Read Online Jo Beverly by Winter Fire - Free Book Online Page B

something, and on the whole Genova was relieved not to hear it.
    “Why?”
    “The devil alone knows. Molly must have thought that being found here with me and the baby would finally prove something. She’s demented.”
    “It would seem so, But if that was her plan, why did she flee?”
    “Finally came to her wits?”
    Genova truly felt surrounded by lunatics. “And abandoned her baby on you, even though you insist you are not the father?
That
is to come to her wits?”
    She saw every feature tense. “That baby is not mine.”
    “I cannot believe that.”
    “And I care not one whit.”
    Genova inhaled and tamped down her temper. If he had no shame, she could never win that battle. “To return to more pressing matters, my lord, I cannot marry you.”
    He relaxed and leaned back against the windowsill, gray silk robe loose over his white nightshirt, his elegant feet still bare. A normal human should be cold, but he didn’t look it.
    “Already married?”
    “Of course not. But it’s impossible.”
    “Not strictly speaking.”
    “In all practical senses. My lord, we have no connection at all.”
    “Thalia?”
    “I’m her servant!”
    “Nonsense, but I take your point. We must keep up the pretense for a little while, however.”
    “What? Arrive at Rothgar Abbey as a betrothed couple? It will be around society in days!”
    “It will be around society in days anyway. TessBrokesby is generally known as Tattling Tess. Even if she sewed her lips shut, the urge to tell someone about this would win.”
    Genova put a hand to her mouth. “Dear heaven.”
    He came over and lowered it, quite gently. “No need for dramatics, Miss Smith. A betrothal is not binding before the law. Over a few days at Rothgar Abbey, I’m sure we’ll find occasion to demonstrate that this was a hasty and improvident commitment. Thus, no one will be surprised when you give me my dismissal.”
    I might be
, she thought, dizzied by the mere touch of his hand. It was purely physical, of course, but still powerful as a hurricane. “Everyone will think we anticipated the wedding.”
    “People may wonder, but they’ll have the continued approval of my great-aunts to put in the balance. You may, of course, gain a reputation for passion.”
    “That’s as bad!”
    A smile warmed his eyes, and his thumb brushed her hand. “Not always…”
    She snatched free. “You merely prove my point! I am as good as ruined.”
    “Nonsense. If there are repercussions, Trayce power and influence will brush them away. My word on it, Miss Smith. You will not suffer.”
    He was brushing her concerns away, and she almost spat out her opinion of his word. Wisdom won the battle, however, and she was glad. She must not stir the wolf now, when she felt too vulnerable, too shaken, for the fight. Bitter though it was to admit it, she might need his support to come through this intact.
    “So,” he continued, “we have only to play this game a little, then disengage, preferably in a public and spectacular manner. At least no one will be surprised that I momentarily lost my head over you.”
    “Is that supposed to be flattering, my lord?”
    “I’m known for my fine taste in women.”
    “Lady Booth Carew?” she asked sweetly and, with relish, saw it hit.
    He recovered. “She’s a beauty with a magnificent figure and appealing talents. Come, Miss Smith, you must know you’re an uncommon woman.”
    “But not that my uncommon assets are gold coin in the marriage market.”
    “Talk not of gold, but of fire.” Not touching her, standing feet away from her, he caused heat to flare in her with a look. “Fire to warm. Fire to burn. I kissed you because I wanted to, Miss Smith, and one day, before we so sadly part, you will respond fully to a kiss of mine. My word on it.”
    After a moment, his brows rose. “Is it so impossible to imagine?”
    Thanking heaven that he took her shattered silence for disdain, Genova glared at him. “Only think over your recent