Miss Winters Proposes Read Online Free PDF Page A

a thumb over the small dimple in her chin, amazed at the creamy clarity of her skin. “You realize that would require we spend actual time together.”
    “Of course.” She pulled away from his touch.
    What the devil was wrong with him? Did he not remember the sting of loss? Or his pledge to remain free of any entanglement that might cause him pain?
    God’s blood. When had he allowed lust to overcome his good sense?
    Benjamin’s hand fell, his fingers still warm from her skin. “I request an amendment to our arrangement.”
    Her eyes narrowed. “What sort of amendment?”
    “I will play along with your ruse, but only as long as Mr. Frederick Winters is at Hollington. As soon as he departs, so shall you, to Northumberland, whether or not Artemis has whelped.”
    …
    Lord Colwyn’s request seemed fair enough. Juliet would get the exile she longed for and the freedom to do whatever she wished, all with the protection of a husband and without his emotional attachments, save for the two months out of the year he had previously demanded.
    There was one caveat…or rather two that made her pause and refrain from giving her acceptance.
    “I cannot quit my father’s side. He is ill. And monstrously so. What if Mr. Winters leaves before my father’s health returns?”
    The viscount ran a hand over Cleo, her best lemon-spotted hound. “Only a scoundrel of the lowest level would depart before making certain your father’s health was sound. However, should Mr. Winters find his time is better spent elsewhere, you may stay until the physician confirms your father’s recovery.”
    His offer was exceptionally generous, especially given it was she who was coercing him into this arrangement. But—
    “What of the pups, sir?” She stroked the silky ears of Horatio, her father’s favorite stud and the sire to Artemis’s impending litter. “Have you ever assisted in a whelping?”
    Given the quick lift of his brows, and the rapid blinking of his eyes, she deduced he had not.
    Which was silly. Had the man not professed an interest in breeding hounds? He must have a dam or two…
    “Well, no. I have not. But I have been present at more than one whelping and believe it would not be difficult to assist Artemis, nature being what it is.” A subtle shade of pink stained his cheeks.
    Juliet rolled her eyes. “Nature does not always comply by our rules. What if Artemis labors too long and her health deteriorates? What if two pups attempt to birth at the same time? Or what if one pup is unable to dislodge itself? I would hate for you to lose both your friend and her litter because of your eagerness to rid yourself of my presence.”
    “Really, I had not thought—”
    “Precisely, Lord Colwyn. Men, at least those in my experience, rarely do.”
    He shot her a peevish look. “And you are trained in the arts of dog whelping?”
    “Of course.” How could he assume any less? “I have been assisting my father in such matters since I was five. If you do not wish any harm to come to Artemis, which I can only presume will occur due to your inexperience in such matters, I suggest you allow me to see to her when the time arrives in two short weeks.”
    His eyes narrowed. “You’ve seen Artemis?”
    Juliet lifted her chin. He would have to do better than that for her to give away the secret location of her trump card.
    “I have received word she does well, my lord.”
    A mixture of relief and disappointment washed over his angular features. “It appears this remains your game, Miss Winters. I am resigned to abide by your rules for the safety and health of my prized pet.”
    Juliet glanced once again at the door before meeting the viscount’s gaze. “You will feign a believable interest in me, then?”
    He gave a stiff nod. “If you will see to Artemis in her hour of need.”
    “Hours,” she said, correcting him with a smile. “It will likely take several, but yes, I have every intention of making certain her pups are born healthy