Love Be Mine (The Louisiana Ladies Series, Book 3) by Shirlee Busbee Read Free Book Online

further challenge. Hugh waited a moment before saying quietly, "I know that the next few months are going to be trying for all of us—I shall try not to step on too many toes, or offend your sensibilities if I can help it, but I intend to find out precisely why we seem to be losing so much money. You can either help me... or..."
    "But of course, we will help you," Jasper exclaimed. He looked around at the others. "It is to our advantage, oui?"
    Grudgingly the other three nodded, François going so far as to say, "Perhaps this will be a good thing."
    Alain shot him a look, and François became very interested in his wineglass.
    Throwing down his napkin and rising to his feet, Jean said, "Since there is nothing else to discuss, shall we join the ladies?"
    It was clear to Micaela that something had happened in the dining room to upset her brother and uncle the instant they entered the room, and she felt a faint stab of anxiety. What had the Américain said to them to make both men look so grim?
    As the gentlemen gravitated toward Lisette, who was pouring coffee near the cheery fire, Micaela plucked at François's sleeve. He glanced at her, and she tipped her head, indicating a small alcove near one end of the large room.
    Discreetly, brother and sister retired in that direction, and Micaela asked in a low voice, "What is wrong, mon cher? What did the Américain say to you?"
    François's jaw hardened, and his hands clenched into fists. "The arrogance of the creature! Not here two days, and already he has commandeered Grand-pere's office and loftily informed the rest of us that it is to be his alone!" His dark eyes burned as he added dramatically. "We shall be nothing more than lowly clerks if he has his way!"
    Micaela looked shocked. "He is going to make you work as a clerk? But you are one of the owners! Can he do this?"
    Resentfully, François said, "Apparently, he thinks he can do anything he pleases and that we must obey him."
    "But we are owners, too!"
    "Tell that to him!"
    Furious for her brother, Micaela's delicate lips thinned. How dare this, this, usurper dictate to her family! Why he wasn't even one of the original partners. How dare he!
    Sipping his coffee near the fire, over the rim of his cup Hugh had observed the interplay between brother and sister, and, from the expressions on their faces, he had a very good idea what had been said. If the angry cast to her mouth was any indication, it was obvious that Micaela was committed to her brother's camp. He sighed. He might have been a little high-handed in his manner, but, dammit, things had been allowed to slide for too long, and he didn't have the patience or the inclination to tread carefully around the excitable sensibilities of the Duprees. It was better, he told himself wearily, that he establish his position right from the start. In time, perhaps, he could use more finesse in dealing with them. But not now.
    Returning to join the group clustered around the fire, Micaela's sense of injustice grew as she watched Cecile hang on every word that passed Hugh's lips. Cecile was clearly entranced, and Micaela found herself holding Hugh's easy charm against him. Her chin lifted. No doubt he was amusing himself at Cecile's expense. How sad that her friend was being taken in by such a blackguard.
    Accepting a cup of coffee from her mother, a militant light in her fine eyes, Micaela wandered over to where Hugh, Cecile, and Jasper were standing. She stood listening to their banter for a few moments, then asked Hugh, "So, Monsieur Lancaster, have you found a place to stay in our fair city?"
    Hugh's brow lifted. The proud little mademoiselle was deigning to speak to him? He sent her a lazy smile. "Indeed I have, Mademoiselle Dupree—Jasper has kindly offered me the hospitality of his home for as long as I wish."
    Micaela cocked her head. Taking a sip of her coffee, then slowly turning away, she said softly over her shoulder, "How strange... I would have thought that you would