His Scandalous Kiss: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor: 6 by Sophie Barnes Read Free Book Online Page A

he’d been holding. Silently, he cursed the fear
     that kept him from living and the hatred that fueled his vendetta. Because in spite of what Lady Eleanor had told him—that
     she had no desire to marry—the way in which she responded to him suggested that he might be able to change her mind if he
     was allowed the chance to do so.
    “What if he confides in me?” Lady Eleanor asked, cultivating this idea.
    Lady Foxworth regarded him shrewdly. “I do not believe that he is prepared to do so. Are you, Signor?”
    Heart hammering in his chest, Richard forced himself not to look at Lady Eleanor. He didn’t want to see the hope brimming
     in her eyes or the disappointment that would take its place when he said what had to be said. “Not yet.”
    As soon as the words were out, he felt as though a cavern had been carved into the ground, separating him from the woman who
     stood by his side. Tonight, for the first time in years, he’d felt a sliver of hope that the happy future he’d always dreamed
     of might one day be his—if he could only win Lady Eleanor’s affection. Unwilling to give up completely, he said, “Perhaps
     in time—”
    “No,” Lady Foxworth said, her hand slicing the air between them. “You have every right to keep your secrets, Signor, but until
     I am made aware of what they are and have been reassured that they pose no threat to my niece’s reputation or happiness, then
     you will stay away from her. Is that clear?”
    The ultimatum was not to Richard’s liking even though he understood Lady Foxworth’s reasoning completely. Had he been in her
     shoes, he would have made the same demand. “Yes.” He spoke the word with difficulty.
    Lady Foxworth finally allowed a faint smile. “Thank you. I appreciate your understanding.”
    Clenching his jaw, Richard nodded. “If you will excuse me,” he said with a curt bow directed at Lady Foxworth and Lady Duncaster.
     Turning toward Lady Eleanor, his heart ached at the sight of her pained expression. “It has been a pleasure.”
    She gave him a bleak little nod, but said nothing in response. Turning his back on her, Richard walked away without a backward
     glance, his pace brisk as he strode toward the French doors leading into the house. Rushing through the well-lit hallway,
     he marched toward the stairs, climbing them quickly in his haste to return to his bedchamber and the darkness that beckoned
     within.
     
    “I am sorry,” Lady Foxworth told Mary as soon as Signor Antonio was out of earshot, “but it is for the best.”
    “I disagree,” Mary said as she watched Signor Antonio disappear amidst the crowd. “He is the only gentleman whose company
     I have ever enjoyed and rather than welcome his interest in me, you chose to send him away.”
    “You must understand my reasoning, Mary.” Her aunt no longer bore the hard façade that she’d presented Signor Antonio with.
     Instead, she looked deeply sorry about what she’d had to do. “Secrecy has no place in any relationship, and you must admit
     that the secret he chooses to keep is quite significant.”
    “I am sure he has a good reason for it, and if Lady Duncaster is willing to vouch for him then—”
    “You are not Lady Duncaster’s responsibility,” Lady Foxworth said. Addressing her friend, she added, “I hope you will forgive
     me for I mean no offense, but it is my duty to assess all potential suitors myself.”
    “I understand you completely,” Lady Duncaster said.
    “Perhaps you could share his identity with Aunt Eugenia, without making me aware of who he is,” Mary suggested, addressing
     her hostess.
    “I am sorry,” Lady Duncaster said, “but I have given him my word.”
    “But—”
    “You must accept his reasoning as well, Mary,” Lady Foxworth said.
    “Even if he is the only gentleman to ever spark my interest?” Mary asked. “It hardly seems fair!”
    Sympathy filled Lady Foxworth’s eyes. “Perhaps that is because you have chosen to keep to