The Affectionate Adversary by Catherine Palmer Read Free Book Online Page A

Orient to disperse her fortune. Though he knew she had inherited some income from her father, he could not have any idea the vast scope of it. He did not know her as a baroness, as Lady Delacroix. He could not envision the incredible wealth, power, and prestige that would come to him as her husband.
    In this way, he made the perfect mate. For once, she had met a man who loved her for who she was.
    But how could she reveal the truth? His love would turn to greed. He would forbid her to give away the money and live as Christ demanded. His patience and kindness would end, and his visions of riches would take their place.
    “You must allow me time, sir,” she said softly. “I had not expected … I never thought you might love me.”
    “You do not reject me at once? Then I have hope.” He took both her hands into his own, enfolding and clasping them warmly. “My dearest lady, do you love me? Tell me the truth, and I shall be content.”
    Sarah looked into his blue eyes, amazed at the radiant love she saw shining there. “I care for you, Charles,” she told him. “I confess, I think of you in a way far different than I have ever thought of any man. You are all that I could ever want in a husband. But … love … ? I cannot say I know the true meaning of earthly love.”
    “Then let me teach you, for one glimpse of your face inspires such passion inside me that …” He shook his head. When he spoke again, his words were heated. “What hindrance can there be to our union, Sarah? If you believe in me, as you say you do, then you must trust me to care for you and our children. Give your father’s money to charity, and see how I shall fight my way back to health and financial success. I can do this, Sarah. With you by my side, I can do it. For us.”
    Pursing her lips, she turned her head lest he see the tears welling in her eyes. “It is not so simple. There are … complications.”
    “Your sisters will become my own, dear lady. I cannot doubt that I shall adore them as you do. Perhaps my father’s home may not be as large as that of your late husband, but in time, I can purchase a good house for us. You will have a lady’s maid, footmen, servants. You will wear fine gowns and mingle comfortably in society.”
    “Heaven forbid,” Sarah muttered. “You mistake me, Charles. Such accoutrements of wealth are hardly my aim.”
    “But you have said you believe I can create happiness for myself. I beg you to become a part of my life, and I shall make you happy as well.”
    “Charles, please …” Sarah drew her hands from his. “I must have time to consider your offer. I am not the young girl I once was, and I do not proceed in any matter of great import without carefully weighing the implications.”
    “Not a young girl? You cannot be more than five and twenty.”
    “I am exactly that—and old enough to have experienced two lifetimes of woe. Believe me when I tell you that your offer of marriage holds many attractions for me. But I must pray, Charles. I must seek counsel from my Lord. I cannot and shall not give you my answer until I have done so.”
    Pulling away for fear that he might continue trying to convince her—and succeed—Sarah gathered her skirts and hurried to the steps that led belowdecks. As she fled to her quarters, she lifted her fingers to her lips, pressing them there as he had done.
    With one true kiss, she would be lost to Charles Locke. One reckless moment, and he might carry her away. A single touch, and she would abandon all her resolve. She must not permit him near again. Yet how she longed for his embrace.

   Four   
     
    Though he had been pulled from the sea with nothing to call his own, Charles was given a frock coat, waistcoat, trousers, shirt, and cravat from the captain’s personal wardrobe. Only his boots remained from the fine set of garments with which he had departed London months before. On this day, as the Queen Elinor sailed up the Thames, Charles polished the brown