The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold Read Free Book Online Page B

here?”
    She opened her mouth to protest but sighed instead. So much for charming him. Apparently her days as an irresistible belle were behind her, along with the best days of her life. She acknowledged the loss, turning so as not to look directly in Jace’s eyes.
    “I’ve had a change of heart.” She dragged a gloved finger along the dusty edge of a nearby table, then faced him again. “I’ve decided to answer your questions about my ordeal.”
    His brow arched as he considered her in that way he seemed to consider everything. Skeptically.
    “Why?”
    His surprising lack of enthusiasm deflated her poise. “I…have a favor to ask in return.”
    “Your grandfather?” Lines of concern framed his eyes; his mouth was drawn tight.
    In that briefest of moments she glimpsed who he was. A serious professional utterly devoted to the welfare of others. Her admiration of him was genuine. This man’s work had meaning—true value—and suddenly she felt ashamed for involving him in some trivial charade to recover her pride.
    “No, Grandfather’s fine.”
    Jace took another step closer. The scent of him wafted toward her, scattering her thoughts. That strange sensation returned, that force of attraction that pulled and tempted her body in a most discomfiting way.
    “What is it you need?”
    His husky tone held the promise of things she couldn’t describe and yet somehow desired. Something so close and yet so far away. All at once the question flew from her lips.
    “Would you escort me to a wedding next month?”
    “Your friend Amelia’s.”
    She nodded, knowing he’d read all about it in the letter he’d found.
    “That could be arranged.”
    She exhaled in relief; she was halfway there.
    “Since you’re kind enough to act as escort, I wish to ask a slight something more of you.” She gave a demure smile and a coy toss of her hair.
    He pursed his lips in return. “Out with it.”
    She took a quick breath for the courage to proceed. In for a penny, in for a pound.
    “I’d like you to attend not only as my escort, but as my fiancé as well.”
    His eyes bulged, and his arms dropped to his sides.
    “It would only be temporary,” she assured him. “After the wedding, I will jilt you, of course.”
    “Jilt me ?” He coughed.
    “Why yes. I can’t very well regain my reputation if you jilt me.”
    “So that’s what all this is about.” He circled his finger in the air, encompassing her less-than-stellar performance. “Regaining your reputation.”
    “That’s none of your concern.”
    “Oh, but I think it is—especially if we’re to be married.” He smiled wolfishly. “And beyond that, it’s disappointing. And here I felt flattered.”
    She bristled at his teasing tone. “I must attend as a properly engaged woman. Propriety is everything to these people.”
    “And what of my reputation as the jilted party?” His mouth quirked, and she frowned at his joking tone.
    “Men don’t have reputations. They have prowess,” she snapped. “Besides, you’re a doctor. The only opinion that matters to you is your own.”
    This garnered a smile.
    “Will you do it?”
    His smile faded as he tilted his head. The tender expression overwhelmed her. His eyes shone with compassion. Reluctance. She stared into the blue depths, saw his refusal rising to the surface.
    “Madeline—”
    “Please, Jace. You must.”
    Her desperate tone had signaled a warning. She saw it at once. His shoulders stiffened, and the softness fled from his face.
    “And why is that?”
    She’d prefer to bite off her tongue than proceed, but she’d no choice now other than to tell him the truth.
    “Because the damage is done. I’ve already announced it.”
    “Announced…” His narrowed eyes flashed wide. “Our engagement?” He shifted his weight against his surprise. “You announced our engagement?”
    “I had to. I’m sorry.”
    He blinked, shook his head, looking addled.
    “Allow me to explain.”
    A vein emerged at his