Read Online Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine by Jayne Fresina - Free Book Online Page A

busy.”
    Henry’s face grew redder with every breath. “I understand you came here with plans to marry my sister. Had you consulted me first, I could have saved you the trouble. Sophia will not marry. I must ask you to forget you ever read that advertisement.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œMy sister is prone to whimsical ideas, all in the purpose of her own amusing sport. The advertisement was merely a result of that same regretful impulse for mischief, which has, in the past, caused us similar trouble. Sophia is a difficult, contrary creature, her temper as changeable as the wind. That advertisement, written in one mood, she now already wishes retracted.”
    A sharp pain stabbed his chest. Lazarus caught his breath, placing his hand over the little bump there. “Why does she not tell me this herself?”
    â€œIt is not fitting for a well-bred lady to speak with a bachelor like yourself, in any matter.” He paused. “I regret you came all this way for naught. You’ve traveled a great distance?”
    Lazarus gave no answer but walked to the window and turned his back to Henry, trying to get his thoughts in order, his temper under control.
    â€œYou were a soldier, Kane?”
    â€œI’ve been many things.” He looked back at the red-faced man, who seemed to inflate further with every angry breath. “The lady changed her mind, is that it? Perhaps I don’t suit her fancy.”
    â€œMy sister has no wish to marry. She’s resigned to spinsterhood.”
    â€œâ€™Tis an odd thing for a young woman like that to be so resigned,” Lazarus replied steadily. “I’ll talk to the lady myself.”
    â€œYou certainly will not approach my sister,” Henry exclaimed, breathless and perspiring. “I warn you to let the matter rest.”
    Lazarus stared at the flagstones under his feet and rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. Every sore muscle in his shoulder heaved then settled. He should have known there’d be trouble. Nothing worth having in life was easy. “I see how it is,” he said finally. “How much do you need to pay off your debts? What will it cost me?”
    â€œYou misunderstand, sir, and willfully, I suspect,” Henry blustered, almost exploding out of his waistcoat.
    â€œOh no, sir , I understand you perfectly.” Lazarus looked up again, smiling slowly. “You’re disinclined to give your sister away for free. Can’t blame you for that. I’ll buy her from you.”
    â€œMy sister is not for sale!”
    â€œShe neglected to mention any price in her advertisement, but I suppose I should’ve known…Well”—Lazarus stroked his chin, assuming a thoughtful pose—“I do like the look of her. Fine bones, bright eyes, good hair, and, I assume, she’s hearty breeding stock, although untried.”
    â€œHow dare you!”
    â€œYes, she’ll suit me very well. I’m not averse to the challenge. If what you tell me of her wayward character is true, the sooner I take her in hand the better.” He laughed, a hollow sound that echoed around the farmhouse.
    â€œIf you persist in this matter, you will regret it!” Henry sputtered.
    â€œBut I want a woman, and she’ll do nicely. You’ve convinced me.”
    â€œI warn you, Kane! You will not lay one finger on my sister, or I’ll call you out.”
    Abruptly, Lazarus stopped laughing, the tendons in his neck and jaw held tight. He’d fought one too many battles in his life and came here to get away from all that, but if this fool continued to push his temper…
    He stretched out his back, slowly and carefully, giving his anger another moment to cool. “As you wish it,” he said quietly. There was no elaboration. He’d let Henry Valentine interpret that however he preferred.
    The man cursed under his breath and almost dropped his cane.
    â€œBehind you is the door, Valentine. You