The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch Read Free Book Online Page B

“Freedom? From what?”
    The light in his expressive eyes dimmed. “I wish I could tell you.”
    When he said nothing further, she ignored her upbringing and asked, “Why can’t you tell me?”
    A self-deprecating smile touched his mouth. “You already dislike me. If you really knew me, you’d be repulsed.”
    She touched his sleeve. “I never said I dislike you. Besides, we’re virtually strangers; why should my opinion matter?”
    Rigid with tension, he looked down at her hand resting upon his arm, his lashes concealing his eyes.  Then he turned that lethal gaze upon her. Very quietly, he replied, “It matters.”
    Stunned, she stared. Again, the mask of a playful rogue had fallen away and genuine loss shone through. A deep and poignant sadness entered the depths of his eyes, holding her in its grasp. Seized with an overwhelming desire to discover the source of his haunting pain, coupled with the urge to offer comfort, she cast about for a method to cheer him.
    She indicated the starry sky. “Then I’ll make a wish for you. I wish for you to have all the desires of your heart.”
    He looked at her in wonder. Just when she’d begun to think she’d been wrong about him, the wickedness returned in the lopsided upturn of his mouth. “Even if my heart desires you?”
    “I…” Her heart thumped and tightness coiled in her abdomen.
    Suddenly terrified at the realization that, on at least one level, she did desire him, she fled. Passing the ornamental trees and flowers, arches and statues, she ran without pause until she reached the safety of the terrace outside the brightly lit drawing room. Ordinarily she would shun bright lights that might reveal her discomfort, but she’d be safer inside away from him. From herself.
    She halted just outside the doors to catch her breath. Glancing back, she looked for his pursuit but she was alone. As she smoothed her hair, she realized his ploy. In exchange for her given name, she’d demanded an explanation regarding the noose and the men who’d been threatening him, yet he’d managed to distract her without answering her question. And she’d still given him her name. She clenched her teeth. Rogue!
    She entered the drawing room and hoped her guilty thoughts about the stranger weren’t apparent all over her face.
    Charlotte Greymore approached wearing a wide smile. “Elise, you look magnificent.”
    Elise touched her gown self-consciously. “How do you feel, Charlotte?”
    “I am quite well, thank you. And you?”
    Elise laughed softly. “I’m not the one increasing, Charlotte.”
    Glowing with happiness, Charlotte placed a hand on her slightly rounded abdomen. “I’m over the sickness, and aside from some fatigue, I feel wonderful.”
    “I’m gratified to hear you aren’t going to be ill the entire nine months as was I.”
    Charlotte smiled and glanced over her shoulder at her husband. Mr. Greymore stood laughing in a circle of men.
    “I’m in need of the ladies’ retiring room.” Charlotte blushed. “Excuse me.”
    Elise watched her pass her husband, touch his arm, and leave the room. Charlotte seemed happier than ever now that she’d wedded her childhood sweetheart. But then, Mr. Greymore was a remarkable man.
    “Mrs. Berkley. How delightful to see you.”
    Elise turned to see her neighbor, Mr. Bradford. Edward and Mr. Bradford used to banter good-naturedly about the rightful ownership of the lake that spanned their adjoining land. She’d seldom exchanged more than a few words with her neighbor.
    She swiftly regained her comportment. “Good evening, Mr. Bradford. How are you?”
    He blinked and looked away. “I’m well, thank you. I miss Emma, of course, but we are getting along.”
    Elise felt a twinge of guilt. “I must apologize for having neglected you during this difficult time. I should have been there for you more.”
    His eyes widened in surprise. “You’ve always been most kind. And my daughters adore your Colin.”
    Lily announced,