A Matter of Choice Read Online Free PDF Page B

further back on her shoulder so the sunshine could hit her face.
    “Yes. But not nearly as beautiful as you.”
    The sincerity of his compliment took her by surprise and she gave him a sideways glance. The adoring look on his face bespoke the depth of his feelings. She lowered her gaze to her lap.
    “Don’t be embarrassed.” He placed his gloved hand atop hers. “You are beautiful. Even more so with a blush to your cheeks. I cannot believe you are not already married.”
    “I never wanted to marry. Not after—“
    “Don’t, my lady.” He lifted a finger to stop her. “What happened to Lord Bradley did not reflect on you in the least. I don’t want you to ever think of his betrayal again.”
    Allison tried to put a smile on her face, but knew she came up short. Percy only patted her hand in a reassuring manner and focused on the path ahead. Allison took the opportunity to study him.
    Lord Archbite was an only child. His father had been well up in years when he was born, then had died unexpectedly a few years later. He’d left Percy his wealth, his title, and a doting Mother who lived only for her son. This undoubtedly explained the close connection between the two.
    Some saw his devotion to his mother as a weakness, but Allison did not. It was a quality she wasn’t sure she understood, but it somehow comforted her. Surely that devotion, that faithfulness, would transfer to his wife after he married.
    She should consider herself lucky he was interested in her. He was exactly the kind of man she wanted. Someone wealthy enough that her dowry was of no interest. Someone who did not have a reputation as a rake and scoundrel with a string of mistresses scattered throughout London. Someone who would honor his vows and be faithful to her.
    Someone as different from Montfort as any man could be.
    “I’m glad you have come back into Society. Glad you accepted my invitation this afternoon. It gives me hope.”
    “Hope?”
    His gaze locked with hers. “Until now, a permanent arrangement of any kind did not interest me. You have changed my mind.”
    Allison’s cheeks warmed and she knew it had nothing to do with the midday sun shining on her face.
    Her heart beat faster and her breathing turned rapid and shallow. She knew what was coming next, what words he intended to say.
    An overwhelming sense of panic washed over her. She suddenly realized she didn’t want to hear what he was going to tell her.
    He turned to face her, his heartfelt sincerity plain to see. “I cannot let another day pass before I tell you my feelings. You have captured my heart and I am convinced the sun rises and sets in you. Next to my mother, you are truly the most virtuous woman I know.”
    He cradled her free hand and pressed it to his chest.
    A stronger tremor of panic raced through her. Why didn’t his words thrill her? Why didn’t her heart soar at his proclamation? Instead, she felt trapped. Uncomfortable. As if committing to anything right now would be a mistake.
    “I’ve admired you forever. You are perfection itself, above reproach. Mother says a match between our two families would be advantageous to us both.”
    She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t keep her heart from racing out of control. “Lord Archbite.” She pulled her hand away from him. Her voice sounded barely more than a whisper that quivered with a timidity totally alien to her nature. What was wrong with her? “I am extremely flattered by your compliments, exaggerated though they may be. It would be a lie to pretend I am oblivious to your intentions. I am not. I appreciate your feelings. But…” She hesitated until she could find a way to say what she needed to say. “Please. I need time before you declare yourself.”
    The wounded look in Percy’s eyes made her feel terrible.
    “Of course. How rude of me to be so forward. This is hardly the time or the place for such a delicate discussion. It was thoughtless of me not to realize you might not return my feelings