No Choice but Surrender Read Online Free PDF

husband?"
    "None."
    "So what are your plans for the future, my lady?"
    Brienne cleared her throat and slowly sipped her tea. It was strong and hot, and it gave her strength. "I was hoping to leave for Bath, sir, but I have been temporarily waylaid."
    "At Osterley?" He smiled wickedly, or so she thought. "And what are you planning to do here to earn your keep? I am not your father, and he is no longer the owner."
    "I realize that, sir. But at the moment I have no means to go elsewhere. There is a coach that leaves next week. But until then the situation has, shall I say, caught me unawares. My father cannot be reached, and I have no other relatives."
    "Your mother?"
    "She's dead."
    "I see. But your father—surely he would not allow his only child to stay here? Wouldn't he rather you went to him? I don't understand this."
    She was quick with her wits. To get around her father's negligence she made things up as she went along.
    "My father has given up on me, since I do not favor his way of living. My mother shared my feelings, and I stayed with her until she died."
    "At Osterley?"
    "No, she died in Wales, where we had another estate." She looked down at her teacup and then took a deep sip of the brew. She was not sure he believed her, but it was the best she could do under the circumstances. There was no point in telling him the truth, for then he would either force her father to claim her or kick her out onto the streets without mercy. This way she at least had a small chance of biding her time- in decent surroundings until the next coach passed through. She would worry about the fare later.
    The man studied her for a very long time. He was obviously displeased with her answer, and she couldn't account for it.
      "You are lying."
    She caught her breath at his bold statement. "What makes you think that, sir?"
    Suddenly without warning, she was grabbed from the elbow seat, and her arms were thrust forward.
    "There," he said, pointing to her threadbare elbows. "Does a man like Oliver Morrow allow his daughter to run about in rags solely because she disapproves of the way he carries on?"
    "I've not seen my father in a long time. He does not know of my state." He let her go, and she sank back down into the seat. After she had caught her breath, she began again. "I do not want to burden you with my family's eccentricities. I merely would like to stay on at Osterley until I have made other arrangements. It is my home. I am very attached to it."
    "Again, I say that you are lying. I know for a fact that you have been here no longer than a month. Before that, your very existence was unknown to the servants here. Explain that if you can."
    Owing him no explanations, she angrily stood and faced the man. "I would merely like a respite from this turmoil you and my father have thrust upon me. If this is not possible, just tell me so, and I shall move on at once. But my past and my relationship with my father is no one's business but my own." Her amethyst eyes flared, and she knew her cheeks were hot and flushed from annoyance.
    "There is no need for anger, Lady Brienne." He sat back down in his elbow seat. His long legs were stretched in front of him in relaxation that belied the power and agitation beneath the man's surface. "You may stay here if you like. In fact, I insist upon it."
    "Thank you." She eyed him guardedly. The unexpected change in his attitude caught her off guard. "Let me assure you that in the meantime I plan to keep myself busy. I know how to care for a house such as Osterley. My mother was a wonderful teacher."
    "Yes. Marie Antoinette is fond of the rustic life, too. I suppose your mother was just like her?"
    "Yes, she enjoyed running a household. She found it . . . amusing."
    "But there is a difference, my lady, is there not? I am surprised that you have not noticed."
    "And what is that?"
    "The good queen does not dress in rags; nor does she callous her hands with work—not even for amusement."
    Angrily she closed her