Bride Who Fell in Love with Her Husband Read Online Free PDF Page A

not know her anymore,” she admitted sadly. “I have long left her behind.”
    Thomas climbed from the carriage and helped her down. He looked into her eyes. “Then let us take one hour at a time and see what we can discover.”
    Befuddled, she took his arm as he led her toward the row of shops. She was quickly discovering that her new husband was not at all what she expected. He was a puzzle.
    An hour later, Rose was stripped to her chemise and standing in a small room waiting for Mrs. Jensen to finish adjusting a cream day dress to her measurements. Thomas was seated on a spindly chair in the corner after insisting he help with dress selection.
    She suspected his offer was made not out of a love for fabrics and dress design but out of the desire to see her in her chemise and stockings.
    His attention proved to be a distraction. “Surely you can find a more productive use of your time, husband.” She crossed her arms over her thinly covered breasts. His intense gaze left her out of sorts. “There must be a shop for men somewhere on this street . . . ?”
    He grinned and he looked down at the thin chemise. “Perhaps. But I find my time better taken by my half-naked wife.”
    Rose flushed, and she never flushed. “Oh? I thought your disappointment last evening brought an end to your interest in me.” Her cheeks warming, she turned toward the mirror. She didn’t want him to see the twinge of hurt in her eyes. “I expected you’d be out today looking for an acceptable mistress.”
    A brow went aloft. “Then you are mistaken. I have not lost interest in you, sweet.” He ran his gaze over her. “In fact, I see your misbehavior in our bed as a challenge and you the prize worth winning. I plan to make you love me, Rose.”
    Love? “People seldom marry for love,” she said, turning back to him. “Can we not be satisfied with affection for each other and leave the rest for romantics and fools?”
    Thomas leaned back on the chair and it squawked in protest. Clearly the piece was meant to hold a much smaller frame.
    â€œWhy so pessimistic, dearest?” His eyes took on a dark glint. “Do you believe yourself incapable of love?”
    Rose wasn’t certain of anything at the moment. The hours since their wedding had been a muddle of contradictions and upheaval. And they were only on their second day.
    â€œI loved my father and he was killed very young. I loved my mother and she betrayed me.” Rose sighed deeply. “I think it best if you accept that I am fond of you and leave it at that. I will not love you, Thomas.”
    To her surprise, he grinned. “Oh, you will love me, and all your fears will be put to rest, for I will not betray that love.” He pushed up from the chair and crossed the narrow space to her. “Would you care to place a wager on my success?”
    He spun her around to face the mirror. Bending, he placed his open palms just under her breasts and nipped her bare shoulder while his eyes locked onto hers.
    A shiver passed down her body. “I think not. It will be a fool’s wager that you will lose.”
    * * * *
    Thomas chuckled and stepped back as Mrs. Jensen returned. He reclaimed his chair as the two women discussed the skill of the lace maker who’d trimmed the dress.
    Rose was as stubborn as she was lovely. Her hair came out of the pins as Mrs. Jensen pulled the dress over her head. The mass of red fell in a silky twist over one shoulder.
    He stirred beneath his trousers.
    â€œThe dress fits perfectly,” Mrs. Jensen said, and made adjustments until it was settled in the right position. Then she stepped back to admire her creation. “Excellent.”
    Thomas barely heard her. He watched Rose in the mirror, her lashes lowered as she looked down at the creation.
    The outing was proving a success. He’d shoved aside his annoyance at last night’s debacle and