The Husband List -2 Read Online Free Page A

The Husband List -2
Book: The Husband List -2 Read Online Free
Author: Victoria Alexander
Tags: Historical
Pages:
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choices?”
    “There you have me,” he said under his breath.
    “No way, save marriage, to improve your lot?” Frustration rang in her voice. “A woman without money in this world can accomplish little of worth. And, worse, she has no way to help others accomplish anything. Oh, I can have my salons, such entertainments are fairly inexpensive you know, and introduce artists and writers to potential patrons, but I haven’t the funds to help them myself.”
    “Like Lady Forester helps?”
    She pulled up short and stared. Then, without warning, she burst into laughter. “That was not what I had in mind.”
    “Thank God,” he said wryly. “So you want to be a patron?”
    “Not exactly.”
    “Then what?”
    She shook her head. “I’m not entirely sure. At the moment, it’s little more than a vague, elusive idea. And rather too ill-formed to mention.”
    “Tell me anyway.” He stepped to her side. Her scent, a vague, provocative mix of subtle florals and spice, wafted around him, and his stomach tightened.
    She stared up at him as if deciding whether or not he was worthy of her trust. “It’s far-fetched, probably impossible, and very likely more than a little foolish.”
    “I’m well acquainted with foolish ideas.”
    “Then perhaps I will tell you in time.” A teasing smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “When we’re married.”
    Richard cupped her chin between his thumb and forefinger and gazed into her blue eyes. “I will not marry a woman who does not want me in her bed. I will not be a husband in name only. Do you understand?”
    She swallowed hard. “Yes.”
    “Very well, then.” Once again he resisted the urge to kiss her. To seal their agreement. And perhaps their fate. He stepped away. “I will call on you soon with my decision.”
    She nodded silently, a bemused expression on her face.
    He turned and strode out of the room and out of the house, not slowing his pace until he was a good block away.
    Blast it all, what was he going to do? If he was half as smart as he’d always thought he was, he would have accepted her proposal at once. He was, of necessity, a practical man, and his hesitation was not at all practical. Her offer was the answer to his prayers. It would solve all his financial problems, ensuring his future and the futures of his sisters.
    In addition, marriage to the daughter of the Duke of Roxborough would go a long way in restoring the respectability of his title and his family name. Certainly his own actions in the last few years had started that process, but restoring the honor of the earls of Shelbrooke was as arduous a process as restoring their fortune.
    What in the name of all that’s holy had possessed him? What stubborn and previously unknown facet of his personality could explain his idiotic disregard of six hundred thousand pounds, eight ships, more or less, and a great deal of land in America?
    Was the idea of that kind of marriage so repugnant? And in truth, would it be that kind of marriage for long? He’d never had a great deal of trouble gaining the affections of women in the past, although admittedly his skills were a bit rusty. Still, once wed, affection would certainly follow. Perhaps even love.
    Love ? Now there was an unsettling idea. Besides, he’d never particularly considered love an integral part of marriage. He’d never particularly considered love at all.
    But desire, that was something he well understood. And he’d known the moment he’d looked into her eyes, that he wanted this woman. And wanted her to want him. They would suit well together.
    It was more than likely pride that held him back. Damnable pride. It was the only thing he still had in abundance. The only thing he hadn’t been forced to rebuild from nothing. And the very thing that had kept him before now from seeking out an heiress with an impressive dowry and substantial income.
    Yet even now he didn’t want to be bought like a prize specimen of cattle purchased only for
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