The Emperor's New Clothes Read Online Free PDF Page B

and pretty and rich?
    He shook his head and started toward the barn. He didn’t much care about money, even though wealth would come in handy right now. These were tough times for cattle ranches. Big Jack had invested heavily in the railroads and built a fortune that kept his cattle empire going. But the money left from Tye’s parents was dwindling fast. If he couldn’t make a go of the ranch…well, failure was one thing he preferred not to dwell on. And a rich wife would make life a lot easier.
    Tye laughed out loud at the notion. There was no way he was ready to get involved with any female, wealthy or otherwise. He had far too many other things demanding his attention. Besides, she was more than likely old and unattractive, and probably an aristocratic snob as well. If not…even then, Sedge was welcome to her.
    He strode into the barn and put all thoughts of the countess out of his head. He had dozens of jobs to complete before he could clean up for tonight’s party. Still…the thought lingered in the back of his mind.
    What if she was pretty?
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    â€œWell, where is she?” Tye growled.
    â€œI haven’t seen her yet,” Sedge said idly, and raised his glass, studying the sparkling wine it held. “My, this is an occasion. Big Jack has broken out the champagne.” He took a sip. “And it’s a decent vintage as well.”
    â€œSwell.” Tye drew a long sip from his glass. Champagne. How absurd. Jack and Lorelie had pulled out all stops for this little shindig.
    Sedge raised a brow. “Relax, old man. You look like you’re going to a hanging instead of a ball. Besides, Iam still willing to assist you in showing your countess our fair community.”
    â€œShe’s not my countess.” Tye narrowed his eyes in annoyance. How had he let himself be roped into this anyway?
    â€œTyler, my dear.” Lorelie bustled up to him and enveloped him in a warm hug. “Good evening, Mr. Montgomery.”
    Sedge nodded politely. “Mrs. Matthews.”
    â€œAnd as for you”—she turned to Tye with a chastising air about her—“why, we’ve barely seen you since you moved out to your folks’ place. How are you doing?”
    Tye’s irritation melted at the sight of his aunt’s loving face. Lorelie Matthews was tiny in stature, her blond head barely hitting the middle of his chest. She tended to be flighty and frivolous and scatterbrained, with a rather vague way of coping with the world around her, to the point that strangers sometimes wondered if she wasn’t like a house whose walls didn’t quite reach completely to the roof. But beneath it all, she was good and kind and even smart in her own unique manner. Tye loved her with all the protective passion of a son.
    He kissed the rosy cheek she presented to him. “Aunt Lorelie.” He gestured around at the huge parlor festooned with flowers and ribbons and tiny British and American flags. Most of the furniture had been moved out to provide space for dancing, and a group of musicians tuned up at the far end of the room. “What’s going on? I don’t think I’ve ever seen the house done up like this before.”
    â€œWell, it isn’t every day we entertain royalty.” Lorelie dimpled a smile. “It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Jack wanted the house, I mean the hall—”
    Tye choked back a laugh. “The hall?”
    â€œOh, yes, dear, didn’t you know?” Lorelie beamed.“It’s no longer just a house. Now it’s a hall. Matthews Hall.” She nodded at Sedge. “You have halls in England, you know.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” Sedge’s tone was serious, but Tye could see the glint of amusement in his eye. “And manor houses and abbeys and even an occasional castle or two.”
    â€œA castle,” she said with a dreamy smile. “Jack would dearly love a castle.”
    â€œWhat