Bought for Revenge Read Online Free

returning unmarried. It means I can look after my father and be mistress of Oakenroyd. What more could I ask for?’
    Annabelle watched with no small measure of satisfaction as Mrs Kensley blinked and opened her mouth to respond, then closed it again. She was well aware that the widow had prepared any number of sympathetic and patronising comments,but none would be appropriate now. Her father touched her arm.
    ‘My dear, let me present our new neighbour to you.’ Annabelle’s head came up. ‘Mr Monserrat, my daughter, sir.’
    So he was here and looking very different from their previous meeting. In The confines of the Rishworths’ commodious drawing room he looked even larger than she remembered. The superb cut of his black evening coat did nothing to lessen the width of his shoulders, and the snowy whiteness of his cravat and shirt-points accentuated the deep tan of his skin. His hair, black as jet, was brushed back from a face that was more rugged than handsome with heavy brows that gave his aquiline features a rather hawkish look. She could more readily believe him a soldier than a courtier, yet when he made his bow to her she could not fault it.
    ‘We have met,’ he said, not taking his eyes from her. ‘I am glad to see you are none the worse for your little tumble, Miss Havenham.’
    ‘Tumble?’ Samuel was immediately on the alert. ‘When was this?’
    She glared at the man, but he met her furious gaze with a bland smile as he replied.
    ‘On Monday last, sir. Miss Havenham had the misfortune to come off her horse and I was able to assist her.’
    Mrs Kensley tittered. ‘Have I not always said that big horse is no mount for a lady?’
    Her remark was ignored. Mr Havenham turned a frowning look upon Annabelle.
    ‘My dear child, you said nothing of this to me.’
    ‘Because it was of so little importance, Papa.’
    ‘But you did not tell me you had met Mr Monserrat.’
    ‘We were not introduced,’ she explained, keeping her voice cool. ‘And he merely helped me back into the saddle.’
    ‘Oh, my love, have I not said you should take your groom when you are out riding?’
    Her tormentor nodded. ‘Let me add my entreaties to your father’s, Miss Havenham. You can never be sure what dangers you might meet in the woods.’
    She almost gasped at his impertinence, but contented herself with a swift, angry glance as she addressed her father. ‘You have, sir, and in future I shall make sure I am always accompanied.’
    Mrs Kensley was watching the interchange closely. She gave a little cough to remind everyone of her presence.
    ‘Perhaps you should consider selling such a dangerous brute, Mr Havenham,’ she suggested. ‘That would save you a deal of worry.’
    Annabelle felt her temper rising, but support came from a surprising quarter.
    ‘Oh, I doubt that,’ remarked Mr Monserrat. ‘I suspect the lady would be a most uncomfortable companion if she was obliged to give up her riding.’
    ‘You are very right, sir. My poor father would soon be at his wits’ end with me. No, Mrs Kensley, it will be a sad day indeed when I am forced to part with Apollo.’
    With a tight little smile she led her father away, muttering under her breath, ‘Insufferable woman! She delights in our troubles.’
    Her father patted her arm. ‘Hush now, Belle. People are bound to talk about our economies. We must bear it as best we can. It will soon pass, when there is more fruitful gossip to be had.’
    ‘You are right, Father, and I beg your pardon. I am not as forbearing as you.’
    ‘You are young, my love, and impatient of adversity. These little setbacks happen and there are always those who will revel in others’ misfortune. We will smile and show them it is a small matter.’
    ‘Always so kind, Papa, always so gentle. I will try to learn from your example.’
    ‘You are a good girl, Belle.’ He patted her cheek. ‘Now, let me sit by the fire with my old friends while you go and enjoy yourself with the younger