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

Burke.”
    “Do I?” Harriet asked. “What other impression should I have? Arthur has been gone for more than six months. I have heard nothing from you in that time. Then out of the blue, you appear at my weekly dinner at Ayercombe last evening.”
    “You may have felt I have ignored you, but that is not the case. I have been in constant contact with either Lord Daneford or young Ewan about your welfare. Until now, there was no pressing need to make an appearance.”
    “Until now? You have me confused.”
    He laughed. “You have not been formally introduced into Society. Time is fast approaching for the Season to begin. I have come to invite you to visit my family at my uncle’s estate, Pleasant Green, outside of Southampton. Lord Daneford asked if perhaps you could meet my cousin, Sophia. She should be a great help to you. I believe you will like her. She is of the same age. You are nineteen, are you not?”
    “Yes,” she answered. She had not expected such an invitation. As much as she had been sheltered at Beebe Manor, she understood the whispered connection of Lady Sophia Carlisle to the future Lord Daneford. She could not contain her surprise. “The Duke of Torridge’s home?”
    He was perceptive and seemed to have read her confusion. “Arthur and I have been friends since childhood. I gave him my word that I would look after your welfare.”
    “You want me to trust you, Mr. Carlisle. Pray forgive me, but I do not trust many and especially ones I do not know or blame my father for a crime he did not commit.”
    “Ah, forthright once more. Then I will reward you for your bluntness,” he said in a strong , steady voice that resonated through her. “You are quite right in your assessment that I think little of Arthur’s engagement to the daughter of the man who killed my uncle.”
    She wanted nothing more than to ride back to her home. She was in no mood to listen to a reproach of her father or mother. She heard enough from her aunt. Choosing not to wait for her companions and face the wrath of her aunt, she reined back her horse only to be refrained from a departure. Carlisle had leaned down and gripped tight ly to the bridle.
    Her eyes flamed at his insolence. “How dare you! Let go,” she demanded, jerking back on the reins.
    Instead of releasing her, he eyed her with an intensity that sent a shudder through her. “I see well Arthur’s attraction to you. You are quite beautiful when your emotions rage,” he said. The words did little to ease her temper, nor did Harriet believe they were meant to. He continued, “I gave my word to Arthur, and I am a man of my word. So it seems we need to come to an understanding.”
    “I believe I understand you clearly.”
    “So you do. Know then that the invitation to my uncle’s is quite sincere. I believe you will find my cousin most gracious and kind. You have much in common.”
    The insinuation in his voice was not lost upon her—they both loved the same man. She said nothing but glared at him for his insolent behavior toward her. No gentleman would treat a lady in this fashion. It left her with the conclusion he did not think her a lady.
    “It will please Arthur for you to make the connection to my family,” he pressed. “You are to be his bride, so you can rest assured, you will be made welcome. I have talked to Lord Daneford. He, too, feels the invitation will suit you well. You can travel to London with Sophia. It will do well for your introduction into Society—which will please Arthur.”
    “I appreciate your kind offer,” Harriet said, determined to control the raging temper boiling within her. “You must have known that I , too, have strong emotions concerning my father. I do not believe that your uncle was an innocent victim. It is my understanding the duel was fair. You would not have given my father a second thought if it had been him who had been killed. And may I remind you that it was my father who was injured by Meriwether Carlisle’s