'Til Death Do Us Part Read Online Free PDF Page A

for both parties when it comes to marriage,” she said.
    â€œAccording to my observations, it is usually the primary consideration.”
    â€œForgive me, sir, but I am gaining the impression that you are somewhat cynical when it comes to the matter of marriage.”
    â€œI am realistic, Miss Langley.”
    She put down her pencil, closed the notebook, and clasped her hands together on the desktop.
    â€œI don’t deny that when it comes to marriage, there is an element of practicality that cannot be overlooked,” she said. “But if I know that a client is seeking marriage, I take precautions to verify the finances of both individuals.”
    For the first time, Trent actually looked interested in her matchmaking process.
    â€œHow the devil do you do that?” he asked.
    â€œI employ an assistant who conducts a bit of very discreet background research to ascertain the truth regarding the financial status of the clients. Not everyone is forthright about that aspect of their personal life.”
    â€œHuh. Interesting. Who is this assistant?”
    â€œMy brother.”
    â€œI see. I find your emphasis on financial matters intriguing.”
    â€œYou are the one who raised the subject,” she said.
    â€œProbably because I made this appointment to discover whether or not you are attempting to defraud my sister.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œEudora is one of your clients. Naturally I have some concerns.”
    For a few seconds Calista was speechless. She finally managed to pull herself together.
    â€œYes, Miss Hastings is a client. But I assure you, sir, she is in nodanger from me. Indeed, she appears to be enjoying my weekly salons. She is a very intelligent, well-read lady.”
    â€œMy sister may be intelligent and well-read, but she is a spinster of a certain age who has very little experience of men. She is also quite comfortably positioned in terms of her finances.”
    â€œThanks to your fortune?”
    â€œYes. That makes her vulnerable to the sort of unscrupulous men who prey on single women who possess a good income or a healthy inheritance.”
    For the first time she glimpsed some fierce emotion stirring beneath the surface of the man. A shiver went through her. He wasn’t angry at her—not yet, merely suspicious—but she was willing to wager that at some time in his past he’d very likely encountered a fortune hunter who had taken advantage of someone he cared about.
    â€œI thought I made it clear,” she said, striving for a calming tone, “I am alert to the type of person who might attempt to take advantage of my clients. I would not dream of introducing your sister to a gentleman who was anything but respectable and entirely honest about his finances.”
    â€œIt strikes me, Miss Langley, that there might be a financial incentive for you to provide certain clients with introductions to other clients who are wealthy or well-connected.”
    â€œThat is quite enough.” For the second time that morning she found herself on her feet and furious. “You insult both your sister and me, sir. I must ask you to leave at once.”
    For a heart-stopping moment she was afraid he would not allow himself to be kicked out of her office. She reached for the bellpull behind her and prepared to tug on it.
    To her overwhelming relief, Trent got to his feet. He went toward the door without a word. She released the bellpull, gripped the back of her chair, and held her breath.
    Trent opened the door and paused. He turned to face her.
    â€œOne more question before I leave, Miss Langley,” he said.
    She swallowed hard. “I am not in the mood to answer your questions, sir.”
    â€œI understand, but curiosity compels me. Do you really think you could have found me a suitable wife?”
    â€œI very much doubt it, Mr. Hastings. I’m afraid you just failed the interview.”
    He inclined his head a scant half inch.