Read Online The Viscount Needs a Wife by Jo Beverley - Free Book Online Page A

for sport. Perhaps we are done?”
    With a silent apology to Ruth, Kitty met him halfway. “We are, my lord. We know this will not do.”
    â€œYou don’t consider yourself blessed by this unexpected opportunity, Mrs. Cateril?”
    â€œI doubt anyone likes to be a fly, my lord. Or toyed with for sport.”
    He nodded in acknowledgment of that jab. “Why will our arrangement not do?”
    Damn him.
He was going to make her say it. “My origins are quite low, and though you didn’t ask, I bring only a pittance to a marriage. On top of that, our encounter yesterday was unfortunate.”
    â€œYour appearance today might have reassured me, ma’am. As might your dog’s obedience. Why is it staring at me?”
    â€œShe stares at people when they upset me in some way.”
    â€œHow very perspicacious.” He looked back at Kitty. “You lived your married life in London?”
    Not a further inquisition.
Kitty gave him the victory and stood. “My lord, have done with this. We cannot marry.”
    He rose smoothly. “Why not?”
    Seeking any reason, Kitty found one. “My mother-in-law could not bear it.”
    At last that disturbed—or at least surprised—His Sleekness. “Why?” he asked.
    Sillikin stepped closer to him. Kitty had no idea what the dog had in mind, but she picked her up to preventmayhem. “My marrying again would offend against my husband’s memory. I wouldn’t want to hurt her.”
    â€œYet you came.”
    â€œTo see Ruth. I apologize for wasting your time, Lord Dauntry, and regret that I cannot oblige you.” She dipped a curtsy. “I hope that won’t affect your relationship with the Lulworths.”
    â€œI’m not so irrational.” He made no move to leave. “Do I understand that you intend to return to your husband’s family and live under a pall for the rest of your life?”
    â€œIt’s a pleasant manor house,” she protested.
    â€œWhere you’ll be compelled to wear the sort of clothing you had on yesterday.”
    â€œYou’d break a mother’s heart without a blink?”
    â€œI’d find a way around the problem.”
    â€œOh, please do!” At her tone, Sillikin yipped, and it was like a call to order. “I apologize, my lord. I shouldn’t sink to squabbling.”
    â€œIf you have done so, so have I, and I never squabble. If the problem of your mother-in-law was swept away, would you consider my offer of marriage?”
    â€œIt can’t be.”
    â€œExtend your imagination, ma’am.”
    He snapped it as a command, so she did. Could she marry this man? Moments ago she’d been sure she couldn’t. That she couldn’t bear him. Now she was reminded of the alternative. So could she marry him?
    His title was almost as perfect a fit as his clothing. He was daunting. Like glass or marble, Lord Dauntry seemed smooth and impenetrable, and clearly that was his nature as well. However, “smooth” and “impenetrable” might also mean
calm
and
controlled
. She wasn’t attracted by such coolness, but she could tolerate it, especially as he intended to spend much of his time in Town.
    Sillikin licked her chin. “You have wisdom to offer?” she asked, then blushed for it. She glanced back at Lord Dauntry but saw no disapproval. She saw nothing she could make sense of. He was waiting as if he would wait forever, and, yes, as if it were a matter of turnips or cabbages.
    â€œWhy?” she asked.
    He didn’t pretend confusion. “I need to make a practical marriage as soon as possible. Apart from occasional lapses and an odd habit of conferring with your dog, you seem a direct, forthright woman who is not easily overwhelmed. Moreover, if you will excuse frankness, you are easily to hand and have the endorsement of Mrs. Lulworth, whom I admire. Why are you hesitant?”
    â€œMy