Season For Surrender (A Danby Family Novella Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

Katherine, it didn’t bode well for
him that Miss Lancaster had already managed to capture his lust, and moreover, with
her sad tale of mistreatment and daring in asking him to marry her, she’d also seized
his admiration and need to protect her from those who would harm her.
    Ever since he’d witnessed Beth’s abuse, he
couldn’t turn away from a woman in the throes of distress. Yet, he’d ignored
Amelia’s suffering. She’d been in misery, and he’d been too preoccupied trying
to make Katherine regret turning down his proposal of marriage for an ancient man
of greater social standing, Nick hadn’t noticed how his antics had appeared to
Amelia, whom he’d impulsively asked to marry him simply to hurt Katherine.
    Fresh shame rolled through him. He’d
never forgive himself for Amelia’s death. If he’d not bragged how she could
outride Katherine any day of the year, Amelia would still be alive. He’d had no
right to ask her to marry him. He winced and swiped at his eyes. Damned sun was
making them water.
    His thoughts turned to Miss Lancaster. Five
seconds before she’d walked into his life last night he’d been certain he would
never marry, but after meeting her and hearing her story, he knew, without a
doubt, marrying her was a chance to atone for his past. He’d failed to save his
friend and he’d helped to cause Amelia’s death. He could help Miss Lancaster.
She wasn’t a sheltered woman. She didn’t expect or want his love, which was
rather convenient since he had none to give. No. This marriage was perfect.
Miss Lancaster would have his protection, her theatre, the money her father
left her and the money Nick would insist on giving her. Nick’s problem of his
grandfather’s preposterous demands and his mother’s complaining would be
silenced for good. Maybe now, his demons would quiet enough that he could sleep
at night once again.
    He stopped in front of Salisbury. “Nice
of you to make an appearance.”
    Salisbury glared. “I just returned to
London and received your note. Had I gotten here sooner, I would have talked some
sense into your thick head. Whatever this is about, talking is a much more
effective way of solving differences.”
    Nick chuckled. Salisbury was not known
for keeping his opinions to himself, and it seemed this morning was no
exception. “I couldn’t agree more, and normally, I strive to avoid violence.
But Derwent ill-used the woman I intend to marry.”
    Salisbury’s face took on a comical
expression of shock. Nick struggled not to smile but it was useless. He did so
love shocking the unflappable Salisbury.
    The marquess opened and closed his mouth
several times before speaking. “Did I hear you correctly? Did you say you
intend to marry a chit?”
    “Well, I don’t intend to marry a
gentleman. I’m marrying a lovely woman named Lillian Lancaster,” Nick replied,
grinning.
    “I’m glad to see you’ve come to your senses.”
    Nick’s smiled faded with Salisbury’s
serious words. His senses were just fine. He glanced over his shoulder at
Blakely, who had paused a few feet behind him. Nick didn’t particularly care to
discuss the intimacies of his impending marriage in front of Blakely. He
motioned the man forward. Nick introduced the men and Blakely excused himself
to see if the physician would be able to attend Nick anytime soon. Nick looked
at Salisbury. “My desire to marry hasn’t changed. My circumstances have.”
    “I understand. Pressure from the family
can be hard to resist. Don’t feel bad.” Salisbury’s tone had turned insulting.
    Nick gritted his teeth. “I don’t bow to
pressure from anyone, you ought to know that.”
    Salisbury cocked his right eyebrow. “I
thought I did. If not guilt from your family and your view on marriage hasn’t
changed, then why are you marrying a chit I’ve never heard of?”
    “Because she doesn’t want to be married
any more than I do. It’s perfect. We’ll wed and go our separate ways. Her
problems will