Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online Page A

his own pace.”
    “Mother, I don’t need to be coddled,” Matthew said, giving her a wry smile. “I think the best thing for me would be to resume my old life. Surely there’s a ball or two to attend.”
    Rebecca straightened in her chair with obvious interest. “There is a dinner tonight hosted by Lord Sydney.”
    The professor frowned. “Surely it is too soon.”
    They all looked at Matthew, not bothering to hide their surprise. Why did his request to return to a normal life seem so unusual to them?
    “Not at all,” Matthew said promptly. “We should go.” And then he turned to Susanna. “You’ll introduce me to those I can’t remember?”
    “Rebecca can help you,” Susanna said, patting her brother’s arm.
    “And why would you not go?” he asked, wearing a faint frown.
    “She’s too busy in Father’s laboratory,” Rebecca said, giving an exaggerated sigh.
    Susanna’s voice was cool. “It is important work.”
    “Of course it is,” Matthew agreed, “which means you need the occasional amusement to relax.”
    “You know I don’t consider such events relaxing,” she said.
    “You used to be an excellent dancer. Why is that not relaxing?”
    Susanna only shrugged as she picked at her eggs.
    Their mother said, “Randolph, I wish you would make clear to your daughter that being seen in Society can only help her.”
    The professor’s face became impassive. “We’ve had this discussion before, Rosa.”
    Emily saw Matthew look between them in resignation, as if he wasn’t surprised at their disagreement. But she knew the Lelands’ relationship had become stronger this past year. She herself had encouraged it, almost as if helping them eased her debt to the family. But pushing this subject now could only make things worse.
    “Matthew, would you go for a walk with me in the garden before you speak with your father?” she asked.
    She could feel the tension ease in the breakfast room, as Lady Rosa smiled.
    “That is a lovely idea, Emily, dear.”
    “And you don’t even need a chaperone,” Rebecca said with a smile.
    Matthew pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. “A walk with my wife is an excellent suggestion. Emily, I need to speak to Reggie for a moment. May I meet you on the terrace?”
    She smiled. “Of course.” But inside, she was already considering ways to use their time alone together to her advantage.
     
    Matthew caught up with Reggie in the great hall, where his friend was staring up at the display of swords and axes on the walls.
    “Are these all from your family, or did somebody merely decorate the walls with them?” Reggie asked skeptically.
    “There have been Cabots fighting for England for hundreds of years.”
    “Impressive. My father was in the infantry fighting in France. Always claimed he saw Napoleon from afar. No mementoes, though.”
    They stood side by side for a moment, and Matthew considered the fifteenth century suit of armor he’d been forced to learn about when he was young. “So…what are your plans?”
    “You mean now that you’ll be too busy to keep me amused?” Reggie said thoughtfully.
    Matthew sighed. “I’m sorry about this.”
    “Don’t be. This is vastly entertaining.” He glanced over his shoulder, then lowered his voice. “Your wife is quite composed and intelligent.”
    Matthew nodded slowly. “How could she not be? She’s fooled everyone for almost a year.”
    “And lovely,” Reggie continued. “I hadn’t quite realized that, when she looked like death upon seeing you last night. A man could do worse.”
    “For a wife?”
    “For—anything.” Reggie straightened. “I think I’ll take myself off, then. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden the English countryside. I imagine the park is beautiful here.”
    “And extensive. You’ll return for luncheon?”
    “Maybe not.”
    “Then the dinner party.”
    “Oh very well, if I must converse with pretty girls, then I must.” Reggie grinned, even as he gaveMatthew