The Bridal Contract (Darrington family Book 3) by Sandra Sookoo Read Free Book Online Page B

he had the distinct impression she was assessing him, searching for something in him he didn’t know if he possessed. At times, she’d cock her head to the side in such a manner that provoked memories of Maria, and that terrified him. What if, by some bizarre twist, the girl truly was his by blood?
    Then he firmly shoved those thoughts to the back of his mind. That couldn’t be fathomed. He should be angry at Maria, even at the child, since it seemed that his mistress had seen another man while under his protection. He snorted. He couldn’t have made a bigger muck of things if he’d tried.
    A tiny sound at the door roused him from his contemplation of the local paper. Daniela stood again in his doorway, same stance as before. Susan had gone to the market for supplies and Carruthers had accompanied her. Most likely the pair of them would return with a treat for the girl. Oliver scowled as he tried to ignore the child’s presence by facing away from her. The older couple had fallen under Daniela’s charm and would do anything for her. It apparently had been as easy for them as it had with Eloisa.
    He hadn’t. There simply wasn’t a place for a child in the life he wanted. A fit of the blue devils descended. How the hell was he to unravel this knot? The more he attempted to ignore the child, the more the weight of her stare bore into him. Finally, he glanced at her and met her gaze. For one second, he expected her to look away, but she did not. Instead, she slid the finger from her mouth and gave him a grin that held enough mischief to put a houseful of servants on alert.
    Curiosity speared him. She really was a pretty thing and for the time being, she did live here. Why shouldn’t they be friends? With slow movements, he stood and edged around his desk. The rich scent of his tea permeated the air, but he only had eyes for the little girl. Would today be the day she called a truce? “Hello, Daniela.” He kept his voice low as he extended a hand. “Would you like to keep me company?”
    She looked at his hand then back at his face. “Where is Isa?”
    Who? He wracked his brain. Who did she mean? Was that the name of one of her dolls? “I’m sorry, pet. I’m not sure who you’re talking about.” He wriggled his fingers. “Want to come read the paper with me?”
    Daniela shook her head. “Want Isa to come.” She pointed out the window.
    Oh. Oh! She wanted Eloisa, his pretty neighbor. Heat rushed over him as he recalled seeing her for the first time in his entryway. His recognition of her had hit him like the proverbial lightning bolt out of the blue. The last time he remembered seeing her, she’d been an awkward, clumsy schoolgirl when she’d visited with her brother from London, but now her Italian heritage had transformed her into an enchanting beauty, and one he’d disparaged thanks to his rampant lack of society charm.
    He cleared his throat. “Daniela, I’m sure Eloisa is busy.”
    Yes, he’d felt a strong rush of initial desire for his neighbor, but he’d tamped it. He didn’t want an involvement, not now. There was adventure ahead for him, and if he could manage to make other provision for the child, he could still be on schedule to meet it. He’d worked too long and too hard to gain this place in his life. No way would he go adventuring while leg-shackled to a whiny, fragile woman who feared malaria or tropical diseases or sleeping outside at times. And Eloisa fit that bill. If anyone was more feminine than Miss Hawthorne, he hadn’t seen them.
    The heat intensified through his chest. Her lavender dress had clung to her ample curves that day, and the woman was charming when she wasn’t bossing him or attempting to manipulate, but an attractive female was even more of a challenge onboard a ship than a plain one. One look at her ivory skin and blonde-brown curls and anyone could see she didn’t spend time outdoors. She’d probably complain to no end if the sun brought out freckles or if the