Tis the Season to Be Sinful Read Online Free PDF Page A

aloud!
    Juliet blushed to her hairline, wishing the floor would miraculously open so she could slowly sink down and vanish from sight. First ranting at him, and then making a preposterous statement about marriage. Perhaps living too long on her own was truly starting to affect her good sense.
    “I, uhm . . . uhm . . .” Juliet cleared her throat and tried again, but words failed her. Humiliated by her blunder, she tipped her head forward in an attempt to shield her face, then realized she was making a ridiculous situation even worse. Obviously there was nowhere for her to hide.
    “The estate is an exceptional property, Mrs. Wentworth,” Mr. Barclay muttered nervously, breaking the silence. “Worth any price to obtain.”
    Juliet gave the secretary a weak smile, grateful for his attempt at diffusing this awkward moment. Mustering her courage, she risked a glance at Mr. Harper. He was cool and composed, acting as if a marriage proposal from a total stranger were an everyday occurrence.
    “I must commend you on implementing such a creative negotiating tactic, Mrs. Wentworth,” Mr. Harper said, his eyes fixed on hers. “Uttering an absurd, comical statement creates a most effective diversion from the issue at hand. I vow I shall remember it the next time I am mired in a stalemate.”
    A charming smile broke over his face, and Juliet found herself answering it with one of her own. “I urge caution, sir, before you imitate me or else you might very well find yourself standing before an altar.”
    “With one of my male business partners?”
    She raised her hands, palms up, and shrugged. “One never knows to what lengths these fellows will go.”
    Her remark brought the desired laugh from all three gentlemen and the tension eased. Yet before Juliet could even catch her breath, Mr. Harper was once again pressing his point.
    “Selling me the estate and investing the proceeds will provide a far better legacy to your son than a mortgaged, crumbling manor house,” he said briskly.
    The pulse in Juliet’s temple throbbed. He was like a dog with a bone, unwilling to part with it under any circumstances. “While I appreciate your sound financial advice, sir, giving it will not lower the price of the estate.”
    Mr. Harper cocked a sardonic eyebrow at her. “That might very well be true, but at least now I’ve got you talking about selling instead of leasing. I count that as great progress.”
    “Well, yes, perhaps.” Juliet nearly groaned at her ridiculous response. She sounded like a perfect nitwit, but the offer had emerged so unexpectedly she barely had time to consider it. Except that it presented a resolution to a nagging problem. Should she do it?
    “I understand there is also a dowager house on the estate,” Mr. Harper said.
    Juliet’s chin snapped up defiantly. Without thinking, she stepped forward, fixing him with an icy, determined stare. “That is where I reside with my children. It is most definitely not for sale! Under any circumstances. Is that understood?”
    Their gazes met and held for an instant before he nodded curtly. “Then I shall purchase the estate and leave you the dowager house along with five surrounding acres. Is that agreeable?”
    “A fine bargain,” Mr. Fowler interjected enthusiastically. “I can have the papers ready to sign by this evening.”
    Juliet’s brow creased. Almost as if sensing her weakening, Mr. Harper softened his expression.
    “I will raise the price another two thousand pounds, Mrs. Wentworth, but that is absolutely my final offer. Do we have a deal?” he asked, extending his hand.
    The offer was more than generous and they both knew it. The last vestiges of Juliet’s indecision faded. Mr. Harper was right. It would be far better to gift her son with a tidy sum of money rather than a debt-ridden property when he reached his majority. And the funds would not only provide for Edward’s future, but support her and the children now, when their need was