Her Heart's Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

miss home, though, surely. No boyfriend?’ Marcus chipped in.
    Marisa sucked her breath in. She couldn’t believe he was being so personal.
    ‘No, there’s no one,’ she answered simply, not wishing to discuss her personal business.
    ‘A pretty girl like you won’t be alone for long. You ought to watch out for the locals. People can be quite amorous around here.’
    You’re not kidding. She wished he would be quiet.
    ‘I think Marisa’s personal life should remain personal Marcus. It’s a bit impertinent to be discussing her love life, don’t you think?’ Lord St. John glared at Marcus.
    He was clearly aggravated by him. Marisa could tell there was no love lost between them. She wasn’t surprised. She couldn’t see how anyone could warm to Marcus.
    ‘Marisa, if you like, I can show you around the village tomorrow,’ Felicity chimed in, trying to change the subject, anxious to avoid any recriminations as her husband looked at James with his steely gaze.
    ‘Oh, well, I don’t know. I expect to have quite a lot going on with my first day at work and everything.’
    ‘If you wish to go to town tomorrow, please do so, Marisa. You are free to do whatever you want in your own time; I won’t work you around the clock, you know,’ Lord St. John said.
    Marisa smiled at him politely. Damn , she thought. I’ll have to go now.
    ‘Well, if Felicity is sure she doesn’t mind.’
    Felicity folded her napkin and laid it on the plate in front of her.
    ‘Of course I don’t mind or I shan’t have offered,’ she said, smiling primly.
    ‘Okay, great!’ Marisa said, feigning enthusiasm.
    ‘Fabulous, that’s settled then. We shall take tea at the chocolate house, and I shall show you all the best shops.’
    Marisa did not cherish the thought of spending time alone with Felicity. Nothing could rid the image of the dastardly couple writhing naked in front of the fire, and now she would have to sit and drink tea with her and make small talk.
    Marisa excused herself straight after dinner, blaming jet lag. She was relieved to be alone in her room after the stifling dinner. She removed her makeup, brushed her teeth, and climbed into bed, anxious for a good night’s sleep.
     
    * * * *
     
    She had a restless night filled with bad dreams and woke to her alarm clock at seven, feeling groggy and sore. The bed was really hard, and she missed her lovely bed at home.
    ‘Home,’ she murmured wistfully. ‘I don’t have a home anymore.’
    Thoughts of Mike invaded her mind, making her stomach churn. He’s probably sleeping in my bed with Adrianne right now . Feeling anxious, she decided to get up straight away. She refused to lie in bed and get upset thinking about him.
    She showered and dressed quickly to combat the cold, choosing a conservative gray pencil skirt and a soft blue turtleneck. She wore woollen tights and knee boots to keep her legs warm. She would have to ask Mrs. Reed about the heating. It would soon be getting even colder, and it was only early October. She was starving, so she headed straight down for breakfast, hoping she could finish before the in-laws arrived.
    She was relieved to see only Meryl in the room, busy setting the table. A buffet of cereals and croissants were laid out on the sideboard, along with an array of jams and marmalades, juices and coffee.
    ‘Just help yourself, my dear.’ Meryl busied past with a jug of cold milk, placing it on top of the crisp, white cloth. She patted Marisa’s arm gently.
    ‘If you want a full English, let me know.’
    ‘What’s a full English?’ she asked.
    ‘A cooked breakfast, dear. Bacon, sausage, and eggs. Do you like them fried, scrambled, or poached?’
    Marisa’s mouth watered. A hot breakfast would be wonderful to heat her up and revive her.
    ‘Scrambled eggs, please.’
    ‘With everything?’ Meryl asked.
    ‘Yes, please, that would be wonderful.’
    Meryl checked the dining table, making sure everything was in order.
    ‘How are you settling in,