Let It Be Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

the looks of the man.”
    Oliver studied her suspiciously. “I’m not certain I believe you.”
    “Oh, but I do like the looks of him.”
    And was there anything about the man that a woman wouldn’t like? Unless her memory had completely failed her, Jonathon Effington was tall with nicely broad shoulders, hair a rich sable in color and he danced as if he was born on a ballroom floor. He had a delicious dimple that appeared when he laughed and eyes that sparkled with mischief. Oh, certainly she had never danced with him or heard his laugh at anything but a distance or gazed into his eyes.
    “That’s not what I meant, and you well know it.”
    “Regardless, you must admit he is a catch even Father would have approved of. He would be a more than suitable match.”
    “And you are not the only lady in London to think so. Helmsley is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. He will one day be the Duke of Roxborough and he is obscenely wealthy.”
    “I told you he was perfect.” She beamed. “Now all we have to do is convince him that I am perfect for him.”
    “And do you have an idea for that as well?”
    “None whatsoever.” She sighed. “I have had gentlemen attempt to convince me to marry them, but I have never been in the position of trying to entice one to marry me. There is always the possibility of embroiling him in a scandalous situation which would then compel him to marry me, to save my honor and all that.”
    Oliver raised a brow. “You would do that?”
    “Unfortunately, I’m afraid I wouldn’t. Oh, I am certainly desperate enough to do so, but even I have certain standards of behavior. Besides, I should have to live with him for the rest of my days and I would prefer to avoid the resentment that a forced marriage would surely provoke.”
    “Good.”
    “I’m glad you approve, although it would be much easier if I were the type of woman who would force a man into an unwanted marriage. Oliver.” She leaned toward him. “Aren’t you and he friends? Can’t you think of something?”
    “Something that will make an old friend marry a woman he has never met? That’s a rather formidable challenge.” Oliver grinned. “However, challenge might well be the key.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Helmsley comes from a family of very strong willed women.” He chuckled wryly. “You may trust me on this point. There was a time when I fancied myself in love with his younger sister. At any rate, he was once vehement about what he wished for in a wife. Quiet, reserved, well-behaved, that sort of thing.”
    “Oh, dear,” she murmured.
    “However, in recent years he has come to realize that that particular type of woman would bore him to tears. He wants a woman with intelligence, who knows her own mind. He wishes for a bride who would be more of a”—Oliver grinned—“challenge.”
    “I don’t know that I’ve ever attempted to be a challenge before, but I can certainly try,” she said quickly. “And I definitely know my own mind.”
    “Indeed, a woman who would flee across half of Europe rather than wed the man her father has selected for her would be just the type of woman to pique Helmsley’s interest.”
    “Excellent.”
    Jonathon Effington was precisely the kind of man she’d always dreamed of marrying. Indeed, although she had never said it aloud to anyone, had in truth pushed the thought from her mind years ago, Jonathon Effington was the very man she’d always wished to wed, even if he had no idea she existed. With Oliver’s help, that was about to change.
    “What do we do now? Will you arrange introductions or…” She drew her brows together. “I do plan to be honest with him, you know. Marriage is permanent and I should not wish to begin such an endeavor with deceit.”
    “Honesty is indeed the best way to proceed.” Oliver nodded. “Everything aboveboard, and all that.”
    “Well, perhaps not everything,” she murmured. The memory of a number of incidents that