The Hired Wife by Cari Hislop Read Free Book Online Page A

from wondering if she was affected by his
touch. So what if she doesn’t love you now, his mind continued, how
do you know she won’t love you after a few years? You’re a good man
and not unkind. You have to take risks; don’t listen to that mushy
organ in your chest. It wants something that doesn’t exist. Fiend,
replied his heart. The mind is a cold fiend who thinks it can
settle. Listen to me Marshall; never settle for anything less than
love. You’ll hate yourself. You’ll be miserable!

    Marshall sighed
and tip-toed from the room wondering what sorts of uncomfortable
scenes the evening would bring. He hated attending balls and
routes, but it was important he escort his sisters and provide a
visual reminder that they weren’t unprotected. Their safety was
more important than his discomfort.

Chapter 4

    Mary bit the
inside of her cheek as she cringed under intense scrutiny. The ball
was filled with curious people important enough to openly stare at
the odd addition to their elite circle. Marshall’s ear-splitting
introduction of his new wife to his father’s sister captivated the
entire company. The rumour mill had been grinding away all evening;
the desperate Lord Raynham had advertised for and hired a wife.
Raynham’s desperation was further clarified by the fact the thin
young woman was plain and common.

    Mary’s nervous
curtsey drew a few icy polite words from the white haired Aunt
Beatrice, but Marshall and his wife were quickly dismissed in
favour of the excited twins. Patting the gloved hand clinging to
his arm, Marshall led his wife through the curious throng oblivious
to her torment and chose a seat with a good view of the room. “Sit
down; I’ll get you a drink.” Feeling adrift, Mary slowly sank onto
a padded seat and snapped open her fan. Taking a deep breath she
reminded herself the haut ton could stare and smirk to their hearts
content; she had three meals a day and a roof over her head. A few
uncomfortable moments were hardly comparable with starving to death
and as her husband had loudly stated, she was a Viscountess until
he declared otherwise. She slowly fanned her cheeks and watched the
dancers take their places. She didn’t notice the approaching men
until her view was blocked by three elegantly attired bodies.

    “Lady
Raynham…we presume?” The snickering man in the middle ogled her
through a gold lorgnette.

    “Yes?”

    “Is it true you
were hired to be Raynham’s wife?”

    Mary took a
deep calming breath to rein in her temper. “Yes.”

    “You must have
been desperate to marry Lord Beast. Did he promise not to eat
you?”

    “She can’t have
been as desperate as Lord Beast. Even whores blush at his ear
splitting attempts to negotiate a minute of pleasure. Ma mother was
desperate to marry off ma sister to him, but Lydia refused his
screaming declaration. Just when she hoped he’d take his leave he
pressed his ear to her face and demanded a reason; as if any woman
needs a reason to refuse a brute.”

    “Lord Raynham
isn’t a brute; he’s hard of hearing.”

    “He’s a deaf
brutish beast. Didn’t your mother teach you it’s rude to correct
your betters?”

    “I doubt her
mother taught her anything beyond how to sell her wares.”
    Mary clenched
her teeth and reminded herself that cruel people inhabited every
level of society. “Whatever will your mothers say when they learn
you’ve publicly acknowledged a vicar’s daughter?”

    “What are you
saying to my wife?” Marshall loomed large, the two elegant china
cups in his manly fingers looking absurd. “Go away and find your
own woman, if any will put up with your simpering poses and bad
breath.” He returned their sneer and bared his teeth. “Mushrooms!”
The loud word drew a number of heads. Marshall remained standing
until the men minced away. Sitting down, he handed Mary a cup.
“They’re not supposed to speak to you unless they’ve been properly
introduced. What did they say?” Marshall pointed