Bride Read Online Free PDF

wouldn't. Well, that is to change, and I am the one to change it. I have already begun a volume intended to revolutionize the lot of young females faced with the terrifying prospect of marriage to creatures so entirely different from themselves, creatures about whom they know absolutely nothing.”
    “How … I mean
why
would you undertake such an unnecessary venture?”
    Justine's fingers tightened around his on her knee. “Struan, because I know you are merely a product of what you have been taught by unfeeling men, I shall forgive you that question. I know you well enough to be certain that when I have explained my project to you, you will not be able to wait to assist me.”
    She would benefit from being taken in his arms and soothed—and kissed soundly. “Hmm.
Assist
you, Justine? I fear I—”
    “It is too complicated to clarify entirely tonight. I simply hope that you will agree to help me explain certain elements of the male-female—urn—experience, in such a way as to make the entire process sound pleasant to prospective brides. It is my intention that every young woman who reads my work will go to her marriage bed with alacrity! After reading the revelations I intend to set out,
my
girls will enter their bridal chambers triumphant in the knowledge that they are their new husbands’ equals in the matters about to unfold.”
    Struan's head had gradually bowed while he watched, her mouth form words. He shook himself slightly and said, “Unbelievable.” Surely she could know almost nothing of what she spoke. And she wanted him to help her remedy that situation?
    He must send her home. At once. “I'd help you if I could, Justine. You know that. Unfortunately, the matter of running Kirkcaldy is weighty. Perhaps at some other time. Meanwhile, I'll ensure that you are well rested before you continue your journey.”
    “Absolutely not,” she said, straightening. “Do you think I would shirk my duty to a friend?”
    Struan looked at the rising color in her face. “I fear I don't follow you.”
    “You are a man besieged.”
    He was tired. And she could not possibly know just how besieged. “Thank you for your concern, my friend. I cope well with my lot.”
    “You are too brave.”
    I am a monster in retreat.
“I do what I must.”
    “And you no longer must at all.”
    “Justine?”
    “It is decided.” She smiled, but there was the faintest tremble about her mouth. “I shall take the children in hand and attend to their training.”
    No, no, no.
“I could not possibly allow you to undertake such a burden.”
    “I will not listen to your selfless protests.”
    Dear God. “I will not listen to your selfless offer.”
    “Sin's ears, what posh!”
    “Sin's … Does Calum approve of your colorful language, my dear?”
    “I don't care a fig for Calum's approval. I simply decided to design my own means for venting irritation. Resourceful, I think. And satisfying. I plan to suggest the measure in my book.”
    Extraordinary. “Quite so” was the only response that came to mind. “You cannot give your valuable time to the training of my children.”
    She squared her shoulders. “My hitherto useless time will become meaningful while I coach and teach Ella and Max. And you will provide me with a sanctuary in which to write my instruction manual for young women. And—if you agree—you will instruct me in those matters so difficult to ascertain from the male viewpoint.”
    Never.
“It will never do. Your reputation—”
    “Because I will be spending time alone with you? My dear Struan. Your reputation as a gentleman and my age—I am thirty-five, a year older than you, remember—the facts will overcome any obstacle.”
    Her age did nothing to stop his increasingly pounding desire. Neither would her age stop her brother, or his own, from killing him if he did not treat Justine's reputation like a crystal egg. Then there was the question of his reputation. He'd laugh about that, if he didn't feel