Read Online The Wife He Always Wanted by Cheryl Ann Smith - Free Book Online

to the feminine side of her.
    Gabriel appealed to the feminine side of her.
    Dare she imagine he could someday become fond of her? Was there a chance she might both solve the mystery of Father’s death and remain in London, with him?
    She ran her hand over the borrowed dress. The fabric was kitten-soft under her touch. Her mind went to balls, parties, and dancing in Gabriel’s arms.
    When she’d seen him as a way to get to London, she’d not considered the marriage further than the vows. If her future was that of Mrs. Gabriel Harrington, then she’d have to accept him as her husband and play the part of amiable wife.
    Could she settle into that role?
    Gabriel would be part of everything in her life from now forward. But what if she fell in love with him? The idea, though difficult to believe, was not an impossibility. He was a charming rogue. The question was, could he fall in love with a church mouse like her?
    Not ever, most likely. She was a duty, nothing more.
    Her father held her here for now. If she asked to leave London after his case was solved, what would he say?
    Perhaps Lady Seymour had been right. Gabriel had done nothing thus far to earn her affection or made any attempt to play attentive husband. She’d followed along like a pup, without questioning most of his directives, ever since the moment she’d found him on her stoop and he’d dragged her off to the parson.
    With Lady Seymour’s help, that could change.
    Could they be happy together or was she a foolish woman with a silly dream of happiness with a handsome prince? Would she be an adored wife or forever trapped in a marriage of tolerance, and little else?
    Their wedding night had been unsettling. She knew deep in her heart that it had been her fault. He’d tried to show her some affection, but her nerves had overwhelmed her and she’d begged for a rushed consummation. Still, her virginal fears
were
understandable. They’d only just met and she was innocent.
    Her mind went to the Gabriel who’d entertained her at lunch, the man with the laughing eyes and sculpted face. Even now, her skin tingled with the memories of his eyes on hers. He’d spoken with such passion about his adventures. Could that passion be directed at her in the same way? Would the bold Gabriel Harrington ever find her exciting, too?
    “Gads. You are already smitten with the man,” she muttered. “Foolish chit.” Then the truth pressed into her mind. “He’s too prideful to allow me to leave him. I am trapped here forever. Accept this fate.”
    She stood, went to the mirror, and considered herself with a critical eye. She was too thin, too pale, and too drab. Even wearing the pretty dress, she was colorless, humorless, not the kind of woman that drove men to passion.
    “I have to make this marriage work.” Her shoulders slumped. “But how can I when he hardly notices me?”
    Lud. She could live with him but not under these conditions. If she wanted to make this marriage acceptable for both of them, she needed to change, wanted to change. Starting tomorrow, she’d make it her mission to be the kind of wife that befitted a Harrington. Gabriel Harrington.
    Somehow she’d learn how to intrigue her husband.
    * * *
    B ond Street was crowded and noisy. “Are you not afraid of being crushed beneath coach wheels?” Sarah asked the countess with a quivering voice. She hesitated to climb down from the open carriage and into the madness.
    Lady Seymour smiled. “You must learn to step lively.” She smoothed her gloves and waited for the driver to help Sarah alight. “It is all about timing.”
    After waiting for a carriage to pass, they hurried across the street, hand in hand, toward a shop where a lovely young woman waited on the walk. Sarah felt the intensity of her gaze from beneath her bonnet as the stranger assessed her as they neared.
    “There you are,” Lady Seymour said. The woman and the countess exchanged cheek kisses and then Lady Seymour introduced them.