Her One True Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

Jane’s imminent departure stretched his nerves tighter and tighter over the four courses of the meal?
    Fire simmered in her hazel eyes as she stared expectantly. “Well?”
    He cleared his throat. “What have I done to upset you? I wouldn’t wish for you to leave with bad feelings between us.”
    Her gaze dropped to his mouth before she inhaled and released a shaky breath. “You have changed. I can’t say I like it.”
    Surprise rippled through him, and he raised his eyebrows. “What does that mean?”
    She stepped back, opening the space between them. She looked toward the wall behind him. “It means you are colder, more abrupt than I’ve ever known you to be with me, my sister, and most of the villagers. When we do see you around the village, you stride around wearing a permanent scowl . . .” She looked at him. “Rather than the smile we have all become used to. Everyone knows what the squiress has done. I see no need to punish us when it’s she who has betrayed you. I’m tired of it.”
    â€œYou’re . . .” He glared. “And you think I’m not? You think I enjoy being humiliated and thrown aside for another man? My wife left me, Jane. You have no idea what that does to a man. No idea at all.”
    Two spots of color darkened her cheeks, and what Matthew could have sworn was disappointment flashed in her eyes, before she blinked and fire raged once more. “Well, be that as it may, she’s gone, and I will soon be too. I’m sharing my feelings not for me, but for the people whom you are supposed to take care of, whom you are supposed to care about.”
    He clenched his jaw and spoke his next words through gritted teeth, fighting the urge to take her upper arms and shake her. “You have the gall to imply I have no care for Biddestone? For its people and problems?”
    She lifted her chin. “I do. They need to see your actions. They need to see you working to do everything you possibly can to get them through this coming winter and beyond. Your wife undoubtedly worked hard beside you, ensuring she supported—”
    â€œShe did nothing of the sort.”
    She flinched. “Pardon?”
    Anger simmered like a ball of heat in his stomach, and he turned away from her wide eyes. He tipped his head back and closed his eyes, confused by the rush of wanting. He wanted Jane’s approval, not her disappointment. He wanted her to look at him with admiration and enthusiasm for his work, as she had for most of her adult life. Why he craved a single look of respect from her as they stood here now, he did not know. Yet, being with her here, like this, he couldn’t imagine weeks ahead without her being a part of his life.
    He turned. “When are you leaving for the city?”
    She took another step back, her gaze darting over his face. “The day after tomorrow. Why?”
    â€œBecause I will escort you. We can travel together in my carriage.”
    â€œNo, I do not need your—”
    â€œI will be going anyway. Despite your clear dismissal of both my work ethics, and me, I planned to visit some contacts in the city in the hope of securing guaranteed trade for Biddestone in the coming year. It seems unnecessary for us to make the trip separately when I have a carriage plenty big enough for us both.”
    â€œThere is absolutely no need. Jeannie will be coming with me.”
    â€œMy offer still stands.”
    She glared. “It’s my intention to start on the path of independence, of finding out what the world has to offer me on my own merit.” A pulse beat in the hollow at the base of her neck. “I will hardly be carving out my own path when at the first step from my home, I lean on you. I thank you, but no. Jeannie and I would prefer to go alone.”
    â€œYou are being stubborn.”
    She pulled back her shoulders. “And you are not?”
    The longer he looked at her, the