A Rose in Winter Read Online Free PDF Page B

better off avoiding marriage to a handsome rake who would get her with a brood of brats. Silas would be suitable enough for her needs. But then, after seeing her with this Seton devil, Silas might be hesitant about offering marriage for fear he might be getting tainted goods.
    "There be plenty o' suitors willing to pay the bride price," Avery insisted, just in case Silas had any doubts. "Men what are wise enough to see what treasures she'll bring 'em, and not one of 'em abused her kin."
    Facing Erienne, Christopher favored her with a lopsided grin. "I suppose this means I won't be welcomed here again?"
    "Get out! And don't ever darken this door again!" she cried, fighting tears of anger and humiliation. Her lips curling with contempt, she gave him a scathing perusal. "Were a twisted, scar-faced, hunchbacked cripple the only other man on earth, I would surely choose him over you!"
    Christopher let his gaze glide down her. "As for me, Erienne, were you cast down before me, I would not be wont to cross over you to get to some broad bovine." He smiled in wry humor as his eyes met hers again. " 'Twould be pure foolishness to spite myself for the sake of pride."
    "Out!" The word was spat from her lips with vengeance as her arm thrust out in the direction of the door.
    Christopher gave a curt, mocking bow of compliance and approached the peg which bore his redingote while Avery seized his daughter's arm and jerked her into the parlor.
    "What's this now?" The mayor hissed in an angry demand. "Here I goes out and risks me fine health in a high-blowin' nor'easter to bring yer beau to ye an' returns to find ye throwin' yerself at the likes o' him!"
    "Silas Chambers is not my beau!" Erienne corrected in an urgent whisper. "He's just another man whom you've brought to look me over as if I were some horse to be traded. And I wasn't throwin' myself at anyone! I just stumbled, and Silas... Mr. Seton caught me."
    "I saw what the beggar was tryin'! Had his hands all over ye, he did!"
    "Please, Father, lower your voice," she begged. " 'Twas not the way you think!"
    As the argument continued and Avery's voice grew louder, Silas Chambers twisted his tricorn in painful indecision. On the verge of panic, the lank, pale-haired, coarse-faced man cast repeated glances toward the parlor.
    "I expect they'll be engaged for some time," Christopher stated, slipping into his redingote. As Silas glanced at him, he tipped his head to indicate the two in the parlor. "A strong rum might help settle your stomach. Or perhaps you would care to join me for a bite to eat at the inn? You can return here later if you wish."
    "Why ... ah... I believe I..." Silas's eyes widened as a jumbled bellow came from the parlor, and he made a hasty decision. "I believe I shall, sir. Thank you." He jerked on his tricorn, suddenly grateful for any excuse to be gone from this place.
    Hiding an amused smile, Christopher opened the door and allowed the man to precede him. As the chill wind and pelting rain struck them, Silas shivered and hurriedly pulled up the collar of his coat. His nose reddened abruptly and seemed to stand out like a large, glowing beacon. He drew on a pair of tattered gloves and stuffed a frayed scarf into his collar, causing Christopher to raise a skeptical brow. If the man had wealth, there was not a great lot of visible evidence to substantiate the fact. His appearance was that of some hardworking accountant whose employer miserly doled out his wages. It would be interesting indeed to see just how deep the man would dig in his purse should a contest evolve for the fair hand of Erienne Fleming.
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
    THE front door closed gently but with the same effect as a sudden crack of thunder. The unexpected sound startled Avery from his tirade, and he faced the hallway with sagging jaw, realizing that not only had Christopher Seton left, but also that Silas Chambers had gone with him. With a groan of despair, Avery turned to his daughter again