Read Online Simply Voracious by Kate Pearce - Free Book Online Page B

house. He’d sally forth to his club tonight and see if Wesley was there and willing to put up with him for a few weeks. At least in the countryside he could legally murder a few things without anyone realizing how fraught his temper was, or fearing for their own lives.
    He sat down by the fire and stared into its glowing depths. Although they’d been aware of each other for years, it wasn’t as if he and Paul had been lovers for long. Con wished he’d spoken up sooner, taken Paul away from Gabriel when it had become clear to everyone that Gabriel no longer wanted Paul. They might have had years of happiness together. He had no intention of marrying again, so a relationship with Paul would have suited him quite nicely, until Paul had decided to wed . . .
    Not that he could fault Paul. Honor was an important element of every man’s life and much undervalued in Con’s book. Honor prevented him from marrying again, despite the interest of the ton ’s females. Con sat back as Gregor arranged a table in front of him and placed a covered tray on it.
    “Enjoy your dinner, sir. Will you require anything else this evening, sir?”
    “Just a bottle of the burgundy. I’ll be going out. Don’t wait up for me.”
    “As you wish, sir.” Gregor paused. “Should I be expecting any visitors tonight?”
    “No, Gregor. Not tonight.”
    Gregor brought the wine and then withdrew, leaving Con staring down at his suddenly unappetizing plate of food. Paul had taken to dropping in at all times of the day to snatch a moment with Con. His lodgings were going to seem unbearably empty now. Con’s gut twisted, and he pushed the tray of food away. He needed to get out of London until Paul was married and unavailable.
     
    “Mama, I know that you are excited about the prospect of my marrying Paul, but could you please listen to me?” Lucinda said loudly.
    After their celebratory family dinner, her mother had bidden Paul a fond farewell and followed her daughter upstairs to her bedroom. Lucky already had a headache, and her mother’s happy exuberance was not making her feel any better. Every time she opened her mouth she felt like she was deceiving her parents and Paul anew.
    Paul had been magnificent during dinner, holding her hand and smiling down at her as if she truly were the woman he adored and wanted to marry. He’d also deflected most of her mother’s questions as to the progress of their romance, suggesting adroitly that his regard for Lucky had simply grown through the years until he had been unable to deny his feelings for her.
    “Lucinda.” Her mother sat down on the bed and patted the space beside her, her smile disappearing. “I am listening to you. I don’t understand why you have agreed to marry Paul at all.”
    Lucky stared at her mother. “What?”
    “I’m not stupid, my dear. Did you think to please your father?”
    Lucky shook her head. “No, it wasn’t like that at all. I . . .”
    “Then why?” Her mother frowned. “Paul is a lovely man, and I know he will take good care of you and the estate, but why have you settled for him? I always thought you more adventurous than that.”
    Lucky sat down next to her mother and took her hand. She had to see this through. She had to find the strength to convince her mother that she was happy with her choice, for all their sakes.
    “I don’t think I’m settling, Mama. Paul is wonderful.”
    Something flickered in her mother’s eyes. “Paul is not as sweet and uncomplicated as he might seem.”
    “What man is?” Lucky answered. “At least we are good friends and intend to discuss all these potential problems before we go ahead with the marriage.”
    Her mother sighed. “Make sure you do. I would hate for you to be miserable in your marriage.”
    Lucky forced a laugh. “I don’t think Paul would ever want to make me miserable. He’s always been so kind to me.”
    “That is true. I just hope you make the right decision, my love.”
    Lucky kissed her