Seductive Lies (Secret Lives Series) Read Online Free

answered in a mocking tone.
    “It would not be the first time,” Carlisle returned in a light manner. “You have to admit, my friend, you have talked about this for a while.”
    “You doubted my commitment?”
    “Looking at you now, I doubt nothing.”
    “Well, you shouldn’t. I am set to serve under Vice Admiral Collingwood on the Royal Sovereign . Come, Carlisle, let us go find a quiet place. I have much to tell you.”
    * * * *
    “You did what! Have you gone raving mad!”
    Arthur gestured for Carlisle to lower his voice. Sitting in the back of the gaming room, Arthur leaned over the table. “Contain yourself. It is not that difficult to understand. I am engaged to the most wonderful woman. I would hope you would be happy for me.”
    Carlisle’s eyes widened in disbelief and shook his head. “Arthur, do I need to remind you of who she is…who her father was?”
    “I know exactly who she is.” Arthur shot Carlisle a stern look. He was in no mood to defend Harriet to his friend. He pushed back his chair and rose. “I will not sit here and listen…”
    “Sit, sit .” Carlisle waved his hand in a downward motion. “I will listen to you. It is only you took me by surprise. You should have well expected the news to take me aback. Have you forgotten Sophia?”
    Arthur slowly edged back down into his seat. He hadn’t expected Carlisle to mention his cousin, Sophia, the only child of the Duke of Torridge. “You have me confused at the mention of your cousin.”
    “Do not start with me, Arthur, unless you have been blind and deaf since birth. Uncle Percival and Lord Daneford long have talked about the union between the two of you.”
    “A match with Sophia? This is the first I’ve heard. Would you not think , as it concerned me, I would have knowledge of such an alliance? Lest I remind you of my dealings with Miss Louisa Anson last Season. I did not hear any dire warnings at that time.”
    “It was dalliance at best, Arthur. You were playing with the girl,” Carlisle countered. “Since when did you become so serious? Marriage! Truly, Arthur!”
    “It is quite simple. I love her.”
    “Love?” Carlisle questioned. “Are you sure it is not lust? I leave you alone for a moment and you have gone mad. This woman…could you not have taken her for your mistress…if you feel this strongly…but to marry her...?”
    Arthur stared solemnly at his friend. No one knew him better than Carlisle. For most of his twenty-three years he had lived on this earth, Carlisle had been at his side. Arthur’s anger subsided , for there was truth in Carlisle’s words. Before he met Harriet, he had led a wild, reckless life. He doubted he could put into words what he felt for Harriet.
    He had never met anyone such as Harriet. Fiercely determined, unquestionably loyal, unfailingly caring…unfathomably desirable. Never would he forget the look she gave him running up to ole Jake , afraid the old man would renege on a deal for a horse…an exquisite stallion.
    Harriet ranted at him and took him to task for underhandedly trying to steal the horse. Never mind the fact that no money had exchanged hands or transaction agreed upon…or the fact that the stallion was too much to handle for a lady.
    At first he only intended to appease her until she calmed and he could take his prize. How he ended up taking up her challenge of a race…or how he relented even after winning…all for a kiss.
    “I do not ask you to understand my desire to marry Miss Burke. As my best friend, I ask only you accept my decision.”
    “Do you understand the ramification of your marriage?”
    “Are you threatening our friendship?”
    An awkward moment of silence ensued. Tension filled the air. Carlisle tossed back his glass of Scotch in front of him. Raking his hand through his hair, he stared straight at Arthur.
    “I have known of your desire to serve King and Country. To see you prepared to do so on the morrow, my heart surges with pride. For you are