Read Online Creighton Manor by Karen Michelle Nutt - Free Book Online

glad to make you an entire wardrobe. Zachary can afford it. I hate to admit it, but unlike his father, he is a successful gambler.”
    “Lotti, I will take care of Gillian’s wardrobe, but we don’t want a reception,” Zachary protested. “Please honor my—”
    A thunderous knock at the front door interrupted him. “If you’ll excuse me.” He reluctantly left the room to answer it.
    Gillian recognized who it was by his voice before he came sauntering into the room. He immediately went over to Lotti and took her hand , planting a kiss on it. “Lotti, it is so good to see you again .”
    “Ellery, you handsome devil.”
    “Now, now Lotti …” He turned toward Gillian. He was about to take her hand, but he caught Zachary’s scowl and thought better of it. He rubbed his jaw obviously remembering what happened yesterday when he kissed her. He feigned tipping an imaginary hat with a bow. “It is good to see you again, Gillian. I do hope your firs t night as a married woman went reasonably well?”
    “It did.” Zachary moved beside his friend and gave Gillian a warning look to not to say anything to the contrary.
    She smiled sweetly. “Zachary was very attentive, thank you.”
    “Too bad.” Ellery sounded wounded. “I was hoping you had tired of Zachary and would want to run away with me.”
    Lotti tapped Ellery lightly on the foot with her cane. “You have not changed a bit, Ellery Livingston, still chasing after another man’s wife. It is a good thing that you are a lawyer so you can defend yourself from your unsavory deeds.” She teased but Gillian would bet there was a bit of the truth there too.
    He put his hand over his heart pretending to be offended. “You hurt me to the core.”
    “Oh, get on with you.” She waived her hand at him. “But, since you are here, perhaps you can convince these two to have a reception. Both seem reluctant about announcing their marriage.”
    Ellery met Zachary’s gaze then hers. The man knew they wished to avoid the unwanted publicity, but his smile turned into a mischievous grin. Gillian knew they were doomed. “You must have a reception, or are you afraid of what Violet will do once she finds out she h as been jilted? ”
    “Peugh!” Lotti nearly snorted. “That girl is not worth mentioning.”
    Gillian’s gaze landed on Zachary. His nervous stance and furrowed brows told her Violet meant something to him, s omeone important in his life. His eyes narrowed, giving the impression he’d like to strangle Ellery for even mentioning her name. Oh, she couldn’t let this go.
    “Who is Violet, honey?” Gillian’s voice dripped sweet like honey, but she made sure she shot Zachary a withering glance.
    Ellery willingly volunteered Zachary’s involvement with Violet. “Oh Zach, you can’t have secrets from your wife,” he jibed.
    “How come you seem to know all about being married when you have never been married yourself?” Zachary snapped back.
    “Gillian, I’ll tell you.” Ellery refused to be put off . “Violet was Zachary’s fiancée … before you that is. Hmm.” He tapped his chin. “Interesting. It seems Zachary has a thing for redheads.”
    Lotti harrumphed. “Gillian’s hair is auburn. Violet ’ s hair looks like it’s about to burst into flames.”
    Ellery chuckled. “Matches that fiery temper of hers, I’d say.”
    Gillian only half listened now as she recognized the dilemma. If Violet had been Zachary’s fiancée before they were married, then she was still promised to him. “Violet was your fiancée?” Gillian asked. A million emotions swept down on her. One felt disturbingly like jealousy. Gillian didn’t like it. What right did she have to be envious? She didn’t have time to dwell on it, Lotti fussed, while making excuses for her grandson.
    “Now, now, don’t worry about Violet Ellsworth, dear. She will have to get over the fact that Zachary has found his soul mate.” Lotti patted Gillian’s hand. “Violet had grand ideas