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

mother-in-law . . .”
    He waved that away with a gesture of a rather beautiful hand. “This marriage will be very advantageous to you. You will become Viscountess Dauntry and have all the wealth and privilege that entails. As husband, I will do my best not to distress you in any way, as long as you do the same for me.”
    There was a subtle threat in that, but one she understood. She wasn’t to object to his absence or anything he did when away. That would be no challenge. She could imagine the kind of mistress this man would have, and the woman was welcome to him, as long as his peccadilloes took place far from her.
    Peccadilloes.
    Petty sins.
    She didn’t think Viscount Dauntry did anything in a petty way, but she’d be insane to refuse this opportunity, and the longer he waited patiently, the more she believed in his disinterested control.
    She spoke before she lost courage. “I accept your offer, my lord.”
    â€œAnd your mother-in-law?”
    She blushed for the deception. “As you implied, by coming here, I’d already decided not to be ruled by her concerns. If she’s distressed, I truly regret that, but I can’t live in mourning forever.”
    â€œGrief can be a consuming emotion, but the grieving are generally able to see sense. A love match might wound her, but I won’t replace her son in that way. I suggest that you write to her and explain my predicament, presenting the marriage as a practical and charitable act.”
    â€œThat’s cunning.”
    â€œYou see my attempt to ease her mind as a fault?”
    In a way, Kitty did. It was as if he were moving pieces on a chessboard, but she could see how it might work. She’d prefer not to add to Lady Cateril’s pain.
    â€œYou could also claim to need a purpose in life,” he suggested.
    How had he guessed that would weigh with her mother-in-law?
    â€œI’ll write the letter,” she said.
    â€œGood. Shall we marry tomorrow?”
    â€œTomorrow!”
    â€œI’ve already acquired a license.”
    She took a step back. “You were so sure of me, sir?”
    â€œMy dear lady, for a few shillings I could be prepared. That is all. Mrs. Lulworth supplied all the necessary information.”
    It was completely logical, but what sort of person did such a thing?
    â€œI would prefer to wait.”
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œFor Lord and Lady Cateril’s blessing! If I write as you suggest, to marry before they even receive the letter would make any hint of consulting them hollow.”
    His lids lowered slightly, just maybe because she’dtrumped his ace. She was hard put not to grin. She might be falling in with his plans, but she’d relish preventing him having it all his own sleek and dauntless way.
    If there had been annoyance, it was masked. “Then will it suit you to marry in a week?”
    Kitty would prefer a month, but she could find no reasonable objection. Over a week she’d get to know him better and be able to truly settle her mind. There would still be the possibility of retreat.
    â€œIt will, my lord.”
    He bowed, she curtsied, and then he left.
    Ruth rushed in. “Well?”
    â€œPerhaps.” Kitty sat on the sofa before her legs failed her.
    â€œWhy only perhaps?”
    â€œAnything could happen in a week.”
    â€œYou’re to marry in a week?” Ruth said, delighted. “What a tease you are!”
    â€œNot so fast.” Kitty explained about the letter to Lady Cateril. “I’m not sure what I’ll do if she responds with anguish or fury.”
    It was a lie. Her doubts were internal. Until the vows were said, she could still back out and she might very well want to.
    Ruth sat beside her. “You can’t return to Cateril Manor, Kitty. You can’t let Lady Cateril chain you in that way.”
    â€œThat’s what he said. Is he always so impenetrable?”
    â€œDo you not like