Dare to Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

make some kind of plans for the future. I had no idea what I would do, but perhaps I would find some solution during the time allotted me. Until now I had been too grieved by Aunt Meg’s death to give much thought to what was going to happen to me.
    Pausing at the foot of the stairs, I braced myself for the meeting with Chapman. I was fully aware of the kind of “arrangement” he wanted to make with me, even though he had yet to express it in words. I had no intention of agreeing to it, of course, but I didn’t want to offend him. Not yet. He could turn me out tomorrow if he chose to, and if I annoyed him, he wouldn’t hesitate to do just that.
    John Chapman had come to Cornwall six or seven years before, new-rich, self-educated, an upstart who seemed intent on taking over the whole county. Not only did he own tin mines, but he had been buying property right and left, ruthless in his quest for power. The villagers detested him, but those not actually in debt to him depended on their jobs at the mines in order to survive. The gentry looked down on him, but all felt obligated to give him at least a token acceptance. None dared snub him outright.
    He was very rich, and he was powerful, by far the most powerful man in this part of Cornwall. He had drive and determination and a complete lack of scruples. Men like Chapman were taking over England. Wealth was supplanting lineage as the symbol of authority, and blue blood didn’t mean nearly as much as money in the bank. The old order was knuckling under, unable to withstand the force and vigor of the new breed.
    Chapman stood up as I entered the drawing room. Setting his empty sherry glass aside, he looked at me with gray-green eyes that took in every detail of my appearance.
    â€œGood morning, Mr. Chapman,” I said. “How kind of you to call.”
    â€œI was passing by, thought I’d stop and see how you’re getting along.”
    He still studied me, as though I were a piece of property he considered buying. He was a large, sturdily built man, well over six feet tall, all hard muscle. Forty-two years old, still unmarried, he had red-bronze hair and broad, rugged features. The jaw was strong, the mouth full but hard. Certain women would find him quite attractive, for he had incredible presence, exuding vitality and an aura of brute strength. He was actually rather striking in his polished brown knee boots, snug tan breeches, and dark pinkish-tan corduroy jacket, a strong, ruthless figure who made the room seem much smaller.
    â€œYou’re looking lovely.”
    â€œYou’re being gallant, Mr. Chapman.”
    â€œI’m being frank. You’re a lovely girl, Mary Ellen.”
    I lowered my lashes demurely, a faint blush coloring my cheeks. I was acting the part to perfection.
    â€œI hear you had a little trouble at the village the other day. I understand a couple of the village boys tried to be familiar.”
    â€œIt was nothing.”
    â€œYou shouldn’t go out without a chaperone, you know.”
    â€œIndeed?”
    â€œA lovely girl like you—it isn’t safe.”
    â€œI can take care of myself, Mr. Chapman.”
    â€œIf you want to go out, let me know. I’ll be happy to come by for you in my carriage. You need to get out, get some fresh air. I’d be glad to take you for a drive any time, any time at all.”
    â€œI wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble, Mr. Chapman.”
    â€œTrouble? It would be a pleasure.”
    His lips were slightly parted and his eyes were dark with male hunger. He looked as though he wanted to crush me in his arms, as though it took great effort to restrain himself. It gave me a curious sense of power, but I was apprehensive, too. This was all so new to me, and I felt ill-equipped to play the games I knew I would have to play.
    â€œHave you thought any more about the future?” he inquired.
    â€œI—there hasn’t been much