No Regrets by Michèle Ann Young Read Free Book Online Page A

garments. "If your lordship and Lady Foxhaven would care to step into the green drawing room, I will have some tea brought in." Beckwith glanced at Lucas, who grimaced. "And some brandy or . . ."
       "Brandy," Lucas said.
       "Tea would be lovely," Caro said at the same time.
       "And perhaps dinner in two hours?" the butler asked. "Time for my lady to rest? I understand that the remainder of your luggage follows?"
       "Yes, thank you," Lucas said.
       Caro gazed around the square entrance hall lit by a candelabra hanging from the landing above. A set of sweeping marble stairs led upward. She hadn't imagined anything so grand.
       "The green drawing room is on the first floor, my lady," Beckwith said. "I'll direct your maid up to your chamber."
       A little overwhelmed by the grandeur, Caro hung on to Lucas's strong forearm as she climbed the stairs.
       The drawing room was a pale shade of turquoise trimmed in white. Two tall windows overlooked the square. Caro felt drawn to the room the instant she crossed the threshold. Furnished by the owner with overstuffed green-striped sofas and chairs and the occasional mahogany table, it had an air of comfortable calm. She sank down on the sofa next to the fire.
       Lucas set one booted foot on the hearth and leaned an elbow on the mantel. He looked so handsome, so self-assured, so right in the rich surroundings, good enough to eat in fact. Could he really be her husband?
       "I think this will do, don't you?" Lucas said.
       Do? She chuckled. "Oh, yes, Lucas. It will definitely do."
       "Good. I hope you don't mind, but I am engaged elsewhere for dinner."
       For one brief moment, her heart squeezed tight. Her husband in name only. A questioning expression crossed his face. She unscrambled her thoughts. They had agreed to this. She forced a smile. "Why would I mind? You are free to do just as you please."
       He looked relieved. "Right. It won't do to be sitting in each other's pockets, you know. Besides, you can't go anywhere until you order a new wardrobe."
       Was it guilt in his voice or embarrassment? She retained her cheerful expression. "I have no interest in going anywhere this evening. I am much too tired."
       He cast her a blindingly beautiful smile, and her heart hopped into her throat.
       A discreet knock sounded at the door.
       "Come in," Lucas said.
       Beckwith entered bearing a silver salver. He set the tray at Caro's elbow. "Will that be all, my lord?"
       "Yes, thank you," Lucas said. He waited for the servant's departure and then strolled over and splashed a generous amount of brandy into a glass. He raised the snifter in Caro's direction.
       Her hand trembling, Caro poured her tea.
       "No regrets," he toasted and took a deep swallow.
       A queasy feeling rolled through her stomach at the thought of the deceit they were about to foist on the world. She raised her bone-china teacup in return.
       "No regrets," she echoed, trying not to notice the hollow ring in her voice.

    * * *

       A familiar, crackling voice drifted up from the entrance hall. About to descend from the secondfloor landing, Lucas tiptoed to the balustrade. He peered down into the hallway as Beckwith bowed out a departing gaunt figure in widow's weeds.
       Aunt Hermione Rivers. The old battle-axe hadn't wasted a moment before coming to inspect Caro. She must have been here at his father's behest. This marriage thing had more snares than the poacher's trail through Stockbridge woods.
       After pausing long enough for the front door to close behind his aunt, Lucas made his way down to the drawing room. Unsure who else might be lurking under his roof, he eased open the door to the drawing room. At the window, Caro was holding back the drapery and peering down into the street.
       Outlined against the light, her ample bosom strained her high-necked gown. Its soft blue fabric skimmed her shapely hips, hinting at the