Read Online Lisa Bingham by The Other Groom - Free Book Online Page B

void. Since you have become privy to my financial information, I’m sure that you will appreciate the fact that I am more than able to make my own decisions concerning my safety and that of my stepdaughter.”
    She held up a hand when he would have spoken. “Please, there’s no reason to argue the point or to insist that you must see your term of employment to its planned termination. Take whatever monies you have received with my gratitude and consider it your due in having the arrangements abruptly canceled. I am more than happy to forfeit your wages.”
    Clutching Bitsy to her chest, she regarded him regally, finally feeling as if she really were a marquess. “As for me, I’ve had a long day. I’m sure you’ll understand if I don’t see you out. I plan to retire to my room for the rest of the day, so you may collect your things—” she stared pointedly at the dusty saddle “—and be on your way.” Unable to resist, she added with utmost dignity, “God bless, and Godspeed.”
    With that parting shot, she escaped into her bedroom and closed the door. Unfortunately, the sight of the damaged panels brought back far too many memories—the caress of John’s fingers as he’d soothed her bruised hip, the infinite gentleness as he’d bathed her hands.
    His touch.
    His kiss.
    His taste.
    Stop it!
    But even as she inwardly castigated herself for being a fool, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.
    As well as a stronger wave of longing.
    Dear sweet heaven above, had she totally lost all reason? This man was nothing to her, nothing. She’d known him for less than a day.
    And yet…
    From that first glance, the man had pulled her instinctively to him, as if she were a fly being lured into a spider’s web.
    Setting Bitsy on the floor, Louisa pulled the pins from her hair. She shook the tresses free, needing to free herself from the tight restraints, hoping it would ease the pounding of her head and the absurd aching of her heart.
    Wishing to be alone, she didn’t bother to summon Chloe from the neighboring room. Instead, she wriggled from her jacket and skirt and eased her shoes from her feet. Then, after dipping a cloth into the cool water in her washbasin, she stretched out on the bed, laying the damp square over her forehead.
    Almost as soon as her head touched the pillow, she heard Bitsy’s nails scrabbling against the polished floorboards, then felt a jarring sensation as the dog jumped onto the bed. Within seconds, the dog’s wet nose pressed against her cheek, the tiny, furry body wriggling against her with open adoration.
    Louisa felt a lightening of her mood. She’d never had a pet before, let alone something that was bred for little else than feminine appeal. The dog was small, scarcely the size of a glove box, and covered with long, fine fur the consistency of silk sewing floss. With huge dark eyes and a stubby tail, she resembled a winter muff.
    Despite her small size, there was nothing lacking in the animal’s devotion. For the past week, she had been Louisa’s constant companion—and as such, she had been privy to many of Louisa’s secrets. Today she had discovered the dog had a loyal streak, as well.
    “So, Bitsy,” she whispered. “You won’t have a daddy, after all. Are you disappointed?”
    Seeming to understand the question, Bitsy tilted her head to the side as if she were considering the idea. Then her whole body shook as she wagged her tail.
    Louisa grinned. “I must admit, I’m not too disappointed myself. Especially since he’s made me rich.” Her voice lowered even more as if she were afraid to admit the fact out loud. “Is it wrong of me to accept the inheritance, Bitsy?”
    The dog offered a short yap and pawed at the bedcovers in something akin to delight.
    “I suppose that someone else might have told Mr. Pritchard the truth.” Louisa sighed. “But what else could I do?”
    Closing her eyes, she cuddled Bitsy close, drawing strength from the dog’s