Unspoken Love Read Online Free Page A

not a confirmed bachelor, I’d ask Jenny to marry me.”
    Nicholas chuckled and shoved his hat on his head. “Good day, Jason.” With an air of confidence, he strode to the door and made a hasty departure. He walked the distance to the church in search of Jennifer. Encountering Doc Jones, he asked of Jenny’s whereabouts.
    “Jenny left for the farm. She has a special way with my patients. I could use her talents more often.” The doctor sent Nicholas a speculative glance. “Pardon my boldness, Nicholas, but are you taking a fancy to Jenny?”
    There was a glint in Nicholas’s eyes. “Let’s just say my intentions are honorable. Where does Jenny live?”
    The kindly doctor smiled. “About two hours east of here. The farm is located on a slope. You can’t miss it. Jenny stays with her ailing father.”
    “Thanks, Doc, I may pay the lady a visit.” Tipping his hat, he moved on to the stables, hoping to catch Jenny before she reached home. He mounted Dexter, a fine chestnut-colored stallion, and rode hard until he caught up with her.
    Jenny pulled Bessie to a halt. Planting her feet firmly on the buckboard, she stood up and rested her hands on her hips.
    “Why are you following me?”
    Nicholas’s deep voice cut into the once peaceful, sunny day now fraught with tension. Jenny’s mouth flew open in protest as he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her from the wagon. He steadied her on her feet.
    “I’ve come to propose to you.”
    “I must be going daft. I distinctly thought you said you were going to propose — ”
    “Be quiet and listen,” he cautioned and released her. Leaving nothing unsaid, he relayed everything about his inheritance. Summing up, he said, “You can see why you are my first choice.”
    “Well, I refuse your offer. How could you expect me to marry you? I don’t know you, and I certainly don’t love you.” She started for the wagon, but Nicholas seized her arm.
    “You don’t understand. I’ve been honest with you, and I need your help. But if you don’t consent to marry me—”
    She raised an eyebrow. “But what?” she demanded to know.
    “Bonita threatened to spread rumors about me sharing your chamber.”
    “What would Bonita have to gain by starting such gossip?” She didn’t expect him to answer. She knew all too well about Bonita’s jealous streak.
    “My father is ill and can’t stand the shock of hearing about such conduct, even if it isn’t true.”
    Concern edged its way into Nicholas’s voice. “The respectable thing for you to do is marry me.”
    “You’re insufferable!”
    “Call me what you will, but I have a contract to honor, and that’s what I’m going to do. After a year, you will be free to go. I’ll compensate you handsomely for your trouble and inconvenience,” he said.
    “You want to pay me for marrying you?” Jenny gasped.
    “It’s not like it sounds. My reason for choosing you is twofold. I know I can take you into my confidence. We will marry to keep your name reputable, and I won’t have to contend with a conniving wife who, at the end of the year, will not divorce me.” A look of disdain came over Jenny as he continued, “I’m convinced that you would be more than willing to release me from a marriage contract. Now do I have your cooperation?”
    Jenny digested his words carefully. “A divorce would crush father worse than the gossip Bonita could spread.”
    He gave her a sympathetic look. “I mean no disrespect, but if your father has health issues, he may not even be living by year’s end? If he is, we will work something out. It is not my intention to hurt any of you.”
    “What about my respectability?”
    “What about your reputation now ?” He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I’ll build a home for you on the plantation or set you up in finery wherever your heart desires.”
    “My heart desires to stay at the farm. P eriod .” He gave her a resolute look, and she knew he wouldn’t relent. She