Read Online The American Bride by Karla Darcy - Free Book Online

looked down at the girl in her lap, wanting to hug away all the hurts. "I don't know, Belin. I honestly don't."
    Red-rimmed eyes stared into Cara's blue-green ones. Used to ridicule and evasions, the little girl recognized the truth in her governess' reply. Belin blinked, accepting the fact that Cara did not know the answers to some questions and childlike, skipped to another subject.
    "Does that mean I can swim?"
    "No. Unless you've practiced you won't be able to swim. And by the looks of you, young lady, I don't think you've been near very much water."
    "If I'm dirty, no one looks at my hands." The streaked face was wreathed in an enchanting smile and Cara hugged her impulsively.
    "So that's your game, is it?" Cara beamed at the girl whose smile transformed her. "I have a proposition for you. If you take a bath and wash your hair tomorrow, I'll teach you both to swim. Is it a bargain?"
    Belin hugged Cara for an answer and Richard whooped with delight. The remainder of the evening passed quickly with tales of princes, warriors and other stories culled from Cara's memory of her own childhood.
    After the children left for bed Cara changed into her nightgown but found she was too restless to sleep. She rummaged in the wardrobe, groaning at the atrocious plaid woolen robe she found among her acquired wardrobe. Cara belted the bulky material around her waist trying not to trip on the hem which dragged on the floor as she walked barefoot into the schoolroom. Prodding the dying fire with a poker, Cara sighed as the flames rekindled and the heat fought off the chill of the room. Pacing to the windows she smiled at her reflection in the darkened panes. The lacy nightcap looked ludicrous with the serviceable plaid robe. Cara promised herself when she returned to her grandmother's she would burn the offending article.
    The hallway door opened sending the flames shooting up in the fireplace. Gasping in fright, Cara swung around as Julian strode across the threshold. Clutching the robe at her throat, she pressed against the windows, her heart pounding as her husband stalked toward her. Cara closed her eyes to shut out the huge figure looming in front of her.
    Bracing herself she waited for the assault.
    "I am not here to ravish you, Miss Farraday," Julian snapped, offended by the fear on the girl's face. "I've never had a penchant for plaid."
    Stiffening at the insult, Cara drew herself up and stared coldly at Julian's raised eyebrow. "One should never mock those less fortunate."
    "Hah!" Julian snorted. He averted his eyes as though unable to look at the atrocious garment.
    "You shouldn't be here, Lord Wilton."
    "I was passing by."
    "Really, your lordship? Looking for the children, no doubt?"
    "All right. All right. I came to apologize," Julian muttered under his breath.
    Cara had to smile at his peeved tone of voice. It was obvious that her husband was unused to apologizing for his behavior. Yet despite her gratification at his words, she still felt anger.
    "When I took the position as governess I did not suspect that I would be subjected to such insults, Lord Wilton," Cara accused.
    "I assure you, Miss Farraday, that your sensibilities will not be further enraged. Put it down to a touch of the sun and the uncontrolled lusts of a gentleman."
    It was Cara's turn to snort with amusement. Although Julian's apology was laced with sarcasm, she did sense embarrassment behind the taunting words. Straightening her spine, Cara prepared to be gracious.
    "I think it will be best for us to start over, Lord Wilton. The encounter in the woods never happened."
    "I have already forgotten it," Julian replied, his voice filled with indifference.
    Cara was surprised when she felt a sharp pang of regret at his words. She chided herself, remembering that Julian's behavior was insulting at best, adulterous at worst.
    "Is there anything else, Lord Wilton?"
    "My man Craten recommended Barrett," Julian said to Cara's total mystification.
    "Recommended him for