Love Me Always by Marie Higgins Read Free Book Online Page A

shopping trips into town instead of staying home playing nursemaid.”
    Grant sat in silence for a long time. Usually, this was the way his uncle ended a conversation, but as Nick turned to leave, his relative cleared his throat.
    “You are correct, Nick. I cannot deprive her of the parties and outings and social events. I have no idea how much longer I have to live, and it’s not fair of me to keep her as a nursemaid all that time.” He turned and looked at Nick. “So, during the day she can be with me and tend to my needs if she wishes, but at night she can be escorted to balls and functions by you.”
    Nick gasped. “ Me ? Why me?” His voice rose as his heart hammered with uncertainty. “I will not play the part of her nanny.”
    Grant flipped his hand through the air. “Once again, you are being over dramatic, because you know she doesn’t need a nanny. Besides, you enjoy attending those kinds of functions with beautiful women, and so you will take her with you when you go. Gregg and Ian can have their turns, as well. I’m certain they will love it, but since you are the oldest – and next to inherit the dukedom – you have more responsibility. She will be a joy to have around, just wait and see.”
    Grant stood, and with help from his cane, slowly made his way toward the door. Obviously, his uncle wanted the conversation ended. Nick clenched his jaw. Not this time. He would add his last thoughts before his uncle left.
    “But, Uncle Grant, how—”
    “Enough!” Still keeping his eyes toward the hallway, Grant stiffened but shifted his head and glanced at Nick. “You will follow my wishes, Nick. There will be no more talk of this. What’s done is done,” Grant snapped then proceeded out the door.
    A blaze of fury ignited in Nick’s chest the longer his uncle’s echoing footsteps boomed in the hallway. Why had Grant put this kind of responsibility on Nick’s shoulders? Catherine wasn’t going to be his wife.
    Nick grumbled irritably and threw his empty teacup into the fireplace, shattering it into a million pieces.
    His life was cursed!
    * * * *
    A tear slipped down Catherine’s cheek as she studied her reflection in the full-length mirror at the gown Grant had purchased for her. The ice blue silk molded nicely to her bosom and shoulders. A full, high-waist skirt fell in soft folds to a small train in the back. Wearing such a dress in front of others scared her to death, but she worried more about seeing Grant’s expression. Would her stomach churn if his face held traces of interest when he gazed upon her?
    Emily curled Catherine’s hair in loose ringlets around her head, and then threaded a blue ribbon throughout. The color of the ribbon enhanced Catherine’s auburn curls. She liked the way it made her look. For the first time, Catherine felt like a woman instead of a girl trying to resemble a woman.
    Taking a deep breath, she prayed her nervous stomach wouldn’t be a problem during the evening’s events. How embarrassing would it be if her ailment showed itself to the guests soon to arrive tonight? She hoped her weak knees would stay strong and keep her from crumbling.
    What worried her more was the inevitable kiss – the kiss to seal their betrothal announcement. She squeezed her eyes closed. Please do not kiss me tonight, Grant.
    She must keep in mind what Nick had told her earlier this afternoon – that Grant was a kind man. If she explained her fears to him, he’d understand.
    While in Nick’s arms earlier today, comfort had actually spread through every part of her. His soft voice and tender caress had helped her to relax. Perhaps she shouldn’t have enjoyed those feelings. He was, after all, to be her step-nephew. She shook her head. How could she think like that when he was so much older? The years between them weren’t many. Ian was twenty-three, Gregg was twenty-five, and Nicholas, twenty-six. Nevertheless, she shouldn’t be seeking comfort in his arms, not when that was