Redeeming the Deception of Grace by Kristin Vayden Read Free Book Online

eyes.
    As much as he hated the thought, he needed someone to talk with, someone who could help him sort everything out . A silent fortifying breath later, he rose from the chair and held it for support as he gained his bearings .
    H e walked out into the hall toward his room and bellowed, " Whit! "
    He promptly regretted yelling . M aybe the splitting headache would simply kill him , and he ' d no longer have to deal with the harrowing emotions one gain ed when find ing himself in love.
    The hitch in his chest made him realize the truth of the word he had just confessed in his own mind .
    He was in love with Grace .
    Of all the rotten things to happen to him ! Love Grace ! He might as well allow the brandy to continue its slow attempt at poisoning him . He had no chance to win her affections , did he ? Leaning against the wall he rested his head against the cool wood and closed his eyes .
    What a mess.
    As he saw it, there were only two options . One was to win her affections, something he had never succeeded at in the past ; although , to be honest , he had never tried . However, the fact remained that Grace was immune to his charm , and he was concerned that charm was all he possessed to woo her . Oh, he knew he was handsome and proficient in romancing the fairer sex , but Grace was different , because she wouldn ' t be impressed . She never had been .
    The only other option was to give up, let Shiply or someone else win , and resign himself to watching her belong to someone else . The thought made his blood run cold .
    No, that was not an option .
    Which left the first . He must win Grace ' s affections .
    The question was how . With a heavy sigh , he straightened his posture and walked into the room as he heard Whit down the hall behind him.
    The unsettling feeling of not be ing sure of one ' s actions or emotions g nawed at Ewan , and he waited, pacing the floor . Whit came into Ewan ' s room with a polite expression that was overdone . Though he was the butler , he had also become Ewan ' s confidant .
    A clearing of the throat broke Ewan from his musing. In looking up , he noticed Whit was waiting patiently by the doorway with an expectant look in his eye .
    " Took you long enough to get here , " Ewan barked .
    Whit ' s eyebrows rose at Ewan ' s surly attitude . Ewan knew it was in response to his exceedingly foul mood. The lack of control over his own em otions was frustrating . He pinched the bridge of his nose with his forefingers.
    " Yes , sir . M y apologies , " Whit remarked with a slight bow . He set the cure for Ewan ' s headache on the side table , and Ewan ' s eyes narrowed in suspicion at the vile concoction.
    " Your meek response is lost on me , Whit . I know you aren ' t the least bit repentant , " Ewa n said.
    " True , sir, but it always pays off in the end to feign humility , " Whit ' s repl ied as he put his hands behind his back.
    " Feigning humility? Is that what you call it? " Ewan mumbled . He stopped pacing and closed his eyes . Inhaling a deep breath , he closed his eyes for a prolonged moment before speaking the overdue apology.
    " Whit, I owe you an apology, though I am loath to admit it , " Ewan began , and Whit looked as if trying to suppress a grin .
    " No need , sir. " Whit spoke with a perfectly emotionless tone that , even after years of service , annoyed Ewan with its detachment . The last thing he wanted was to be reminded of was his butler ' s perfectly controlled emotions when his were driving him mad.
    Ewan looked at Whit without moving his fingers and gave him a disbelieving look. " We both know you ' re crowing over there , knowing I ' m tied up in knots , but regardless, you don ' t deserve my ire. " Ewan expelled another deep breath and straightened his posture.
    " Accepted, sir . "
    " Good, now… " Ewan began to pace again. " I find I ' m having an issue with a lady… " Ewan trailed off.
    " A mistress? " Whit as ked .
    " Oh, no. " Ewan chuckled without mirth. " That would be far