Whirlwind Wedding by Jacquie D'Alessandro Read Free Book Online Page B

what I say is true. What possible reason could I have to lie to you?"
    "I have asked myself that very question, Miss Matthews. And I'm very interested in the answer."
    "There is no answer. I am not lying. Good heavens, are you always this pigheaded?" Her eyes narrowed on his face. "Or are you perhaps beavered?"
    Had she just called him pigheaded? And what the hell was— "Beavered?
    "
    "Yes. Have you overindulged in strong spirits?"
    He glared at her. "Foxed. You mean foxed. And no, of course I'm not.
    Good God it's barely seven in the morning." He leaned closer to her and his annoyance peaked when she stood her ground and glared right back at him. "Nor am I pigheaded."
    An unladylike snort that sounded suspiciously like an oink escaped her lips. "I'm certain you enjoy thinking you're not." She gathered up her supplies, then rose. "I must go. Aunt Joanna will wonder what's become of me." Without another word she turned and headed swiftly down the path leading back to the house.
    Austin watched her disappearing form and reined in his irritation. Damn impertinent woman. God help the poor bastard who leg-shackled himself to that ill-mannered American.
    Once his anger cooled however, her disturbing words replayed in his mind. Danger.
    An uneasy sensation slithered through him, but he resolutely shook it off.
    He was on his own private estate, miles away from anything except nature.
    What could possibly endanger him here? A hungry squirrel biting his leg?
    A goat butting his arse? He inwardly chuckled at the thought of being chased about the grounds by furry animals.
    His amusement abruptly died as he thought of the blackmail letter.
    Could the blackmailer mean to harm him? He shook his head, dismissing the thought. The blackmailer wanted money—he wouldn't get it if he harmed the source.
    Still, what were her intentions in warning him about danger? Could she be in cahoots with the blackmailer? Was she trying to make him worry about the blackmailer so he'd pay the bastard? Or was she perhaps another of the blackmailer's victims and merely trying to help him? Or was she simply daft?
    He didn't know, but he put no credence in this visions nonsense.
    No, he was not in danger.
    Absolutely not.
    And he wasn't pigheaded either.
    Two hours later, Austin walked into the dining room, hoping for a peaceful cup of coffee, and nearly groaned. Two dozen pairs of eyes looked at him.
    Damn. He'd forgotten about his mother's remaining guests who were actually his guests.
    "Good morning, Austin," his mother said in a tone he recognized all too well. It was her thank-heavens-you've-shown-up-because-someone-is-boring-us-all-to-tears voice. "Lord Digby was just expounding on the virtues of the latest irrigation systems. I believe that is a pet subject of yours."
    He nearly laughed out loud at the desperate look she sent him—a look even the most heartless man could not ignore. Knowing she wanted him to occupy Lord Digby's attention, he eased into his chair at the head of the table and gave the man an encouraging nod. "Irrigation systems?
    Fascinating stuff." Conversation resumed and after accepting coffee from a footman, he pretended to listen to Lord Digby while his gaze drifted down the table.
    Caroline smiled at him, then after a surreptitious peek left and right, she rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. He winked back, pleased that she looked so happy and had somehow managed to retain her sense of humor through what was rapidly promising to be a deadly boring meal.
    His eyes skimmed over the other guests while he absently nodded in response to Lord Digby's harangue. Lady Digby sat surrounded by her numerous daughters. Good God how many were there again? Taking a quick inventory, he counted five, all of whom were currently fluttering their eyelashes at him.
    He barely suppressed a shudder. What had Miles called the chits? Oh yes. Cabbage-headed nincompoops. He made a mental note to take Miles at his word and stay as far away from the Digby