To Protect and to Cherish Read Online Free PDF Page B

to gain financially from you. You will then have a way out. It has not been announced , so nobody would ever know.”
    The duke pondered this for a moment.
    “You put great trust in a man who you knew for but a few hours.”
    She knew this to be true.
    “In truth, sir, I know you by your reputation though I did not recognize your name. I did think,” she spoke without forethought, “you were older.”
    He laughed, “I assume time will take care of that deficiency.”
    Jillian hurried to explain, “I did not mean to imply it was a deficiency, my lord. I simply pictured you as a man my father’s age.”
    He seemed more amused than offended, “My own father passed away but four years ago. It is likely the reports you have heard were regarding him.”
    She almost smiled at the affectionate tone, “He was a good man?”
    “He was the best of men, Miss Trent.”
                  Jillian glanced up to see that Nora was watching them from the garden gate. It was probably for the sake of propriety. Jillian hoped the news of her engagement had not spread through the staff already.
                  “Do you equate all men with your uncle?” Lord Ashley broke through her wandering thoughts.
                  “Not at all,” she shot back with more force than she intended. “My own father was a good man, and my other uncle is honorable as well.”
                  “You have another uncle?”
                  “My mother’s brother, but he is a sea captain, and I scarcely see him anymore.”
                  “Are you afraid I am going to demand of you the same things that your uncle does?”
                  It seemed the man was intent upon embarrassing her, “Sir, it is not proper to speak of such things.”
                  “Perhaps not,” he kept his distance but lowered his voice to ensure the nearby maid would not catch his words, “but, given the situation, it may be prudent.”
                  She shook her head.
                  “What your uncle is requesting of you is something a man should expect of his wife.”
                  She could not answer.
                  “It will eventually be necessary for me to produce an heir,” his tone was so tender she nearly cried.
                  “I understand,” she murmured.
                  “I think we may be afforded some time to become acquainted first.”
                  She realized he thought she was agreeing to this scheme. She straightened, “You cannot do this. You are giving up your happiness for a woman you do not even know.”
                  He shook his head, “I find that may be preferable. I do not always like people once I get to know them – particularly, women who would marry me for my title or my wealth.”
                  She felt a bubble of laughter welling in her throat, “You would prefer to marry a woman to protect her from her uncle?”
                  He thought about it a moment.
                  “Yes. I believe I would.”
                  Jillian shook her head, not able to process all the information.
                  He bowed, “I will speak to your uncle now.”
                  She tried to call him back, but there was no sound coming from her throat. She had to settle for shrugging at Nora who looked every bit as confused as Jillian.
                  Slade moved quickly so she could not call him back. He was tired of arguing, and he desired to get the business with the uncle over as soon as possible.
                  “Your grace,” Trent greeted him with a deep bow, “I was beginning to wonder if you had changed your mind. It wouldn’t be the first time her initial allurements were not enough to hold the interest of a gentleman such as