The Bargain Bride Read Online Free Page B

I told them I was an engaged lady now, promised to a real lord’s son. I said you would come break their noses if they insulted me.”
    â€œAt least I was good for something.”
    Her silence spoke volumes.
    When they reached the library, West retrieved his belongings. While he put on one of his gloves, he asked, “Is it you who filled these shelves with treasures?”
    She smiled for the first time since receiving her father’s message, pleased with the compliment to her beloved books. “I added to an already extensive collection, yes. The books have been my friends and companions.” She quickly held up a hand. “Not that I am complaining or trying to win your sympathy or make you feel guilty. My life in the country is rich, with running my grandfather’s household and helping the less fortunate in the community. Nor am I a mere bluestocking do-gooder. The neighborhood has an active social life with assemblies every month and frequent dinners and dance parties among the local gentry.”
    â€œAnd none of the local beaux caught your fancy? None of your dance partners or dinner companions measured up?”
    How could they, compared with him? She picked up a book from the desk and flattened its pages open, as if she were going to read it as soon as he left, which could not be soon enough.
    When she did not answer, he gestured toward the high shelves. “I suppose you are far better-read than your possible suitors.”
    â€œYou sound surprised. Did you think I was an unlettered, ignorant country lumpkin? I had governesses and tutors, and a year at Miss Meadow’s Select Academy.”
    â€œI did not know what to think, honestly.”
    â€œOr you did not think.”
    He spread his fingers, smoothing the soft leather down each finger, then smiled at her. “I believe we have settled that issue comprehensively. I acted wrongly, perhaps for honorable reasons, although that is not sufficient excuse. I can only apologize again. I truly am sorry, Miss Goldwaite, for any ill I caused you.”
    Men did not apologize easily, Penny knew, especially proud men used to having their own way. She could do no less than accept his apology, which did not mean she had to forgive him. “And I apologize for having struck you,” she said graciously, which did not mean she meant it.
    Before putting on his other glove, Westfield asked, “Have you never done anything else you regretted?”
    Yes, she’d let him back in, him and his heart-stopping smile. “I did not say I regretted punching you, only that I was sorry. There is a difference.”
    â€œAnd in my own defense, let me say that I never knowingly caused you harm. I did not know your circumstances. I should have made it my business to find out how you were situated; I see that now. I can only plead youth and the war, and abysmal ignorance. Our fathers made the arrangement, so I suppose I was waiting for them to finalize the wedding plans. After my father died and I never heard from yours, I simply assumed you had found a gentleman of your choice to wed. A wealthy man, one your father would approve. I was going to return your funds as soon as I was able, and all would be well.”
    Perhaps someone else had hit him earlier, Penny thought, and scrambled his brains. “How could I encourage another man’s attentions when I was already promised to you? I was honor-bound by our betrothal from seeking another beau.”
    â€œThere is that again.” He studied his other glove before putting it on, the fact that he had not felt constrained by the contract a palpable presence between them. His mistresses and society misses might have been in the room, except none of them were interested in books. She had come a hairsbreadth away from impugning his own honor, but West could not fault her for that. He cleared his throat and tried to sound cheerful. “Well, you are no longer bound. Have you a gentleman in