The Hourglass Read Online Free PDF Page B

simply ask me to become your mistress.” She would not accept, of course, but such arrangements were made all the time, wherever there were needy women and wealthy men with other needs. She prayed that her situation never became that desperate.
    His expression grew darker and sterner, if possible. “You insult both of us, and the memory of your husband. He wed you out of honor.”
    “Elgin Macklin wed me because my father threatened to shoot him.”
    “You will not become any man’s whore! I shall not permit it.”
    Genie almost expected to be burned by the fire in his voice and the sparks in his eyes, like lightning that appeared in the sudden clouds on this clear day. She would not show how much his anger frightened her, though, so she raised her chin. “You are not my keeper, my lord. No one made you responsible for me or my morals. You might have consulted higher powers for your oath, but you did not consult me.”
    “Forget my vows. Common decency dictates that a gentleman look after those in need. Marriage is how I can accomplish that most expeditiously.”
    Genie did not care to be the object of his misplaced noblesse oblige. Expeditiously, indeed! “Common decency also dictates a year of mourning. If you speak of insults, Elgin’s memory—and all of society—will be affronted if I wed without a proper mourning period.” That should end the ridiculous conversation, Genie decided, if he cared about propriety.
    “I cannot wait a year. Neither can your son.”
    “Daughter.” The man might be an earl, but Genie was growing weary of Ardeth’s arrogant manner.
    He raised one black eyebrow and quirked his lip in what might have been a smile. “You would not wish your child to face all the gossip and scorn of society.”
    “I do not wish it for myself, either, but it is bound to happen, and to you, too, if you continue with this mad scheme. You would be tarred with the same brush of scandal.”
    Now he did smile. “Believe me, I have been painted with far worse.”
    “You do not understand. With my history, I shall never be considered fit for polite society.”
    “You are far more fit than I, Mrs. Macklin, yet I am not afraid to face your ton .”
    “I am not afraid.”
    They both knew she was lying.
    “Then stop making your feeble excuses,” he said. “If you are concerned about the physical side of marriage, I swear I shall not importune you with unwanted intimacy.”
    Quick color flooded Genie’s fair complexion. She was so bemused by his lordship’s outrageous offer, she had not even considered all the ramifications. Sharing a stranger’s fortune and title was one thing; sharing his bed was another. Good grief, was she even considering such a preposterous proposal? The man was not in his right mind. She could not take advantage of his nobility, no matter how tempting. He’d saved countless lives in the field hospital, but she was not one of his forlorn hopes, even if everyone else had given up on her.
    “My lord—”
    “Ardeth,” he countered. “Or Coryn, if we are to wed.”
    “My lord,” she persisted. “You have been in the thick of battle and its aftermath. You cannot be thinking clearly. No gentleman of sense would make such an offer, and no lady of honor would accept.”
    “Are you implying that I am—what did that sergeant say?—cork-brained?”
    Well, she was, but Genie was too polite to say so. “Of course not, only that you must be too exhausted to have given the matter your full attention. Aside from easing your conscience, for whatever personal reasons you might have, there is absolutely no benefit to you in such an alliance with an impoverished widow of blemished reputation, bearing another man’s child. As a wealthy peer, you can seek a bride from the highest echelons of society, one with a rich dowry, an untarnished name, and great beauty. Why would you do anything else?”
    He studied the gathering clouds, as if waiting for the crow to come back, or a divine answer