To Wed A Viscount by Adrienne Basso Read Free Book Online

approach this man and ask him to consider marrying her, then she certainly needed to be bold enough to accept a polite kiss on the hand.
    Faith took a long, shuddering breath and told herself sternly to stop acting like a silly girl. True, she might be considered intelligent for a woman, but she had grown up in the country, sheltered from the rakish antics of men like Griffin Sainthill. Yet that did not mean she was incapable of holding her own in his company.
    â€œTell me what you know of the will,” she said breathlessly, feeling a need to steer the topic back to the purpose of her visit.
    He seemed confused for a moment but recovered quickly. “I understand in situations such as yours, when an intended groom dies before the wedding, it is customary to return the betrothal ring, especially if it is a family heirloom. However, Neville’s will specifically requested that you keep the ring, and I wanted to assure you that I have no objection.”
    â€œNeville’s will?” Faith was shocked. She was unaware that her fiance had even made a will. As for the ring, it was sitting at home in her jewel box, precisely where it always was, since she rarely wore it. “You misunderstand, my lord. When I spoke of a will, I was referring to my father’s will.”
    â€œYour father’s will? How could that possibly concern me?”
    â€œI need a husband before the year ends or else I shall lose ownership of Mayfair Manor. I was hoping you might consider it.”
    The viscount stared at her for a long moment, then broke into hearty laughter. “I always did enjoy your odd sense of humor, even when we were children. I’m pleased to find that you still possess it, in abundance I might add.”
    Faith squirmed uncomfortably in her chair, saying nothing. Gradually his laughter died away. The room became strangely silent.
    â€œYou aren’t joking, are you?” The viscount raked a hand through his dark hair. “You really must marry within the year or lose Mayfair Manor?”
    Faith’s nerves tightened. “Not just marry, my lord. In order to comply with the dictates of the will, I must marry Viscount Dewhurst.”
    His mouth quirked again. “Me? You must marry me?”
    Faith struggled mightily to keep her gaze on his. “Well, you are Viscount Dewhurst.”
    â€œSurely not the one named in the will?”
    â€œOf course not.” Faith huffed and tried to ignore the growing tone of amusement in his speech and manner. How dare he think this was funny? “However, you are Viscount Dewhurst, and if we marry, Mayfair Manor shall be mine. Or, rather, ours.”
    â€œYou’re serious.”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    Her strong, steady answer wiped the grin from his face. Quickly. “Have you consulted a lawyer? Surely there must be another solution to this predicament aside from marriage?”
    â€œI cannot afford a lengthy court battle. If I forfeit the manor I shall be given a modest income that is more than adequate for my needs. I will not be destitute.” Faith tried to ignore the hollow feeling in her stomach and admonished herself to temper the look of anxious hope she felt certain was lighting her eyes.
    â€œIf you must know the entire truth, ’tis more than just losing my home, which I dearly love, that rankles me. It is my cousin’s wife, Amelia. I’ve never cared for her. She lacks refinement, common sense, even basic kindness. She is a frightful woman and has been completely unbearable since her husband became a baron. The last time we met, she insisted that I address her as Lady Aston . I almost choked.
    â€œ ’Tis petty of me, I suppose, but I would do nearly anything so as not to give her the satisfaction of taking everything that is mine.”
    â€œEven marry a stranger?” Griffin remarked. His eyebrow lifted again. “She must be very frightful, indeed.”
    Faith blushed. Perhaps the horrid Amelia