Read Online Castles by Julie Garwood - Free Book Online

under control. Or his temper. She could feel herself blushing over his close scrutiny, then realized she was being just as rude scrutinizing him.
    He was a difficult man not to notice. He was so attractive. He had a hard, fit body. He was dressed in fawn-colored riding buckskins, polished brown high boots, and a sparkling white shirt. His personality came through in the way he wore his apparel, she decided, because Colin had left the top button of his shirt undone, and he wasn’t wearing one of those awful starched cravats. He was obviously a bit of a rebel who lived in a society of conservatives. His hair wasn’t at all fashionable. It was quite long—shoulder length at least, she guessed—although she couldn’t tell the exact length because he had it secured behind his neck with a leather thong. Colin was definitely an independent man. He was tall, muscular in both shoulders and thighs, and he reminded Alesandra of one of those fierce-looking frontiersmen she’d seen charcoal sketches of in the dailies. Colin was wonderfully handsome, yes, but weathered-looking too. What saved him from being unapproachable, she decided, was the warmth of his smile when he was amused.
    He wasn’t amused now.
    â€œCome in and sit down, Alesandra. We have to talk.”
    â€œCertainly,” she immediately replied.
    Flannaghan suddenly appeared at her side. He took hold of her elbow to assist her across the room. “That isn’t necessary,” Colin called out. “Alesandra can walk without assistance.”
    â€œBut she’s a princess,” Flannaghan reminded his employer. “We must show her every courtesy.”
    Colin’s glare told the butler to cease his comments. Flannaghan reluctantly let go of Alesandra.
    He looked crushed. Alesandra immediately tried to soothe his injured feelings. “You’re a very thoughtful man, Flannaghan,” she praised.
    The butler immediately latched on to her elbow again. She let him guide her over to the brocaded settee. Once she was seated, Flannaghan knelt down and tried to smooth her skirts for her. She wouldn’t allow his help.
    â€œIs there anything more you require, Princess?” he asked. “Cook will have your breakfast ready in just a few more minutes,” he added with a nod. “Would you care for a cup of chocolate while you wait?”
    â€œNo, thank you,” she replied. “I do need a pen and inkwell,” she added. “Would you be kind enough to fetch them for me?”
    Flannaghan ran out of the salon to see to the errand.
    â€œI’m surprised he didn’t genuflect,” Colin drawled out.
    His jest made her smile. “You’re fortunate to have such a kindhearted servant, Colin.”
    He didn’t reply. Flannaghan came rushing back inside with the items she requested. He placed the pen and inkwell on a narrow side table, then picked up the table and carried it over to her.
    She thanked him, of course, and that bit of praise made him blush with pleasure.
    â€œClose the doors behind you, Flannaghan,” Colin ordered. “I don’t want to be interrupted.”
    He was sounding irritated again. Alesandra let out a little sigh. Colin wasn’t a very accommodating man.
    She turned her full attention to her host. “I’ve upset you. I really am sorry . . .”
    He wouldn’t let her finish her apology. “You haven’t upset me,” he snapped.
    She would have laughed if she’d been alone. The man was upset, and that was that. His jaw was clenched, and if that wasn’t a giveaway to his true feelings, she didn’t know what was.
    â€œI see,” she agreed just to placate him.
    â€œHowever,” he began in a clipped, no-nonsense tone of voice, “I believe we should settle a few pertinent issues here and now. Why in heaven’s name did you think I would marry you?”
    â€œYour father said you would.”
    He didn’t even