Bound by Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

always do what your mother commands?”
    She turned to regard a nearby rosebush, the sunlight outlining the pure lines of her profile.
    “Not always, but family loyalty is a strange and powerful thing, your Grace. Even for a woman who considers herself a sane, rational being.”
    He frowned, struck by her low words. Was she confessing that she had been sent by the Emperor?
    “Family loyalty?”
    “Ah, there you are,” Edmond intruded, stepping next to Stefan with a mysterious smile. “I have convinced Brianna to return to the house, and I am certain she would appreciate your company, Leonida.”
    “Of course.” There was no mistaking Miss Karkoff’s relief to be away from Stefan as she offered a hasty dip. “Your Grace.”
    “Miss Karkoff.”
    Barely waiting for his nod, she spun on her heel and hurried toward the house.
    Stefan watched her progress in silence, still churning with a strange mixture of emotions.
    Anger, suspicion and, over all, a potent fascination.
    Who the devil was Miss Leonida Karkoff?
    And why was he suddenly missing the sweet scent of jasmine?
    “Could you not even make an effort to charm the poor female?” Edmond drawled.
    “I do not trust her,” he retorted, not adding he was also unwillingly captivated by the clever minx. “I think she was deliberately sent here by the Emperor for his own devious purpose.”
    “Even if she was, I am quite capable of protecting what is mine.” Edmond’s voice held a hard edge of warning. “For all of Alexander Pavlovich’s faults, he is wise enough to realize what would happen if Brianna was harmed.”
    “But do you have the sense to protect yourself?”
    Edmond shrugged. “I am learning.”
    Stefan smiled, folding his arms across his chest. “So, do you intend to share your announcement?”
    “What announcement?”
    “I may be dull and unsociable, but I am capable of noticing that you are even more overprotective of your bride than usual.”
    Edmond’s eyes widened in surprise. “ Mon Dieu . I forget that behind your pretense of being a staid farmer you are far more perceptive than any person I have ever known. Nothing gets past your notice, does it?”
    “Very little.”
    Edmond snorted, shaking his head. “You are fortunate that neither the King nor Alexander Pavlovich know of your talent. They would never allow you to leave their side.”
    “And you are very accomplished at evading an answer,” Stefan retorted.
    Edmond grimaced, allowing his deep concern to shimmer in his eyes. “We suspect that Brianna might be increasing but it is very early days yet. We cannot be certain.”
    Stefan understood his brother’s unease. Brianna had thought she was increasing once before only to lose the child. It would be hellish to endure yet another loss.
    Still, she was young and healthy. It seemed reasonable she would be able to bear her child.
    He reached out to clap his brother on the shoulder. “You have my deepest congratulations, brother.”
    Edmond nodded, but his gaze was searching. “Do I?”
    It took a moment for Stefan to realize his brother was referring to Stefan’s proposal to Brianna months ago.
    At the time he had been moved by the knowledge he had failed his childhood friend and that he could make amends by protecting her future. There had also been the comfort of familiarity.
    Now he could only be relieved that she had possessed the sense to choose Edmond.
    “Never think otherwise,” he assured his brother. “You and Brianna were destined for one another. Besides, I can now hope that any need to wed and produce the proper heir has been removed. Just ensure Brianna has a boy.”
    “Matters are out of my hands, I fear.” Edmond’s concern eased and he smiled with wicked amusement. “And besides, you would be a fool to become overly comfortable in your role as bachelor.”
    Stefan arched a brow. “And why is that?”
    Edmond laughed. “I highly doubt that I am the only one destined to tumble into the clutches of a woman.