Read Online Castles by Julie Garwood - Free Book Online Page A

try to hide his exasperation. “I’m a grown man, Alesandra. I make my own decisions.”
    â€œYes, of course you’re a grown man,” she agreed. “But you’ll always be his son, Colin. It’s your duty to do whatever he wants you to do. Sons must obey their fathers, no matter how old they are.”
    â€œThat’s ridiculous.”
    She lifted her shoulders in a dainty shrug. Colin held on to his patience. “I don’t know what kind of bargain you struck with my father, and I’m sorry if he made promises on my behalf, but I want you to understand I have no intention of marrying you.”
    She lowered her gaze to the notecard she held in her hands. “All right,” she agreed.
    Her quick agreement, given in such a casual tone of voice, made him suspicious. “You aren’t angry over my refusal?”
    â€œNo, of course not.”
    She glanced up and smiled. Colin looked confused. “I’m disappointed,” she admitted. “But certainly not angry. I barely know you. It would be unreasonable for me to be angry.”
    â€œExactly,” he agreed with a quick nod. “You don’t know me. Why would you wish to marry me if you . . .”
    â€œI believe I’ve already explained, sir. Your father instructed me to marry you.”
    â€œAlesandra, I want you to understand . . .”
    She wouldn’t let him finish. “I accept your decision, sir.”
    He smiled in spite of himself. Princess Alesandra looked so forlorn.
    â€œYou won’t have any trouble finding someone suitable. You’re a very beautiful woman, Princess.”
    She shrugged. She was obviously unaffected by his compliment.
    â€œI imagine it was difficult for you to ask me,” he began then.
    She straightened her shoulders. “I didn’t ask,” she announced. “I simply explained to you what your father’s primary objective was.”
    â€œHis primary objective?”
    He sounded as though he was laughing at her. She could feel herself blushing with embarrassment. “Do not mock me, sir. This discussion is difficult enough without having you ridicule me.”
    Colin shook his head. His voice was gentle when he spoke again. “I wasn’t mocking you,” he said. “I realize this is difficult for you. I hold my father responsible for both your discomfort and mine. He will not give up on trying to find a wife for me.”
    â€œHe suggested I not say anything at all about marriage to you. He said you tend to develop a rash whenever that word is used in your presence. He wanted me to give you time to get to know me before he explained what he wanted. He thought . . . you might learn to like me.”
    â€œLook, I already like you,” he said. “But I’m not in a position to marry anyone right now. In five years, according to my schedule, I’ll be in a strong financial position and will be able to take a wife.”
    â€œMother Superior would like you, Colin,” Alesandra announced. “She loves schedules. She believes life would be chaotic without them.”
    â€œHow long did you live in this convent?” he asked, anxious to turn the topic away from marriage.
    â€œQuite a while,” she answered. “Colin, I’m sorry, but I can’t wait for you. I really must get married right away. It’s unfortunate,” she added with a sigh. “I believe you would make an acceptable husband.”
    â€œAnd how would you know that?”
    â€œYour father told me so.”
    He did laugh then. He couldn’t help himself. Lord, she was an innocent. He noticed she was clutching the notecard in her hands then and immediately forced himself to stop. She was already embarrassed. His laughter was only adding to her discomfort.
    â€œI’ll talk to my father and save you that ordeal,” he promised. “I know he put these ideas into your head. He can be very convincing, can’t