His Convenient Marriage by Sara Craven Read Free Book Online Page B

agreed, wincing inwardly at the older woman's crudity.
    'And charitable to waifs and strays too, it seems.' Linnet's voice was cream spiced with acid. 'How did you manage it?'
    Chessie shrugged, trying to control the temper boiling up inside her.
    'He needed someone to run things for him,' she returned shortly. 'I was available.'
    'I'm sure you were.' Linnet gave a small, tinkling laugh. 'However, I don't advise you to start getting any foolish ideas this time. No girlie crushes. Because not everyone's as understanding as Alastair.'
     
    Chessie felt her whole body jolt with shock as if she'd been physically struck. Her nails curled into the palms of her hands. Over Linnet's shoulder, she saw Miles emerging from the dining room, pausing to lean on his cane as he slotted his wallet back into his jacket.
    She said, 'Thanks for the warning, Linnet, but it really isn't necessary.'
    She went to Miles, sliding her arm through his with de¬liberate possessiveness, and giving him a radiant smile.
    'Darling, may I introduce Lady Markham, who's just come back to live at Wenmore Court? Linnet, this is Miles Hunter.' She paused quite deliberately. 'My fiancé.'
    Miles did not move, but the sudden tension in his body hit her like an electric charge.
    Later she would hate herself, and she knew it, but now the expressions chasing themselves across Linnet's face made it all worthwhile. Or nearly.
    Linnet, however, made a lightning recovery. 'Congratu¬lations.' She held out her hand to Miles, along with a smile that lingered appraisingly, and frankly approved.
    My God, Chessie thought bleakly. First the waitress, now Linnet. Am I the only woman in Britain not to have reg¬istered his attraction on some personal Richter scale?
    'So, when did all this happen?' Linnet went on.
    'Tonight,' Miles returned his face impassive. 'We've been having a celebratory dinner. You're the first to know.'
    'How marvellous,' Linnet approved fulsomely. 'I'm sure you'll both be fabulously happy.' She paused. 'When's the big day? I suppose you'll marry locally?'
    'We haven't decided yet,' Chessie intervened hastily. 'Miles has a book to finish, and a film deal, so he's in¬credibly busy just now.'
    'How very unromantic you make me sound, my darling,' Miles said lightly. 'Actually, I think we should be married as soon as possible, although the honeymoon might have to wait for a while.'
    He drew Chessie closer. Allowed his lips to graze her hair. He said softly, `I think it's time we went, don't you? So we can continue our celebration at home.'
    Helpless colour warmed her face. She murmured some¬thing unintelligible, and moved forward, her arm still trapped in his.
    He turned to Linnet, smiling. 'Goodnight, Lady Markham. It's been a pleasure. I hope we meet again soon.'
    'Oh...' Linnet sent him a blinding look under her lashes '...you can count on that.'
    They walked to the car in a silence that Chessie dared not break. Miles opened the passenger door for her, and she shot in like a fugitive seeking sanctuary.
    He took his place beside her, and sat for a moment, star¬ing straight ahead into the darkness.
    Eventually, he said quietly, 'I take it that was a matter of expediency rather than a final answer.' He turned his head and looked at her. 'Well?'
    Chessie bent her head, pressing her hands to her burning face. 'God, I'm so sorry,' she mumbled. 'That was a dread¬ful—an appalling thing to do. I—I don't know what you must think.'
    `I think you needed to score points.' His voice was dry. 'And I can understand that, even if I don't applaud the means you employed.'
    Chessie's voice shook. 'She thought I was a bloody wait¬ress.'
    `I doubt that very much,' he said sardonically. 'As you commented, the staff were attentive to a fault. Too much so, perhaps. No one could ever say that about you.'
    Oh, hell, thought Chessie dismally. He knew exactly what I was getting at. And I want to die.
    After a brief silence, he went on levelly, 'However, thanks to Lady Markham's