APretenseofLove by Aileen Fish Read Free Book Online Page A

but the space was empty.
Continuing down the hall, he strode into the library, certain Miss Seton would
be there.
    She stood staring out the glass at the roses behind the
house. She didn’t look up when he entered, so he quietly crossed the room.
    He spoke when he drew close. “Good morning. Are you deciding
which outfit you’ll wear to Vauxhall tonight?”
    She didn’t look his way. “No. My thoughts were otherwise
engaged.”
    “I see.” But he didn’t see. Her quiet manner wasn’t what
he’d expected. If she were angry, she would rail at him, so what caused this
forlorn countenance? She’d made a complete turnaround in attitude since he’d
left her last night. He paced a few steps, debating what to say. “I leave for
Greater Yarmouth on Tuesday next.”
    “Does your business call you back?”
    “Yes. It wouldn’t do to let the board see they can manage
well without me. I need to make myself necessary to them.”
    A soft smile spread on her face. “It is important to be
needed, isn’t it?”
    “I don’t know that I have ever been aware of the feeling, to
be honest.”
    Miss Seton tipped her head slightly to rest her cheek on the
glass. “That is something else important to a relationship. Honesty.”
    The lack of accusation in her tone cut through him. She
wasn’t throwing barbs. She was resigned to something, and he had no clue what
had her so upset. “I presume that remark is aimed at me, but I confess to not
understanding its intent.”
    “It had none. I’ve just been considering what I want in a
marriage.”
    “Honesty from one’s partner is highly important.” He cleared
his throat and glanced toward the open doorway, where he expected his aunt or
Mrs. Seton to appear upon hearing of his arrival. “Miss Seton, have I done
something to displease you? Aside from the usual, I mean. I came bearing no
gifts, as you have asked.” He held his arms wide, showing he had nothing hidden
on his person.
    “Nothing so direct, sir. I only wish you would leave me to
my search for a husband.”
    Her words sliced his heart in two. Did she despise him as
much as that? She wasn’t even considering him among her choices. What had he
done to have his name crossed off that list, if it had ever been on it?
    His chin dropped to his chest and he scratched the back of
his neck. If he had any feelings for her, he should go back home, as she’d been
asking of him since his arrival in Town. That’s what he told himself, but he
couldn’t do so. He did have feelings for her, and they weren’t the kind from
which one could walk away.
    No, what he felt was worth fighting for. “I’m afraid I
cannot do that. I can’t go back to Three Gables knowing the walls will never
ring with your laughter. Knowing I shall never look out the window of my study
and see you pruning the roses threatening to invade the paths in the park. Such
a life isn’t to be borne.”
    Now she turned to look at him, but there was no fire in her
glassy eyes. If anything, they looked sad and empty. “There is no hope that a
marriage between us would bring happiness to both parties. And I cannot endure
a life such as my mother has.”
    He stepped closer, raising a hand to her velvety-smooth
cheek. “How can you think I would let you be so unhappy?”
    Miss Seton moved away from his touch. “Such a thing is not
in your control, sir. I understand myself well enough to know I could never
survive having my heart broken.”
    He closed his eyes to shut out the sorrow in her gaze. There
was nothing more to say, no matter how much he wished to sway her feelings. She
wanted no more of him.
    Bowing stiffly, he said, “I bid you good day, then.”
    The moment he climbed into his phaeton he jerked on the
reins. The sudden start threw him back against the seat. He traveled too
quickly and knew he should slow the horses, but he only wished they’d go
faster.
    How fast would they have to go to outrun the pain stabbing
in his chest? His throat ached with it.