Seductive Lies (Secret Lives Series) Read Online Free Page A

not only my friend, but my brother. We have grown up side by side. I cannot imagine anything coming between us.”
    “Neither do I,” Arthur said in all seriousness. “Trust me. I have no doubt in time you will love her as I do. But there is more. I have a favor to ask. I hesitate only from your reaction to my news.”
    “Ease your mind. I will do so.”
    “Even if it concerns Miss Burke? I don’t know how I would leave, worrying about Harriet. Watch over her for me. Can you do so?”
    Arthur met Carlisle’s eyes. He saw the reluctance, but in his next breath, Carlisle agreed . “You have my word.”

Chapter Two
     
    Steam from the breath of the horse fogged the frosty air. Pulling back on the reins of her mount, Harriet stopped in front of the lane turning up towards an old deserted manor, Dartmouth Hall. The ruins lay between Ayercombe and Beebe Manor. Many a day, Harriet had met up with Arthur at the abandoned house…a perfect place to rendezvous away from prying eyes.
    Rumors abounded of the haunted mansion, giving credence to legends she had grown up with concerning the forsaken place. It was whispered restless spirits walked the grounds…giving rise to her imagination. Arthur teased her unmercifully of her wild fancies and romantic nature.
    She breathed in deeply with the remembrance. Despite the coldness of the morning, the ride rejuvenated her spirits. More than six months had passed since Arthur’s departure. Six months of exchanging letters, but no word of his return. Moreover, she feared his return would not be imminent.
    Reports of the war circulated that it had only intensified. The last word Lord Daneford received suggested Arthur’s ship was part of the blockade in the Mediterranean Sea. Harriet prayed for his swift and safe return, but prepared herself for a long wait.
    “Arthur was correct. You are a fine horsewoman.”
    Harriet turned to the voice. Riding up to her side, James Carlisle halted. He had arrived earlier in the week. Arthur wrote to her of his friend and expressed his full confidence in this man. Harriet wasn’t as confident because Mr. Carlisle had waited for more than six months to make his appearance.
    “I have to admit I enjoyed riding this morning,” Harriet said. She looked back over her shoulder , having lost sight of Bessie, Clarissa, and Arthur’s younger brothers, Ewan and Boult. “I am not so sure about the others. I’m afraid I kicked my horse into a gallop when Bessie began complaining of being cold.”
    Carlisle smiled a brilliant smile at her and leaned back in his saddle. He seemed quite content to wait upon the others. “In time, they will catch up. It will allow us to become better familiar. Again , I will apologize. I had thought I would have made your acquaintance before this week. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit Ayercombe Manor until last evening. I had thought perhaps I would have met up with you at the Forhams for their fox hunt before Christmas.”
    “I would not know what would have given you the impression I would be there , as I have never attended nor have been invited,” Harriet said. She looked at him, assessing his demeanor.
    Rather slender and tall, he carried himself with a certain elegance , or perhaps it was arrogance. It did not matter to her. She cared little for him and tolerated him only because of her fiancé. Arthur chose to overlook the obvious. There was a distinct barrier between them—her father.
    Harriet stared straight at Carlisle. “I accepted your invitation to ride this morning for one reason. I know Arthur asked you to look after me in his absence. I will ease your conscience, Mr. Carlisle. I have no desire for your support as I know you have no desire to give it.”
    “Direct and forthright,” he said, appraising her with a look that annoyed her inner soul. His dark eyes met her own without blinking. “It is refreshing not to have to mince words, but I fear you have the wrong impression of me, Miss