched his “wife.” Emily Grey had not only beauty, but true poise—and an answer for every question. She’d leapt into his arms as if he truly were her long-lost husband. She even cried on command.
    She’d gone to a lot of trouble to build a life for herself here; his memory loss played right into her hands.
    But not every word was a lie, for her story made him remember the boating accident. The local Southampton authorities had begged for any soldiers willing to sail out into the storm to help mount a rescue.
    “Matthew?”
    She stood close to him, put her hand tenderly on his arm. He could inhale her sweet scent, stare into the lovely blue of her eyes. A woman of such beauty surely knew how she affected the male of the species. Did she think she could sway him so easily? He looked forward to matching his intellect against hers.
    He remained seated on the edge of the desk, which almost put them at eye level. He gave her a tired smile. “I’m sorry, my mind must have wandered. It is so damn frustrating to know something happened, but be unable to conjure up even one memory. How could I forget you ?”
    She blushed and looked away, pink highlighting the perfection of her skin.
    “So you spent six months with me?”
    She nodded.
    “And there wasn’t a child?”
    She shook her head, then whispered, “But how I wished for one when I thought you dead.”
    It was his turn to nod, his deepest concern satisfied. At least there would not be a child hurt by what she’d done. “I am sure I’ll have many more questions, but not tonight. I am exhausted.”
    “Oh, of course you are,” she said swiftly, her forehead creased with worry. “Can I do anything to ease you?”
    He tilted his head and smiled, even as her blush deepened. He held her eyes for a moment, and she stared at him. He won this small contest when she lowered her gaze. The devil inside him wanted to ask what she was offering tonight. Her lips would taste sweet; her body would ease his tired soul and let him truly forget.
    But would she surrender willingly, while inside some part of her retreated?
    He didn’t want to use her like that, even though this situation was of her own making.
    “Go to sleep, Emily,” he said at last, straightening up and brushing past her. “Is anyone in the adjoining bedroom?”
    She shook her head, then spoke with obvious incredulity. “But this is your bedroom.”
    “But you have been using it. I’ll use that one for now. Don’t most couples have separate lives, separate beds?” he asked casually. “Or were we so very different?”
    She hesitated, then softly said, “We were good together.”
    He gave her a half smile. “I’m glad to hear that. I would hate to think I left you with sad memories.” He walked to the door leading to the dressing room connecting the two bedrooms.
    “Remember, Matthew, we can make new memories,” she called. “Good night.”
    He wished her the same.
    When he was alone, he