Spanish Lullaby Read Online Free PDF Page A

“What?"
    Oh yes, she was definitely meddling now. Juliet had made her swear to never tell him, and she'd just betrayed that trust. All for her niece's own good, Mary excused herself, hoping she was doing the right thing. She loved Juliet as much as she loved Carlos and to see them happy and together she would do more than reveal a secret that wasn't hers to tell.
    Mary folded her hands in her lap and gave him a level look. “Surely you knew it was possible."
    A muscle flexed in his jaw. It was hard to tell with his sun-bronzed skin but he seemed to be faintly flushed, probably because of having to discuss something so personal with his mother.
    “Yes, I knew it was possible. “Good God, she was pregnant and didn't tell me?"
    "Would it have stopped you from going?"
    He hesitated and turned away, his profile making him look all at once distant. “I don't know,” he admitted finally in a quiet voice, his dark eyes somber. “But I would have married her before I left. I wanted to anyway, but she refused to even discuss it once she knew I'd bought a commission."
    "I can speak from experience and tell you it is difficult for a woman to realize her child may never know his father. Not only was she abandoned and frightened for the future, but there was also that responsibility on her very young shoulders. If she is still angry with you, perhaps you understand a little better why now."
    "I also lost a child.” His tone held a definite edge. “I had the right to know."
    "I think Juliet would argue you gave up the right the day you left."
    "Damnation, Mother, you know why I went!"
    She ignored the profanity. Considering what she'd just told him, she didn't blame him. “Yes, I do.
    So does Juliet. However, that does not change the fact it was very difficult for us here That aside, you are home now, but she is engaged to another man. I am personally convinced she still loves you, but it is up to you to convince her to change her mind about Lord Drake."
    Carlos gave a small humorless laugh. “Convince her? I don't need to do that. I can force her to change her mind."
    "Force her?” Mary frowned, looking at him, seeing the implacable expression on his face.
    "She could be pregnant again. I am not going to let some foppish English fool raise my child.
    Consider her engagement over. Please excuse me."
    Good heavens ... if Juliet had fallen into his arms—and apparently his bed—again so quickly, maybe her interference was merited after all. Mary fought to keep her feelings of triumph from showing even as she realized her mouth hung open in astonishment from his revelation. She snapped it shut. “Darling, you should probably not..."
    It was too late. He was already gone, striding away with purpose down the path...

    * * * *
Uncle Gerald had an uncharacteristic ferocious frown on his face, and Juliet took it in with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. That look—coupled with Carlos’ presence in the study—made her want to turn and run.
    Why had she thought she could walk away from what happened the night before unscathed?
    She sent an accusing look at the man standing so still by the window. He looked tall and austere in the warm light pouring through the window. Dark hair framed his aristocratic features and his gaze was steady, those long-lashed dark eyes holding an almost accusatory look.
    What the devil was going on?
    The duke cleared his throat. “Sit down, Juliet. Something has come to my attention and we need to address the issue."
    She adored her uncle and had never disobeyed him in her life, but at the moment, she couldn't move. “I ... I'd prefer to stand, thank you,” she said stiffly.
    "My dear child, if you stand, I must stand also, and I would rather sit for this discussion. So, if you please, take a chair."
    Put that way, she wasn't given a choice. She chose a wing chair by the fireplace and sank down, self-consciously rubbing her damp palms on her skirt. It took some effort to lift her chin and