The Bridal Contract (Darrington family Book 3) by Sandra Sookoo Page B

the day of the kiss she was still in love with her dead fiancé. That had been a rather surprising turn of events, but not unwelcome. As long as her affections were otherwise engaged, he needn’t worry she’d become attached to him. There’d be no dramatic partings once the contract term was over. How old was she? Surely not much younger than his thirty-one years. He really should rectify his ignorance of his neighbor. Oliver shifted into a more comfortable position on his bench as his thoughts careened to the kiss they’d shared, and he was forced to shift again when his groin tightened. Devil take it! Though she hadn’t embraced him, and neither had he done the same to her, that meeting of lips had echoed to his soul. No doubt he’d imagined the reaction. Of course, that had to be it, for hadn’t she said she felt nothing for him? The petite wonder couldn’t have snared him. It was simply impossible. He swept his gaze to her lap where she clasped her gloved hands tightly. Why was she nervous? It wasn’t as if the engagement was real.
    He moved his gaze upward in time to catch her doubt-filled expression. What was she thinking, and more importantly, why did he care? It wasn’t as if he’d be with her forever. Yes, she possessed a pretty face, but she wasn’t the type of woman he’d fall for. Once more, he sternly told himself the only female he needed in his life was the sea.
    Throughout his perusal, she remained silent and staring outside. Another hour of traveling in silence could not be endured. He cleared his throat. Perhaps it would be a good idea to find out a few preliminary things about his faux intended if this farce would have some ring of truth to it.
    “What did your sister say upon hearing the news of your engagement?”
    Eloisa turned from the window and the sundrenched, late afternoon countryside to look at him. “Helen was beyond ecstatic, of course. Anything to prevent her becoming the next Lady Everly is welcome.” The smile she gave him was stilted at best.
    Not a very auspicious start. “What did your brother have to say for himself?”
    “I think he was more embarrassed than anything else. Grateful, probably. Relieved, possibly, but by and large, he hated that you came in and dug him out of the hole he’d fallen into.” She shrugged. “That’s the way of life, I suppose. I don’t know how I’d feel in his position.”
    “I didn’t mean to cause friction in your family. I simply thought I provided an end to a means.”
    “Think nothing of it.” She finally met his gaze. “I’m glad you offered. There would have been no way out, otherwise. Sure, Helen could have fled Brighton, perhaps England, but to what end? What would she do out there on her own?”
    “You wouldn’t have gone with her?” He liked conversing with Eloisa. Her slightly accented English was lyrical and pleasing to his ear and she provided a matter-of-fact way of conveying information. “I cannot imagine you’d leave her to the wolves.”
    “No, I wouldn’t. Had I accompanied her, I would have only encouraged her so far. The rest of the way she’d need to go herself, for how else would she learn? Except, no doubt Charles will try the same thing again if enough coin comes into his possession.”
    “Have you ever given thought to the fact that perhaps fixing everyone’s problems around you isn’t your responsibility?” Is that why she seemed so interested in what became of Daniela?
    “Oh, I’ve thought of that numerous times, yet it must be in my nature, for I cannot help myself. I simply want peace in my life and I cannot have that if everyone around me is in chaos.” Eloisa turned her attention once more to the passing scenery. “Enough about my dismal family. I’m content enough to be away from them for an evening. Tell me about you.”
    “Well, you know that I captain a schooner, yes?” When she nodded, he continued, “It’s the dearest ship I’ve ever had the pleasure of sailing.”
    She