Read Online Unveiled (Undone by Love Book 3) by Kristina Cook - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Kristina Cook
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accomplishment. She was unlike any woman he’d ever met, and his desire for her could not be denied.
He sought only a pleasing, accommodating disposition for the wife who would share his home . Nothing more. Therefore, he’d immediately dismissed Miss Rosemoor–Jane–as far too alluring, much too tempting, and not nearly docile enough, besides. She would challenge him at every turn.
But since that kiss in the maze, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind, much as he tried . His firm resolve was wavering. He wanted her in his bed. But she was a lady of breeding, despite her outspoken nature, and good ton , the sister of the Viscount Rosemoor. Not acceptable for the role of mistress, but perfectly suited for that of wife.
He couldn’t deny that he desired her physically, but nothing more . His heart would remain immune to a woman with such a sharp tongue, a woman so quick to speak her mind. Lust was a far cry from love, after all. She was no different from the rest, he told himself; no doubt she had stood there at the window, surveying the grounds and envisioning herself mistress of Richmond. Even so, he felt certain that she’d be good to Madeline–that she would treat the child with affection and kindness. Naturally she’d have the skills to capably run his household; such skills came with good breeding.
Perhaps she’d do, after all . It would certainly save him the trouble in London. He nodded, his mind made up, and resolved to inform her of his decision immediately upon her return from Clifton. With a resigned grimace, he hastened out to summon the carriage.
Chapter 5
“Aunt Gertrude,” Jane called out merrily, dashing up the front steps to fold the frail woman into her arms .
Her great-aunt released her and stepped back, bringing her spectacles up to rest upon her nose . “Is it really you, child? It’s been so very long.”
“It has, indeed, Auntie . How’s Grandmama?”
“Unchanged, I’m afraid . Not at all up for visitors. I fear you’ve come all this way for naught.”
“Come now, it would be worth the trip just for your pleasant company alone.” Jane’s cheerful tone belied her agitation . She had not traveled so far to be denied the truth. She’d come to see her Grandmama, and see her she would.
“Come inside, dear . Trevors will get your traveling cases.”
Jane followed her aunt into the great hall, shuddering at the deterioration of The Orchards since her last visit . The vine-embellished paper on the walls was peeled back at the edges, hanging loosely in places. Lace-like cobwebs sullied the hall’s corners, and chairs with their stuffing peeking out from faded covers lined the wall. As they moved further into the house and settled into the drawing room, Jane noted that the rest of the house suffered a similar fate. The once-fine manor was in tatters.
Jane resolved at once to do whatever she could to smarten the place up a bit . Perhaps her brother would help with some funds. She would write to Colin at once.
Her aunt startled her with a papery-thin hand on her forearm . “I know, dear. I can see it in your eyes. Perhaps we’ve allowed the place to grow shabby. There’s just never been a need, as we have very few visitors. Very few, indeed. We’re happy here, your grandmama and I. Mrs. Carter is a fine nurse–we’re in capable hands.”
Jane shook her head sadly . “I...are you certain? Because if there’s anything I can do, anything at all–”
“Just live your life, dear Jane . Knowing that you are happy and settled will give us both the greatest joy. Your mama writes that you come to us with questions, seeking answers. Truly, there’s nothing to tell, nothing that should affect the choices you make. Your grandmama is ill, nothing more. A weak, sickly constitution. Her nerves give her trouble. Sometimes she’s a bit confused, disoriented.”
“But Aunt Susan –”
“Her accident was surely a tragedy.”
Accident? Jane shuddered as
He sought only a pleasing, accommodating disposition for the wife who would share his home . Nothing more. Therefore, he’d immediately dismissed Miss Rosemoor–Jane–as far too alluring, much too tempting, and not nearly docile enough, besides. She would challenge him at every turn.
But since that kiss in the maze, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind, much as he tried . His firm resolve was wavering. He wanted her in his bed. But she was a lady of breeding, despite her outspoken nature, and good ton , the sister of the Viscount Rosemoor. Not acceptable for the role of mistress, but perfectly suited for that of wife.
He couldn’t deny that he desired her physically, but nothing more . His heart would remain immune to a woman with such a sharp tongue, a woman so quick to speak her mind. Lust was a far cry from love, after all. She was no different from the rest, he told himself; no doubt she had stood there at the window, surveying the grounds and envisioning herself mistress of Richmond. Even so, he felt certain that she’d be good to Madeline–that she would treat the child with affection and kindness. Naturally she’d have the skills to capably run his household; such skills came with good breeding.
Perhaps she’d do, after all . It would certainly save him the trouble in London. He nodded, his mind made up, and resolved to inform her of his decision immediately upon her return from Clifton. With a resigned grimace, he hastened out to summon the carriage.
Chapter 5
“Aunt Gertrude,” Jane called out merrily, dashing up the front steps to fold the frail woman into her arms .
Her great-aunt released her and stepped back, bringing her spectacles up to rest upon her nose . “Is it really you, child? It’s been so very long.”
“It has, indeed, Auntie . How’s Grandmama?”
“Unchanged, I’m afraid . Not at all up for visitors. I fear you’ve come all this way for naught.”
“Come now, it would be worth the trip just for your pleasant company alone.” Jane’s cheerful tone belied her agitation . She had not traveled so far to be denied the truth. She’d come to see her Grandmama, and see her she would.
“Come inside, dear . Trevors will get your traveling cases.”
Jane followed her aunt into the great hall, shuddering at the deterioration of The Orchards since her last visit . The vine-embellished paper on the walls was peeled back at the edges, hanging loosely in places. Lace-like cobwebs sullied the hall’s corners, and chairs with their stuffing peeking out from faded covers lined the wall. As they moved further into the house and settled into the drawing room, Jane noted that the rest of the house suffered a similar fate. The once-fine manor was in tatters.
Jane resolved at once to do whatever she could to smarten the place up a bit . Perhaps her brother would help with some funds. She would write to Colin at once.
Her aunt startled her with a papery-thin hand on her forearm . “I know, dear. I can see it in your eyes. Perhaps we’ve allowed the place to grow shabby. There’s just never been a need, as we have very few visitors. Very few, indeed. We’re happy here, your grandmama and I. Mrs. Carter is a fine nurse–we’re in capable hands.”
Jane shook her head sadly . “I...are you certain? Because if there’s anything I can do, anything at all–”
“Just live your life, dear Jane . Knowing that you are happy and settled will give us both the greatest joy. Your mama writes that you come to us with questions, seeking answers. Truly, there’s nothing to tell, nothing that should affect the choices you make. Your grandmama is ill, nothing more. A weak, sickly constitution. Her nerves give her trouble. Sometimes she’s a bit confused, disoriented.”
“But Aunt Susan –”
“Her accident was surely a tragedy.”
Accident? Jane shuddered as
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