Taming the Shrew Read Online Free PDF Page B

your husband in the hope that you’ll be left with no option other than to remarry me.”
    “Are you...are you blackmailing me?”
    “Sweetheart, I just want to be your husband.”
    Her angry eyes filled with tears, “Why would you want to be my husband?”
    “Why do you think?”
    “I haven’t the slightest idea...because you’re an idiot?”
    “Perhaps, but I have a burning need to hear you call me Sweetheart. Can’t you just pretend I’m the man of your dreams?”
    “More like the man of my nightmares, I refuse to address you with a sentimental lie.”
    “Are you’re afraid of the marriage bed? I won’t hurt you.”
    “I’m not afraid of anything. I waited up half the night for...”
    “Your Sweetheart?”
    “For my husband to do his duty and instead he was playing dice. I hate dice!”
    “I’m going to buy you a present.”
    “I don’t want a present. I just want you to make me your wife.”
    “You are my wife. I married you last night. It was better than a dream.”
    “I bought you to make me a wife. Are you coming to bed or not?”
    “Bought me? How did you buy me?”
    “I have a fortune and you are penniless. If you don’t undress and come do your duty I won’t...I won’t buy you any clothes until you do.”
    “I don’t need any clothes...”
    “I won’t buy you anything.”
    “I don’t need anything...”
    “I hate you!” The scream of rage made his ears pop. “Come to bed or else...”
    “Or else what?”
    “I don’t know, but I’ll think of something hellish.”
    “As you wish...but I insist on undressing in your room. The sight of my freckles might frighten your servants. May I hold your hand?”
    “No, I may need it to push you down the stairs.”
    “That would be a waste of a good de Vere.” Hervey threw down his paper and picked up his winnings. “Lead on good lady, your luscious charms have led me into temptation.” Half way up the stairs Hervey ran into his scowling wife as she abruptly stopped and turned around. “Sorry Sweetheart, I thought you were leading me to your chamber.” He reached out and caressed her leg, “You may lead me wherever you like.”
    “Are you drunk?”
    “No, will you dance with me now that I’m your husband?”
    “In public?” The two words were spat with incredulous horror.
    “That is where most people dance. I’ve led you through every imaginable dance in my dreams...”
    “I will not be making a public spectacle of my ill-chosen union. You may dance with the devil; you’ll never dance with me.”
    Hervey felt the words like a heavy foot in his stomach. He bowed his head and struggled to sop up the pain oozing from his middle into his chest. He silently cursed himself for being emotionally sensitive when fatigued and took a deep breath. “As you wish.” It was all he could say without losing control of his emotions. He waited head bowed until she eventually continued up the stairs. Following the naked little feet peeking out from billowing silk he began to wonder if he’d made a terrible mistake gambling his heart. How could he love a woman repulsed by the thought of dancing with him? Were his brothers right? Had he lost his mind? There was still time for an annulment, but if he chose that path he’d lose her future kisses. He blindly followed her into her chamber and ignored her as she shyly locked the door. He took hold of the chair sitting in front of the dressing table and dragged it closer to the bed. He could see her out of the corner of his eyes standing there watching him. He shrugged out his brown coat and draped it over the back of the chair. Sitting down he pulled off his boots and set them neatly to the left side of the chair and then stood up to unbutton his waistcoat.
    “What is the matter Hervey creature?”
    He carefully folded his waistcoat and draped it over his coat. “Why would anything be the matter?”
    “I’ve no idea, that’s why I asked the question.” When he remained silent she started