Read Online The Temptation of a Gentleman by Jenna Petersen - Free Book Online

Department over the years, neither one had ever confronted him about the life he lead. It was a subject they all avoided, for both their sakes.
    She folded her arms. “Don’t pretend as if I don’t know what you and Audrey were up to all those years. If you’re here to catch some spy, at least I have a right-”
    “ No spies, Mother. I promise you that,” he interrupted as he took her hands. “I’m here because I’ve neglected Woodbury too long. And you.” He saw the lingering doubt in her eyes.
    She pursed her lips. “If you’re truly here to take up your duties, I’d be happy to arrange for a party in your honor. You’d have the opportunity to meet the country folk and local gentry, as well as do whatever other activities you’re trying to keep from me.”
    Noah laughed at her saucy expression, but was touched by her offer. She loathed a crowd now, it troubled her to be surrounded by people without his father beside her. In life she hadn’t depended on the man for support, but in death she longed for what she’d taken for granted. So did Noah.
    “ We could even invite the Ives family,” his mother continued with a sidelong glance at him. “It’s been some time since I saw Lady Charlotte.”
    The thought of Charlotte coming into his case and his home left him uneasy. The last person he wanted to see was the woman he planned to marry when Marion filled his every thought.
    “ No, no parties right now.” He waved off her suggestion. “If you’d like to host a small event, perhaps we could have a picnic with a few selected families from the shire. There will be plenty of time for parties and balls later.”
    “ Later when you make your offer for Charlotte?”
    Noah stiffened at this second mention of his future bride. How he’d tried to keep her from his mind, her and his blasted promise. It was impossible.
    “ When I return to London at the end of the month I intend to speak with her father,” he admitted.
    Tabitha sighed. “Well, I’m pleased with your choice, of course. There’s nothing unpleasant about the young woman. But as I look into your eyes, I wonder if this is the right decision for you?”
    “ Why would you say that?” Noah’s tone was sharper than he’d intended it to be. His mother’s concerns were valid. Plus, there was that twinge of guilt he felt. He’d been trying his best to forget the other woman existed, let alone that he planned to marry her.
    “ Although I encouraged her to match for other reasons, Audrey found love. And she’s never been so happy or content,” his mother said. Her eyes grew sad when she continued, “But Ginny did as she was told and matched with a man who could bring her the security I thought was so important. She’s miserable and blames us… me for her lot in life. I don’t want another one of my children to make that same mistake.”
    Noah thought briefly of his youngest sister, Ginny. Before his father’s death, his mother had been much more driven to marry her children to mates who would move them forward in Society. Ginny had obeyed, and now was truly miserable with a man who didn’t love her.
    “ I’m certainly not Ginny. And I’m sure I’ll grow to love Marion.” He stopped in horror as he realized he’d said another name instead of his intended’s.
    “ I mean, Charlotte,” he corrected, but his mother’s gaze was already honed in on him and there was a startled look on her face.
    “ Noah…”
    “ I’m sorry.” He set his cup down. “I would love to continue this discussion, but I have something I must do before supper.”
    With that, he walked out on his mother. He heard her call his name one more time as he hurried down the hallway, but strode on. Once he’d reached the front door, he whistled for Phantom to be brought to him. As he rode off, he shook his head. He’d never left his mother like that before. It was wrong. But she said things that hit too close to the mark. Things about marriage. Love.
    Love was