Read Online Heiress in Love by Christina Brooke - Free Book Online Page B

not impressed.”
    The corner of his mouth lifted. “And yet, here you are.”
    He let his gaze wander over her, which she supposed was only fair as she’d just ogled him shamelessly.
    The glittering regard of those deep green eyes made her feel hot and uncomfortable and more than a little defensive. She itched to cross her arms over her bosom, even though her gown was made up high at the throat. She was half convinced he could see through her layers of clothing to her naked form beneath. He’d tell her what color garters she wore, if only she gave him the chance.
    Her face aflame, Jane hurried into speech. “I need to speak with you on a matter of some import, my lord.”
    “Strange place to choose.”
    “Neutral territory.” She’d selected the chapel because it was the most prosaic atmosphere she could think of. Yet, as soon as he’d entered it, the air of the place hummed with tension. Her senses heightened. The strangest imaginings danced through her head.
    Lord, he was like a perambulating furnace—he took this heat with him wherever he went, filled the room with it. They could meet in a factoring house or a lawyer’s office or … or a cow byre, and still there would be this charge between them.
    She forced herself to say something instead of standing there like a dunce. “I need to speak with you privately before my—before the Duke of Montford does. I might not have the chance tomorrow.”
    Everyone knew Town beaux didn’t rise before noon. Montford required her presence after breakfast. By the time she cornered Constantine Black, the duke would have settled her fate, allowing her no room to maneuver.
    Jane twisted her hands together and raised her gaze to his face. “Frederick left the estate in an awful mess.”
    “I don’t see how you are disadvantaged by inheriting a fortune.” Constantine folded his arms and leaned back against a marble pillar.
    “Don’t you?” she said dryly. “Then you don’t know my family.”
    “I know enough.” More than he wished to, from the dourness of his tone.
    She narrowed her eyes at him, but decided to let the comment pass. After all, she needed his cooperation, didn’t she?
    “We shouldn’t be alone like this, you know,” he commented. “What if the duke were to come down to say his prayers?”
    She snorted. “Montford has no need for prayers. He thinks he is God, after all. In any case, I believe my reputation can withstand a moment’s conversation with my husband’s cousin.”
    “By God, aren’t you trusting?” He glanced around, and the gold thread in his dressing gown flashed as he moved. “If I were half as black as I’m painted, the surroundings wouldn’t stop me from seducing you.”
    In spite of her resolve not to let him intimidate her, Jane’s breathing quickened. Her heart missed a beat, then jumped into her throat.
    After a slight struggle, she managed to curl her lip. “Idle threats, my lord. I’m not afraid of you.”
    “Ah, but that was not a threat.” His lips curved as his gaze ran over her. “It was more in the nature of a speculation.”
    What on earth could he mean by that remark? The amusement in his expression told her she’d be better off not finding out.
    Jane fought to focus her mind on her original purpose. “The way the estate has been divided puts us both in a terrible position. My family thinks the only course is for us to wed.”
    She waited, but he made no comment. He wouldn’t make this easy for her. She gripped her hands together. “I’m to meet with the Duke of Montford tomorrow to discuss the matter.”
    At first, she’d been terrified the duke would require her to marry Constantine Black. Now, she was equally terrified he’d have other plans for her. She could never consent to leave Luke behind but the duke wouldn’t understand that. His objective was solely to increase the wealth and power of the Westruther family. Why should he care about one small boy?
    She eyed Constantine, but again, the