Read Online His Perfect Game by Jenn Langston - Free Book Online Page B

I’m sure it will be splendid as usual.”
    “It’s the Arctic. I heard she is having large pieces of ice transported here for the event.”
    “Brianna will be excited to hear it.”
    “I can imagine. How is your family doing?”
    “Brianna spends all her extra time painting for the show she is determined to have, and Joseph does his best to ensure his mother does not have any free time.”
    “Sounds frustrating.”
    “It is, but by God, it’s wonderful.”
    Greyson was pleased to see his friend’s happy smile, and it made him wonder if he and his betrothed would ever achieve such a state. Immediately he shook off the thought. His marriage would be nothing like Richard’s. The two men’s lives were different, and considering Richard had no need for respect, he had the freedom to select a woman he was compatible with.
    “Tell me about Lady Willimena,” Richard said, interrupting Greyson’s disturbing musings.
    “She is respectable and proper. Her family descends from relations to the crown. Her dowry is sizable, and I have been assured she will give me sons.”
    “From your stunning description, I could not tell if you were speaking of a woman or a piece of horseflesh you plan to purchase. Surely you have something more to add.”
    Greyson did. He could add a number of things about his betrothed, including how she melted in his arms. Or how the vibrant shade of green in her eyes lit with such an intense hope he could hardly breathe with the force of it.
    Instead, he simply shrugged. “What more is there?”
    “More than I can even begin to describe, but we can start with something basic. Is she attractive?”
    “Merely passable,” Greyson lied. Anyone with that level of passion inside her could never be described as anything less than magnificent.
    Once again Greyson thought back to her hair. He wondered what color it could be. Certainly not black. He’d only seen her eyebrows once, when he’d removed those hideous glasses. Unfortunately he could not recall the color, only that they didn’t match her hair.
    “All right.” Richard’s tone held a hint of exasperation. “Then what of her manner? Does she have a favorable disposition?”
    “Well enough.”
    Richard sighed. “Are you intentionally trying to withhold information, or do you truly have no thoughts on her?”
    “What exactly do you want to know?”
    “If there is something, anything, between you two, or if this is a marriage of convenience.”
    “And if it is?”
    Richard put his head back as his jaw clenched, his anger evident, and Greyson could not understand what caused the reaction. Originally he thought his friend had been pleased for him, but he wasn’t sure anymore. Richard obviously held a marriage of convenience in disdain, but Greyson didn’t know why. The majority of marriages were for social standing or property increases as well as various other reasons having nothing to do with the two people who would be impacted the most.
    “You could do so much better. Last Season when I began my search for a bride, I thought as you do. I felt one woman was as good as any other as long as she met my requirements. Every day I wake up next to my wife, I thank God I didn’t settle for someone who met my constraints. You will not have that without the right woman.”
    “Lady Willimena is the right woman. Not only will she help elevate my social standing, but the two of us deal well together.”
    Unusual sparks of anger simmered inside of him, all directed at his friend. He couldn’t understand what brought this about or why he should care. Although he always held Richard’s opinion in high regard, he didn’t need his approval. In fourteen days, Lady Willimena would be his wife and there was nothing anyone could do to prevent it.
    Hours later, Greyson could not get Richard’s words from his head. Did he deserve happiness? Perhaps, but his happiness remained contingent upon gaining respect from his peers. He was doing the right thing