Jane Goodger by A Christmas Waltz Read Free Book Online Page B

when she burst into completely unexpected tears.
    “You’re right,” she said, feeling the strain of the last weeks hit her like a tidal wave. He pressed a handkerchief into her hand and said nothing as she cried copious tears. “It’s clear that Carson wasn’t expecting me. I know that. I’m not stupid. Nor blind. And it’s just as clear he wishes I hadn’t come. He was so different back in England. Like a different man altogether. When he looked at me then, it was like I was the most important thing in the world to him. I don’t understand it. I don’t think…” She let out another sob. “I don’t think he…he…loves me at all.”
    “I wouldn’t say that,” Boone said. And Amelia looked up at him with ridiculous hope in her eyes. “He’s a man who likes his freedom. I think he likes you too much, and it scares him a little.”
    “Then why did he ask me to marry him? Why did he formally ask my brother for my hand? It was in the Times ,” she said, as if that would prove to the world that Carson did, indeed, love her. Oh, how she wished Carson was here reassuring her, instead of this cold man in front of her.
    As Amelia watched, Boone’s cheeks turned ruddy and he looked down at his hands again.
    “Was it for the money?” she asked, slightly horrified by that thought. But the man across from her just gave her a confused look. “If not the money, then what? He begged me to…” She stopped. Carson hadn’t begged her to marry him, he’d begged her to make love to him. All those nights he’d kissed her and touched her and she’d push him away when he went too far, telling him over and over she would not do that until she wore his ring. She’d very nearly succumbed more than once, because, Lord, he could be so very persuasive with those hands and that mouth.
    Amelia slumped back in her chair and stared at Boone until she saw the truth in his face. “For that? ”
    “I couldn’t say.”
    “But surely you suspect?”
    Boone shook his head once, almost as if avoiding a blow. “I don’t know what goes on in that boy’s head. I never have. I think you need to have a serious talk with him. Tomorrow.”
    Amelia nodded and moved a piece of carrot around the bowl with her spoon, just to give herself something to do other than cry. “Why would he do that? It can’t be true. You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Amelia said, her anger starting to grow. “What man would get formally engaged just for the pleasure of making love to a woman?”
    Boone gave her a strangely intense look, as if he could see right through her. “A man would,” he said softly.
    Amelia shook her head. “No. It wasn’t like that. And when I see Carson, he’ll tell me. I’m tired and weepy and for some reason you’re being cruel to someone you don’t know. I don’t even think you know your brother, either. I know him,” she said, holding her hands against her heart as fresh tears fell.
    “You’re probably right,” he said without meeting her angry gaze.
    “I know I am.” And at that moment Amelia was completely sure of herself; all the doubts she had about Carson swept away. Carson had been happy to see her, had held her and made her feel loved. No man could touch her and kiss her the way he had unless he loved her. Yes, he should be here with her now instead of his rude brother, but he was probably doing something important, something for her, no doubt. Carson was the most considerate, kind, exciting man she had ever met, and his brother was simply being contrary. And if Carson lied about certain things, it was understandable. He loved her so much, he wanted her to love him back, and probably lied about the big ranch because he knew her brother would never have agreed to their marriage otherwise.
    Amelia gave an inner grimace at that thought. Edward would be livid to know his little sister had traveled all this way only to be put in the tiny back room of a shop. She prayed her brother never found out