Make-Believe Wife by Anne Herries Read Free Book Online

entered bearing a can of hot water and was grateful for her thoughtfulness.
    â€˜Thank you. I was about to use the water left from last night and this is a kind thought.’
    â€˜His lordship would expect it, miss. Would you like to eat your breakfast here? His lordship is having his in the private parlour. You could join him, if you wish? He has bacon, devilled eggs, kedgeree and also cold roast ham, besides the toast, of course. You could have the same unless there is something else you would like?’
    â€˜If I could have some bread or rolls with honey, that would do very well. I shall come down as soon as I have washed and tidied myself.’
    â€˜Of course, miss. Whatever suits you.’
    Roxanne thanked her and she went away. Despitesome fears about the future and her present situation, Roxanne had slept well and was feeling refreshed. She was ready and downstairs in a very short time. In the private parlour, Lord Clarendon, as she was trying to think of him, was drinking coffee and reading a newssheet. He looked up as she entered and smiled. She realised not for the first time that he was very attractive and her heart did a funny little skip.
    â€˜Ah, Roxanne, did you sleep well? I trust there were no untoward incidents to disturb you last night?’
    â€˜None at all, sir. I slept perfectly and feel much refreshed this morning.’
    â€˜That is excellent news. I, too, am feeling less strained. I have been thinking about our situation and would like you to consider a suggestion that I believe might suit us both. Am I right in believing that you need to find work almost immediately?’
    â€˜Yes, that is so,’ Roxanne replied and sat down just as the innkeeper brought in some warm soft rolls in a covered dish, also butter and a pot of dark honey. ‘Thank you so much.’
    She took a fresh baked roll and spread it with honey. Their host poured her a bowl of fragrant coffee, adding a drop of cream, and then left them alone together. Raising her clear eyes to Luke’s, Roxanne questioned, ‘I am not certain of your meaning?’
    â€˜It is a little difficult to explain. Have you been honest with me, Roxanne? From your story I think you honest and of good character—is there something I should know that you have not told me?’
    â€˜I do not see why you should need to know anythingabout me, sir.’ She hesitated, then, ‘I will tell you that I have no memory of my life before Sofia found me more than five summers ago. I was in great distress, near to starving and out of my mind with a fever. I had a kerchief with the initials R. P.—and that is why Sofia called me Roxanne—and Peters was the name of a lady I once did some sewing for. It fits and might be my name, but I do not know the truth.’
    â€˜Good grief! So you have no idea who you are?’ He frowned. ‘That could complicate things…’
    â€˜What do you mean? What can my past life mean to you?
    â€˜Perhaps nothing, perhaps much.’ He glared at her. ‘What else have you kept from me?’
    Roxanne thought of the ruby but decided she would not tell him everything just yet. ‘I do not see what difference it can make to you.’
    â€˜It is in my mind to do as you suggested last night—but I should not wish for an unpleasant surprise. I do not want an irate brother or employer turning up on my doorstep causing trouble.’
    â€˜I fear you have lost me.’ But she was beginning to feel an odd churning in her stomach and her suspicions were aroused. He could not be suggesting what she thought?
    â€˜You want work as an actress and you assured me that you can play royalty or the aristocracy to perfection. What I need is a make-believe wife, Roxanne, a woman who can play the part of my fiancée, and, if necessary, marry me. The marriage would be annulled later—and you would receive a generous settlement.You could then live your own life, abroad