Make-Believe Wife by Anne Herries Page B

so discourteous to you.’
    â€˜You’re an outspoken miss. I can see why he picked you, Miss Peters.’
    â€˜I fear I was taught to speak my mind and to be independent as much as possible. I should be happier if you were to call me Miss Roxanne—or simply by my given name.’
    â€˜You have an older sister?’
    â€˜No—but everyone always calls me Miss Roxanne. I prefer it.’
    â€˜Do you, now? I wonder why?’ He stared at her a moment longer, then took her hand and bent over it, lifting it to his papery-dry lips to salute her with a kiss. ‘Come and sit down and tell me something about yourself.’
    â€˜I am quite unremarkable, sir,’ Roxanne replied. She sat in the chair at the opposite end of the imposing fireplace so that he too might sit. ‘I have little family and, until she died, lived with the lady who cared for me after…I lost my home.’
    â€˜Clarendon’s letter said that your father is in India and you do not wish to marry until he gives his permission?’
    â€˜Do you not think that the proper thing to do, sir?’
    His bushy brows met in a frown. ‘Humph. Clever with words, ain’t you? No fortune, I suppose—are you after his money, girl?’
    â€˜I did not agree to this engagement for money.’
    â€˜It was a bit sudden. He told me nothing of you the last time he was down here, then announces he’s engaged. Why would he do that—and why should you agree?’
    â€˜I should be a liar if I said that Luke’s proposal was not appealing. I was in some difficulty and I am almost alone in the world, for I have not heard from my father in years. However, I have respect and liking for Luke and I believe he feels the same. I consented to the engagement—with the understanding that it would not continue if you should dislike it.’
    Hartingdon’s gaze narrowed. ‘Willing to give him up for a consideration?’
    â€˜I said no such thing,’ Roxanne replied, refusing to be ruffled by his pricking at her. ‘I should not wish to cause trouble between you, for I know that he holds you in affection. You do not need to pay me to make me go away, sir. I shall leave at once if my presence here offends you.’
    â€˜Do not talk rubbish, girl. You look and behave like a lady. Might not be out of the top drawer, but I ain’t fool enough to send you packing—at least until I discover the truth of the matter. If he really means to settle down and provide me with an heir, you will do well enough, I dare say.’
    Roxanne was not called upon to reply for the doors opened and a footman announced Lord Clarendon. Luke advanced into the room, looking strangely apprehensive.
    â€˜Roxanne, I intended to be with you when you met Grandfather,’ he said, his gaze going from one to the other. ‘Everything all right, sir? How are you today? Better, I trust?’
    â€˜Well enough. Don’t fuss, boy. I cannot abide people fussing over me. That fool of a doctor is bad enough without you.’
    â€˜I see your mood has not much improved, sir.’ Luke’s mouth firmed. ‘I hope he has not bitten your head off, Roxanne? I assure you he is not always this ill tempered.’
    Roxanne looked from one to the other and then laughed. ‘Oh dear, you both look so cross—like two bulldogs who have been quarrelling over a bone, whichhas been suddenly snatched from under your noses by a mongrel pup.’
    For a moment there was silence and then Luke grinned. ‘You are perfectly right, dearest. It is ridiculous to argue over trivial things. Forgive me, Grandfather. I did not come down here to quarrel with you.’
    â€˜Why did you come?’ The earl looked at him suspiciously. ‘Am I supposed to believe that you truly intend to settle down and do your duty?’
    â€˜What is my duty, sir? I hope that you will continue to live for some years yet in the full