Make-Believe Wife by Anne Herries Read Free Book Online Page A

should you wish it—or perhaps a nice house in the country, where you could entertain your friends.’
    Roxanne was stunned, speechless at first, and then firm in denial. ‘That is ridiculous, sir. I do not know how you could suggest such a thing. You do not know me—and I do not know you. Even if I agreed, it would be wrong to deceive your grandfather so cruelly.’
    Luke frowned. ‘Last night you said it could be a business arrangement. What is different about my proposal?’
    â€˜I meant a young woman of good family who would marry without love for the sake of a home and children—a lady who would be content to remain at home in the country while you lived as you pleased in town. Is that not the way many marriages are arranged?’
    â€˜Yes, of course, but I explained how I felt about that, the distress and misery it can cause. A proper business arrangement, where the lady in question is paid a sum of money and understands her position from the start—that should not cause unhappiness at all, should it?’
    â€˜No, not if the lady was content with the arrangement.’ Roxanne saw the slightly excited, expectant look on his face. ‘I am not a lady, sir. I told you, I do not know who I am—and I have lived with travelling players for some years. I have appeared on various stages about the country and might be recognised.’
    â€˜That might be a drawback, if you had played in London—but I think you have not?’
    â€˜No, I have never played at a large theatre. Sometimes we were employed by a provincial theatre, but often we set up on village greens or in the yard of an inn, as travelling players have for centuries.’
    â€˜Black Bob is not your relation—or your lover?’
    â€˜Certainly not!’ she cried indignantly.
    â€˜Then I see no reason why you should not oblige me.’
    â€˜Do you not?’ Roxanne pressed a spotless white napkin to her mouth, then laid it by her plate. ‘I am grateful for the bed and my food, but I think we should part company now. I will find some way of reaching London alone.’
    â€˜You promised you would not abandon me. We still have one more day on the road.’
    â€˜You are perfectly safe now. These people are honest and they know you. Besides, I do not think you are in pain now.’
    â€˜I am not in as much pain as I was, but if I wanted to get down from the chaise on the road I could not do so without assistance. If my idea upsets you, I withdraw it. Last night I thought you willing. I misjudged the matter. Forgive me, but allow me to take you on to London and find you a place to stay and at least an interview with the manager of a theatre.’
    â€˜I see no reason why you should do anything for me. I have done very little to deserve it, sir.’
    â€˜Apart from saving my life twice?’ Luke grinned at her. ‘Say you are not offended, Roxanne. I assure you that my motives are not those of greed or wishing to deceive—except in a kind way.’
    â€˜A kind way?’
    â€˜I should like my grandfather to die with an easy mind. Is that so very terrible?’
    â€˜No, and if the young lady were willing I should not entirely condemn the idea—but I am not a lady. You would be lying to him if you presented me as a lady of good birth.’
    â€˜Supposing I merely said you were a young lady of good character—would that be a lie?’
    â€˜No.’ Roxanne met his searching gaze. ‘I am untouched—if that is what you mean. Sofia kept me safe. She believed I was of a good family and she wanted me to become a lady. She did not wish me to follow in her footsteps—but a lady is born, not made. I could live quietly, perhaps in Bath, as you suggested, but without patronage I should not be accepted.’
    â€˜Supposing I could find a lady who would sponsor you? Supposing you found yourself able to mix in company—would you then consider