The Reluctant Marquess Read Online Free PDF Page A

only choice she had? What sort of existence awaited her, closeted in a mansion alone with servants, while her husband came rarely to see her?
    She would be happier with a simpler life. Even a small farm like one of those they’d seen while riding, a thatched roofed cottage with a few cows, pigs, ducks and chickens … And yet, she forced herself to look into his clear blue eyes.
    He did not press for her answer, apparently already sure of what it would be. Why would he not be? A woman in her circumstances had little choice, but that didn’t stop her wayward thoughts or her last hope for a future.
    “And what of my life? What will happen to me if we do not marry?”
    “I can’t answer that with certainty, but I assume…” He spread his hands as though his empty palms reflected the empty life she would surely have. Apparently he would not offer her another option and certainly no stipend.
    “Would you prefer I secure you a position in a household nearby? Perhaps as a governess? I know that my neighbor—”
    She swallowed hard. “You must ask me properly.”
    His brows peaked in surprise. “Very well,” he said with a laugh. Despite her misgivings, Charity smiled. He had a lovely laugh, full-bodied and joyful. She liked him when he laughed; his reserve dropped away. She wanted to hear it again, but was silenced when he solemnly knelt before her.
    He gazed up at her a smile on his lips and a twinkle lurking in his eyes. “Charity, will you give me the greatest pleasure of becoming my wife?”
    She took a deep breath. Say no, she urged herself. They were very different people. It would not work. She would struggle to measure up to him and probably fail, no matter how hard she tried. There was no love in his smile, just a rather lazy and lustful glance. That smile might set her pulses racing, but she had wanted much more from marriage, hadn’t she? She suspected he would offer financial assistance if she asked for it. Ask for it, her mind urged her. But he gazed at her in such a way that her body wasn’t listening. “I will, my lord.”
    “My name is Robert, remember?” His voice carried a seductive tone as he rose and gazed at her mouth. A hot expression entered his eyes and he took a step closer. She swallowed, and resisted the urge to step backwards, suddenly trembling. Did he mean to make love to her? Perhaps even before the marriage vows?
    She was so vulnerable, with no one to chaperone her, he might do what he liked with her now. The thought of this was quite shocking, but not entirely unpleasant. He gazed down at her making her feel rather small and fragile. It was all happening so fast. She felt confused, wanting his touch and yet afraid that coming too soon, before she could give herself to him, gladly and with love, it would set the tone of the marriage and irrevocably spoil any chance of a love-match.
    “But please allow me to make a demand of my own,” she said, putting out a hand as he leant over her.
    He straightened. “And what is that?”
    “I need time to get to know you, before we … consummate the marriage.”
    He frowned. “How much time?”
    She touched her mouth with her fingers. “It’s hard to say. When we get to know each other better.”
    “I am nothing but a gentleman. I bow to your wishes.” He made her an elaborate bow. When he raised his head, she saw something in his eyes. Was it a flicker of frustration?
    “Why do you ask me to call you Robert?” She sought to change the subject and lighten the mood a little. “Don’t ladies call their husbands by their title or surname?”
    His gaze returned to her mouth. “Perhaps I like to hear you say it, and see your lips form my name.”
    It was the first flirtatious thing he’d said, and it sent a thrill racing through her. Sure that he was teasing her again, she said, “Robert,” to see what would happen. With another question on her lips, he caught her to him and silenced her with a kiss.
    His lips felt cool and soft,