WANTON by Cheryl Holt Read Free Book Online Page A

Hubbard.”
    “I don’t know, Lord Sidwell. I think it would be best if I leave.”
    “To go where, Miss Hubbard? Miss Peabody’s school is closed, and you have no kin in England. Will you traipse off down the road with no destination in mind and no money in your purse? You can’t be that foolish.”
    “I’m not being foolish. I’m simply convinced that Mr. Drake and I shouldn’t wed. We don’t get on in the slightest, and a union would be a huge mistake.”
    They were in George’s library, with George seated behind his desk and Miss Hubbard perched on the edge of her chair as if she was about to bolt. He was aware that she planned to depart, but he was more determined that she remain. In light of his resolve, she would have to do exactly what he wished.
    He forced a look of concern onto his face. “How could you have ascertained—and so quickly too—that you and Lucas don’t get on? You only spoke to him in the parlor when I introduced you.”
    “I talked to him...ah...in the hall too, up by my room. We’re oil and water, and I’m not the bride he needs. He’d absolutely agree with me.”
    George tamped down a trill of excitement. He’d suspected it would be beneficial to house Miss Hubbard next to Lucas. Apparently, they’d already chatted at length. What might happen with further interaction?
    Lucas—for all his impertinence—was very handsome and could be exceedingly charming when he tried. A sheltered innocent like Miss Hubbard could never resist an attempt at seduction by him.
    “I’m much older than you, Miss Hubbard,” he told her, “and I expect much wiser too. Please heed my counsel. It’s impossible to decide on such scant acquaintance that you and Lucas aren’t a good match.”
    “He was very clear.”
    “He’s a bachelor,” George airily said. “Most of them can’t imagine being tied down. He’ll get over it.”
    “I don’t believe he will, and I couldn’t bear to have a husband who is so curt and condescending.”
    “We caught him on a bad day,” George claimed, “and I didn’t prepare him before he met you. He needs some time to come to grips with the situation.” He smiled, eager to appear confident rather than desperate. “We’ll bring him around to our way of thinking. You’ll see.”
    She blew out a heavy breath. “You’re placing me in an untenable position.”
    “No, I’m not. I’m guaranteeing you receive what you’ve wanted forever.”
    “How so?”
    “If you can drag Lucas to the altar, Miss Hubbard, I’ll give the two of you a fine estate in Surrey as a wedding gift. You’ll be landed and settled and very wealthy. Wouldn’t it be worth a bit of effort to achieve that boon? Surely you wouldn’t surrender such a prize without a fight.”
    She stared down at her hands, and he could practically hear her mind whirring as she struggled to absorb his offer of income and property. As an orphan who’d grown up in a boarding school, she would never pass up such a fabulous opportunity.
    “What would I have to do?” she ultimately mumbled, and he nearly shook a fist in triumph.
    “Stay for the next month—as my guest. We’ll find plenty of chances for you to socialize with Lucas. Proximity will quickly work its magic. I have no doubt.”
    “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
    “You’re a very pretty girl”—he painted on a thick layer of flattery—“and you’re sweet-tempered and pleasant company. Once Lucas starts to discern your stellar attributes, there’ll be no keeping him away from you.”
    She groaned with what sounded like misery. “You’re mad.”
    “No, not mad. Just very determined.” He stood and gestured to the door. “Now then, hurry upstairs and pack your bag.”
    “Why?”
    “We’re off to London, Miss Hubbard, to open up my town house.”
    She dithered and debated, then finally said, “All right, but just for a month. If I can’t win him over in thirty days, then you and I will have to come to terms, and I’ll