Read Online The Perfect Mistress by Victoria Alexander - Free Book Online

teasing me! Good God! Are you ill? Dying?”
    He chuckled. “I have never felt better.”
    She stared at him for a moment then her eyes widened and she sucked in a sharp breath. “God help us all, you like her!”
    “Who,” he said innocently although he knew full well who she meant.
    “Julia!”
    “Nonsense. I find her even more annoying than I find you.” He scoffed. “Granted, she is quite beautiful if one likes all that angelic hair and flashing emerald eyes.”
    Veronica’s brow rose. “Angelic hair? Emerald eyes?”
    “It’s a description, Veronica.” He shrugged. “Nothing more than that.” He paused. “She looked vulnerable and weary though, as if she was bearing a great burden.”
    “She is.”
    “As a gentleman I naturally feel an urge to protect those weaker than myself.”
    “Make no mistake, she is not weak.”
    “No, I did notice that.” He forced a casual note to his voice. “What kinds of traits does she like in a gentleman? I assume women talk about such things.”
    Veronica’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “If you don’t like her, why do you want to know?”
    “If I am to be as charming as possible, knowing the kind of man she likes would be most beneficial.”
    “If you are to be as charming as possible, you shall have to change your manner. You shall have to be far less stuffy and much more pleasant and friendly. You should also try not to be quite so dignified every minute.”
    He started to respond then realized she was probably right. “I can do that.”
    “We shall see.” Veronica studied him closely. “She likes men who have a sense of humor.”
    “I have a sense of humor.”
    Veronica scoffed. “Not that I’ve noticed.”
    “What else?”
    “She prefers men who appreciate her mind as well as her appearance.”
    “Yes, she would, wouldn’t she?” He thought for a moment. “Is she dreadfully intelligent?”
    Amusement twinkled in Veronica’s eyes but her tone was somber. “Dreadfully.”
    “That can’t be helped, I suppose.” He nodded. “Anything else?”
    “She likes what all women like. Consideration, thoughtfulness, a man who will worship the very ground she walks on. Who could not bear to live if she was not in his life. A man who would sacrifice what he wants most for her.”
    He stared. “You sound like you’re reading from a romantic novel.”
    “You asked what women want and there you have it.” She shrugged. “For most women, such a man is only found between the pages of a novel. They are forced to settle for far less. For some of us however …” She drew a deep breath. “I found all that with Charles. And should I ever find it again, I shall snatch the poor man up before he can take so much as a single breath.” She cast him a wry smile. “Although I have no desire to marry again.”
    “Nonsense, all women wish to be married,” he said staunchly. “You are still young and quite lovely. If it were not for—” He caught himself.
    “For my independent, stubborn nature?” She laughed. “Yes, well, that is a hindrance. But one never knows what might transpire in life.”
    “I suppose not.” He chuckled.
    She stared at him then shook her head as if to clear it. “Harrison, I swear on my mother’s grave I have seen you smile more today than I have in the entire seven years I have known you.”
    “My apologies for that, Veronica. I shall endeavor to be more …” He searched for the right word. “Amusing in the future.”
    “That will be interesting.” She considered him for a moment. “Julia is not what you are looking for in a wife.”
    “Most certainly not. You have already said we would not suit.”
    “It bears repeating.” She paused. “Of course, marriage would be one way to get legitimate possession of the memoirs.”
    “But as much as I am willing to pay.” Harrison shook his head. “That price is entirely too high.”
    They discussed the details of Veronica’s dinner for a few minutes more before Harrison took