Make-Believe Wife Read Online Free PDF Page B

offered her help, but she was uncertain of the price she might be asked to pay.
    Sofia had so often warned her to be careful of gentlemen, especially those who smiled and promised her help or a fortune. This man was charming and handsome, but she did not quite trust him.
    Well, he might attempt seduction, but she did not believe he would force her—the way Black Bob would have had she stayed with the travelling players. Luke Clarendon was a gentleman, after all.
    Roxanne knew that his warnings were valid. If shebecame an actress, she would be offered protection by various men—perhaps the manager of the theatre himself or gentlemen who came to watch her perform. If she gained admirers, she might follow in Sofia’s footsteps and become the mistress of an aristocrat or even royalty. It was not what Sofia had wanted for her or what she planned for herself, but it might be impossible to avoid some such relationship.
    Why not a man she had already begun to like?
    The thought had wormed its way into her mind against her will. Roxanne did not wish to become any man’s mistress, but if it was inevitable— Her thoughts were interrupted as Luke glanced at her.
    â€˜You look pensive, tired. Why do you not lean your head back against the squabs and sleep for a while? I think we may trust Harold. Relax your guard and rest.’
    â€˜Yes, perhaps I shall.’
    Roxanne leaned her head back against the squabs, closing her eyes. When Luke Clarendon looked and spoke to her in that way her defences crumbled. He was such an attractive man and she was beginning to like him all too well.
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    When she woke an hour or so later, the chaise was drawing into the yard of what was clearly a prestigious inn. She discovered that she had been leaning against Luke’s shoulder and apologised, her cheeks warm.
    â€˜Forgive me, sir. I hope I have not made you uncomfortable. Does your leg pain you very much?’
    â€˜It is sore and, yes, a little painful,’ he said. ‘I shalllive, Miss Roxanne—and you did not make me uncomfortable at all.’
    The groom had brought the chaise to a halt. One of the inn’s employees had come to open the chaise door and let down the step. Seeing that Luke was carrying an injury, his breeches split and opened to allow for the bandages, the man offered his hand, helping him to descend. Luke did so slowly and carefully, his flinch of pain not going unnoticed by either the ostler or Roxanne.
    â€˜I have suffered an accident, as you see, Johnston,’ Luke said with a friendly smile at the man who clearly knew him. ‘If you would have someone care for my horse and ask someone to give this kind fellow something to eat before he goes on his way again. Please help me inside yourself.’
    â€˜Yes, sir, of course,’ Johnston replied and signalled to his minions, who came running and were given curt instructions to see to the horses.
    Roxanne frowned as she thanked Harold for bringing them here safely and gave him a shilling of her own money for himself.
    â€˜I’m sorry if you weren’t treated right at the last place,’ he said and pulled his cap. ‘I heard what happened, but I didn’t know until I was told what you did, miss. You were right brave.’
    â€˜I do not think you belong at a place like that, Harold.’
    â€˜No, miss, nor don’t I,’ he agreed. ‘I stayed because it were better than being on the road, but when I takethis rig back I shall give me notice and look for work elsewhere.’
    â€˜I am sure you will find it,’ Roxanne said and inclined her head before following Luke into the inn.
    When she entered she saw him in close conversation with a man who looked to be the landlord. He was a very different man from the last one they had met; portly and pleasant-faced, he smiled and nodded at her in a friendly way.
    â€˜This gentleman has told me he owes his life to you, miss. I know there’s more than