Read Online Loving the Marquess by Suzanna Medeiros - Free Book Online Page B

bristled at her words, but she ignored him. She had
meant her assurances to put her brother and sister at ease, but as she said
them she realized it was the truth. She remembered, again, the kiss she and the
Overlea had shared and her flush deepened. And aside from the fact that he was
a very attractive man, he had shown her and her family great kindness.
    She had approached him for help and his response had far
exceeded her expectations. Rather than merely ensuring her family would
continue to have a roof over their heads, he had decided to provide her with
the means to secure all their futures. It was true that her relationship with
Overlea would be a practical one, but most marriages began in such a manner.
    Their upcoming marriage would also give her what she had
most wanted—a family of her own. She had long ago given up hoping that should
would one day marry and have children, but now that dream was within her grasp.
    She believed she and Overlea would get on well, despite the
niggling doubt that he had not been completely honest with her. Whatever he was
hiding, she would deal with it later. For now, she had to provide for John and
Catherine.
    She turned back to her brother.
    “The marquess can guarantee your entrance into any school
you desire. I’ve already spoken to him and he will see to it that you are able
to attend Oxford.”
    John said nothing, but his arms were crossed and his
expression mutinous. Louisa didn’t miss, however, the brief flicker of longing
that had crossed his face at her words. Oh yes, she was definitely doing the
right thing.
    She turned back to her sister. “I have already set the table
and dinner should be ready. Could you see to it while I speak to John alone for
a moment?”
    Catherine cast a doubtful glance in John’s direction, but
she shrugged and headed into the kitchen with a soft “good luck” meant only for
Louisa’s ears. When she was gone, Louisa led John to the sitting room and closed
the door.
    “You have already put off your education because of Papa’s
passing, and as you pointed out, you don’t want to leave us to fend for
ourselves. Now there is nothing to keep you from continuing your education.”
    “The price is too high,” he said.
    “I am old enough to know what I’m doing and you know I have
always been a good judge of character. If I had any reservations at all I would
never have accepted Overlea’s proposal.”
    “You cannot be serious. You barely know the man.”
    She tried a different approach. “Have you not thought about
Catherine?”
    “What does she have to do with this?”
    “You know the guilt she carries. She has always blamed
herself for Mama’s death.”
    “Catherine is a child. Father is the one to blame for his
actions. He didn’t have to drink himself into the ground and gamble away the
house and estate.”
    “How long do you think it will be before she throws herself
at some man who she believes will save us? She is seventeen and I’ve seen the
way some of the men in the village look at her.”
    The color drained from her brother’s face and he clenched
his fists.
    “I will kill anyone who attempts to take advantage of her.”
    “The best course of action—nay, the only course of action—is
the one I have chosen. Once we have Overlea’s protection, Catherine’s guilt
will ease.”
    “And what of you? How are your actions any different from
what you fear she might do?”
    She couldn’t believe how stubborn her brother was being.
    “Overlea isn’t taking advantage of me. I am no fool, John.
He needs a wife and an heir and for whatever reason he has settled on me. Ours
will be a respectable union and no different from the marriage arrangements
that are often made between families.”
    “I still don’t approve,” John said.
    Louisa sighed. It was clear her brother was determined not
to be swayed.
    “Everything will work out. Overlea will be paying us a call
tomorrow to discuss the details of the marriage contract.