Seduced by a Scoundrel Read Online Free PDF

who had lost his second wife only the previous year. All her life, Alicia had known him as a friend of her parents, for Mama had grown up with his first wife, Claire. It had seemed awkward at first for Alicia to realize he was courting her. She had enjoyed the small luxuries he’d brought her, the sweets and the flowers and books. She had looked forward to their animated talks on everything from fashion to gardening. But though she was fond of him, she didn’t love him with the wild romantic ardor she had once dreamed of feeling for a man. Yet she was certain she could be happy with him, were it not for their one momentous difference of opinion.
    He took her chapped hand, gently pressing it between his sleek, kid-gloved fingers. She was distressingly aware of how reddened her skin was, no longer smooth and soft, the fingernails unbroken. “My dear Alicia,” he said, “it pains me so to see you reduced to living like a pauper. You come from one of the finest and oldest families in England.”
    The tiny flame of hope in her flared a little brighter. Had he come here to say he’d been wrong? That he would put no stipulation on their marriage? “I have no other recourse,” she said. “You know about Gerald’s debt. Mr. Wilder will be demanding repayment.”
    Something stormy flashed into Hailstock’s eyes, and his grip tightened on her. “That rabble! Your brother cannot be blamed for the weakness he inherited from his father. But I condemn Wilder for exploiting such a flaw.”
    “I pray Gerald has learned his lesson.” She thought of him, selling his prized mare in order to help repay the note, and a bittersweet pain clenched her breast. “I know he wouldn’t deliberately do anything to harm Mama and me.”
    “Nevertheless, the damage is done. And a fine lady like you cannot live like this.” Hailstock gestured at the empty chamber.
    “What else am I to do?” she murmured.
    “We can do what we discussed two days ago, when you came to me, asking for my help.” He touched her cheek and gazed deeply into her eyes. “Marry me, darling. Much as I dislike giving tuppence to that Wilder wretch, I would do it for you, if you were my wife. I came here today hoping you had reconsidered my offer.”
    How wonderful it would be to transfer her worries to him, to let him take care of her, to once again live the uncomplicated life of a lady. Alicia forced herself to ask, “Have you changed your mind in regard to Mama, then? Will you allow her to live with us?”
    His mouth thinned. “You must see how impossible that is. Please, don’t turn away.” His cool fingertips drew her face back toward him. “You must see that Lady Brockway belongs where she can be properly cared for by people experienced in these matters.”
    “ I care for her properly,” Alicia flared. “I don’t know how you can forsake her. She and Papa were your friends once. I remember watching from the top of the stairs, seeing all of you laughing together at dinner parties and fancy balls. It made me happy to see Mama smile so gaily. She was the loveliest lady there.” She stopped, her throat taut.
    “All that is gone now,” the marquess said urgently. “’Tis regrettable, but time marches on and people do change. Wishing will not bring back the mother you once admired.”
    “I still admire her,” Alicia said fiercely. “ That is where you and I differ. To me, she is no bit of rubbish to be tossed aside simply because you consider her an embarrassment.”
    His expression rigid, Hailstock sat back on the chaise. “Think, my dear. If you spurn my offer, there will be no one else willing to pay so much for your hand. Your brother will go to prison while you and your mother end up in the workhouse. Is that a better fate than what I propose?”
    Alicia shivered, for beneath the heat of her anger lay a cold kernel of fear. “If I must starve first, I will never, ever give Mama over to strangers. And to such a horrible place as you