Passionate Secrets (The Secrets Trilogy Book 2) by Lana Williams Read Free Book Online

me?”
    “In a coffin.”
    “How’s that?” Vincent’s eyes shifted, losing focus, a sign of the drug’s quick affect. Fear etched his face. He blinked rapidly but was unable to prevent his eyes from closing as his knees buckled and he crumpled to the ground.
    Joseph lifted the case, adjusted his cane and walked away, pleased the problem had been solved so easily.
     
    ~*~
     
    Michael paced his grandmother’s drawing room, awaiting her arrival. The room, decorated in a warm, golden yellow, was at odds with his dark thoughts. He was very uncomfortable about broaching the idea of giving Emma a season with his grandmother. It seemed too much to ask of her when she’d never even met Emma.
    If she approved, which he doubted, then he’d have the task of speaking to Emma about it. Somehow he was certain that would not go well. She wouldn’t even consent to a ride in his carriage. How could he possibly convince her to accept help to attract a husband?
    He still hadn’t determined how he’d gotten talked into this whole scheme. Passing Emma off as an eligible lady seemed an impossible task. While she was intelligent, her drab appearance would make it a challenge to catch a man’s eye. The addition of a small dowry was unlikely to be enough to lure in a husband.
    The entire scheme made him question why he’d decided to rekindle his friendship with Ashbury. Blast the man for his crazed notions.
    “Good afternoon, Michael.” Viscountess Weston glided into the room, still attractive in her seventy plus years.
    Her solid support and understanding during his parents’ tumultuous relationship had kept him sane. He’d felt jerked to and fro when his parents alternately used him and ignored him, depending on the status of their own relationship. His grandmother’s steady love had been the rudder on his ship, keeping him on course through his childhood.
    With a smile, he stepped forward to clasp her outstretched hands and press a kiss upon her soft, papery cheek. Her lilac scent engulfed him in warm memories.
    “You look beautiful,” he told her, still holding her hands as he admired her appearance.
    Her sparkling blue eyes, so like his own, lit at his compliment. “You are a scoundrel, but I’ll accept your kind words anyway.”
    “You should know I only speak with sincerity.”
    She laughed. “What brings you by to visit an old woman?”
    With a wave of her hand befitting the queen, she directed him to a pair of chairs. A maid appeared with a tea tray and Michael’s stomach grumbled at the clever sandwiches and biscuits she set before them, his favorites among them.
    “First of all, you are not old, and second, do I need an excuse to visit my grandmother?” Guilt pecked at him as he took a seat. He dropped by to see her on a regular basis but still not as often as he’d like.
    “No, but I can tell by your expression that something is on your mind.” With elegant, efficient movements she served the tea and plated an assortment of delicacies for him.
    “You know me too well. Before we discuss that, how are you?” he asked.
    She lived alone in a townhouse he’d acquired for her, one of his first purchases after he’d paid off his parents’ debts. She’d moved in with a distant cousin when his father—her son—had gambled away her home. Head held high, she’d never grumbled at the awkward situation in which she’d found herself, all due to his father’s recklessness.
    Michael had insisted she decorate her new home as she wished, not according to a budget. But practical woman that she was, the bills he’d paid had been quite modest. He’d been concerned that her home would be less than comfortable because of it. He needn’t have worried. Her taste was impeccable. This room in particular was warm yet elegant, modern yet traditional. The chairs were comfortable enough for a man. He felt quite at home here and for that reason alone, he could’ve hugged her.
    “I’m doing very well,” she answered as