The Heart Denied Read Online Free PDF

naught but sweet, slow poison.' That is what he told me, Arthur. And I haven't forgotten one bloody word of it."
    Tears shone in Arthur's eyes. "Yet he loved your mother, heart and soul."
    "Precisely." Thorne gave him a chilling smile. "And for nearly two decades, I watched him walk as a dead man among the living. He could no longer be Catherine Neville's husband, nor could he be a father to me, because when she died, she took his bleeding heart with her to the grave." Despising the sudden thickness in his voice, Thorne turned abruptly to the window. When the beech trees across the road swam back into focus, he said more calmly, "So you'll understand why I don't for a moment take 'love' into account when reckoning Miss Stowington's suitability as a wife."
    Arthur sighed. "I might understand, M'lord. But I'll never agree."    
     
    * * * 
     
    Elaine Combs looked up as Lord Radleigh poked his head around the door.
    "Gwynneth?"
    The Honourable Miss Stowington opened one green eye and sighed. "What is it, Father? I told you I've a dreadful headache. I must rest."
    Chuckling, Lord Radleigh entered and drew near the bed, where Elaine sat cooling his daughter's brow with a damp cloth. "I saw the half-empty bottle Lord Neville brought back today. There's a price to drinking fermented beverages, Daughter."
    "You should know. But I did not imbibe. Never have, and never shall."
    His smile disappeared. "I'll let that first remark pass, 'tis the pain talking. You'll be glad to know that Lord Neville has informed his cook of your aching head. She's brewing a potent lavender-rosemary tea for it as we speak."
    Miss Stowington opened her other eye. "She's an herbalist? I thought I smelled thyme and mint outdoors. No roses, though." She sighed. "I adore roses, we'd hundreds at Saint Mary's."
    Her father leaned over her, a twinkle in his gaze. "If there aren't any now, I'd wager there soon will be." His eyes widened as soon as he said it; harrumphing, he pounded his chest and straightened, then asked hastily, "Are you up to traveling tomorrow, Daughter? We could stay an extra day if you like."
    Elaine hastily lifted the cloth, as Miss Stowington started to raise her head but then winced and fell back onto the pillow. " You ," the girl accused her father with a gasp, "are scheming to marry me off!"
    Elaine's stomach flipped as she saw the flustered look on Lord Radleigh's face. The rumors she had so despaired of must be true.
    "I'm doing no such thing!" he protested. "But now that you mention it"--he lowered his hulk onto the side of the bed and leaned toward his daughter--"'twould benefit all concerned were you to marry Lord Neville, yourself as well. He's a very generous and just man, much respected-"
    "And far too astute to be manipulated by you ."
    Lord Radleigh's face flushed. "Hold your tongue, girl, and think on it! This grand Hall"--his hand swept the air in a wide arc--"and all its gardens would be yours to oversee, with some two-score of servants under your command."
    Tasting gall, Elaine hastily rinsed out the cloth, then rose and busied herself brushing the dusty hem of the convent frock Miss Stowington had laid over a chair.
    "But I'm needed at Radleigh Hall! Or so you said."
    "'Twould be too much to ask, now that I ponder it again," Lord Radleigh said with a sigh. "The Hall is in disrepair and my servants are fleeing like rats from a sinking ship. And caring for me might prove a hardship for you, what with my gout and all."
    He lowered his voice, but not enough, further amazing Elaine with what gentry would say in front of servants.
    "You'd be set for life here at Wycliffe Hall, Gwynneth. So would your children. And Thorne would see to my comfort in my old age, and to Radleigh Hall's restoration and maintenance. After all, the place would be his upon my passing."
    His daughter's tone turned brittle. "Where has your fortune gone, Father? Have I a dowry to offer?"
    Glancing sidelong, Elaine saw the viscount's shoulders