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

he?”
    She didn’t answer him. She kept her gaze on her lap. Colin suddenly felt like a cad because he had disappointed her. Hell, he thought to himself. He wasn’t making any sense.
    â€œAlesandra, this bargain you made with my father surely involved a profit. How much was it?”
    He let out a low whistle after she told him the exact amount. He leaned back against the mantel and shook his head. He was furious with his father now. “Well, by God, you aren’t going to be disappointed. If he promised you a near fortune, then he’s going to pay. You kept your part of the bargain . . .”
    She raised one hand for silence, unconsciously mimicking the mother superior’s behavior.
    Colin obeyed without even realizing it. “You misunderstand, sir. Your father didn’t promise me anything. I promised him. He wouldn’t accept my bargain, however, and was in fact appalled I even suggested paying for a husband.”
    Colin laughed again. He was certain she was jesting with him.
    â€œThis isn’t at all humorous, Colin. I must get married in three weeks’ time, and your father is simply helping me. He’s my guardian, after all.”
    Colin needed to sit down. He walked over to the leather chair facing the settee and sprawled out.
    â€œYou’re going to get married in three weeks?”
    â€œYes,” she replied. “And that is why I asked your father’s assistance.”
    â€œAlesandra . . .”
    She waved the notecard in the air. “I asked for assistance in preparing a list.”
    â€œA list of what?”
    â€œSuitable candidates.”
    â€œAnd?” he prodded.
    â€œHe told me to marry you.”
    Colin leaned forward, braced his elbows on his knees, and frowned at her. “Listen carefully,” he ordered. “I’m not marrying you.”
    She immediately reached for the pen. She dipped it into the inkwell, then drew a line across the top of her notecard.
    â€œWhat did you just do?”
    â€œI crossed you off.”
    â€œOff what?”
    She looked exasperated. “My list. Do you happen to know the Earl of Templeton?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIs he a good man?”
    â€œHell, no,” he muttered. “He’s a rake. He used his sister’s dowry to pay off a few of his gambling debts, but he still haunts the tables every night.”
    Alesandra immediately dipped the pen into the inkwell again and scratched through the second name on her list. “It’s peculiar your father didn’t know about the earl’s gambling vice.”
    â€œFather doesn’t go to the clubs anymore.”
    â€œThat would explain it,” she replied. “Heavens, this is turning out to be more difficult than I anticipated.”
    â€œAlesandra, why are you in such a hurry to get married?”
    Her pen was poised in the air. “I beg your pardon?” she asked, her concentration directed on her notecard.
    He repeated his question. “You told me you had to get married in three weeks’ time. I wondered why.”
    â€œThe church,” she explained with a quick nod. “Colin, do you know the Marquess of Townsend perchance? Does he have any horrible vices?”
    His patience was gone. “Put the list down, Alesandra, and start answering my questions. What in God’s name does the church have to do with . . .”
    She interrupted him. “Your mother already reserved it. She made all the other arrangements, too. She’s the most wonderful lady, and heavens, she’s so organized. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding. I do hope you can attend. I’ve decided against a large wedding, much to your parents’ frustration, and settled instead on small and intimate.”
    Colin wondered if his father realized his ward was out of her mind. “Let me get this straight,” he began. “You’ve taken care of all the arrangements without a man to . .