The Mistress of His Manor Read Online Free PDF

friends to say you’re sorry.’ But when their lips met the kiss heated to a long way short of mere friendly before he finally released her.
    ‘Thank you again, Joanna,’ he said, in tones very different from his usual lazy drawl. ‘Goodnight.’
    ‘Goodnight,’ she said breathlessly. ‘Drive safely.’

Chapter Three
    J OANNA cleared away in thoughtful mood. So he was March Aubrey. While he thought she was Joanna Sutton. Which she had been—at one time. But to explain would mean taking March into confidences about her adoptive parents. Far too personal with someone she’d known such a short time. Perhaps she should go back to Arnborough Hall Nurseries and make a few discreet enquiries before she got too involved. Because involved she was likely to be if she went on seeing March Aubrey on a regular basis. She hadn’t been kissed like that in a long time. Or ever.
    Jo gave a sigh of relief later as she slid into the beautiful sleigh bed which had been part of Kate’s legacy from her aunt who, though single all her life, had probably not, according to Kate, been a maiden aunt. Definitely not, thought Jo, stretching. A bed like this was made for lovers. Which was why she made sure no male guest ever laid eyes on it. But the sudden thought of sharing the bed with March Aubrey was so unsettling she arrived at Logan Development next morning with shadows under her eyes.
    ‘The gardener kept you out late last night?’ said her father affably.
    ‘No,’ she said with truth.
    ‘Did you have a good meal?’
    ‘Yes.’ Also truthful. ‘How’s Kate this morning?’
    Jack’s eyes, rimmed with darker marks of fatigue than hers, met hers unhappily. ‘She’s very tired. A man feels so bloody helpless at times like this—not to mention guilty. Which,’ he added hastily, ‘is hardly something to discuss with my daughter.’
    ‘Jack,’ she said gently. ‘Stop worrying. Loads of women have babies in their forties these days.’
    ‘I know, but because it’s my woman it doesn’t help.’ He heaved a sigh. ‘All right. Let’s get to work. What’s first up in the diary?’
    The diary was full and the day was hectic. Jo was glad. It helped keep her mind off March. But only temporarily. When she got home a van marked with the logo of Arnborough Hall Nurseries was parked near her house. A young man emerged from it, eyeing her hopefully as he held out a giant sheaf of flowers.
    ‘Miss Joanna Sutton?’
    ‘Yes.’ More or less.
    ‘These are for you.’
    ‘How lovely. Thank you.’ Jo let herself into the house as the van drove away, eager to read the card tucked into the blooms.
    With my thanks. Until Saturday. March.
    As if she needed reminding. Jo eyed the extravagant bouquet in disapproval, hoping March had been given a discount at the nurseries for something so pricey. It was also a long way for delivery, which added to the expense. She must make it plain on Saturday that extravagant gestures like this were unnecessary. A text to say thank you for the meal would have done. Jo arranged the flowers in a tall ceramic pot, set the spectacular result on the floor under the parlour window, and then sent a text of thanks to March, before hurrying upstairs to exchange her office suit for jeans and sweatshirt. After that it was straight back out to drive to Mill House and play with Kitty, then takeover bathtime duty while their parents enjoyed a peaceful predinner drink together.
    ‘Mummy’s going to buy a baby soon,’ announced Kitty, when Jo was helping her into her pyjamas.
    Oh, boy. As far as Jo knew the subject hadn’t been mentioned to Kitty before. ‘How wonderful,’ she said brightly, lifting her onto her lap. ‘You’ll like having a baby brother or sister.’
    ‘Mmm.’ Kitty sighed as she snuggled close. ‘But I can’t choose.’
    ‘It doesn’t matter,’ said Jo carefully, smoothing the dark curls. ‘Either one will be lovely.’
    ‘That’s what Daddy said. Will you read me a story?’
    ‘Of