Wed Him Before You Bed Him Read Online Free PDF Page A

home became intolerable.
    â€œMasters isn’t a libertine,” Papa said with a snort. “Like all young bucks, he sows his wild oats, but he’s discreet. That is all you can expect from a man. And my inquiries into his character reveal that he’s a diligent student and a well-respected gentleman who is perfectly aware of the obligations due his rank.”
    In other words, he used his father’s influence to sway his instructors, knew how to put on a good show when it counted, and was “perfectly aware” of how far his rank could get him.
    She’d dipped her toe into society enough to know how to interpret the usual lies about a titled gentleman. Papa was describing a man exactly like himself. And the last thing she wanted was a husband of Papa’s ilk.
    â€œBesides,” Papa went on, “his friends include a young marquess, a brother to a viscount, and an heir to a duke. I could well use those connections, so if only for my sake, you’ll smile and be demure and welcome his attentions like any eligible young lady. Because if not for me and my labors, you wouldn’t even have a dowry to entice a young man.”
    â€œBut Papa—”
    â€œThe king didn’t give me a barony because I own coal mines, you know. He did it because I promoted His Majesty’s concerns in the House of Commons. I’ve done my part to further the aims of this family. Now you must do yours.”
    She stifled a snort. Papa only furthered his own aims and ambitions, but there was no point in arguing. He’d just deny it.
    â€œBut why must it be David Masters? Surely some other man could further your aims just as well.” A man who might want her for herself. “If you’d only wait until my coming out next spring—”
    â€œI’m not wasting money on a come-out when a man like Masters is there for the taking. Besides, Masters’s friend Simon Tremaine, heir to the Duke of Foxmoor, is destined to be the next prime minister. That’s a connection I don’t intend to lose the chance of.”
    â€œThen perhaps you should offer me to him instead,” she said bitterly. “It would be a much better business transaction.”
    Her father’s face darkened. “You watch your tongue, missy. I’ve had enough of your insolence. We’ve not yet passed Richmond—we can still leave the carriage at a livery and travel up the Thames by wherry.”
    The words thundered in the carriage, sucking out all her bravado. Up the Thames! Would he be so cruel?
    Of course he would. Her breathing grew labored as she saw again the swirling waters closing over her head, the blackness blotting out her sight, the panic as she realized she could not hold her breath any longer…
    â€œRowland,” her mother protested. “You shouldn’t say such an awful thing. It upsets her.”
    â€œHush your mouth, woman,” Papa shot back. “Or you know what I will do to you .”
    When her mother paled, Charlotte grabbed her hand. “You leave Mama be! She has naught to do with this!”
    â€œShe’s the one who hired that bluestocking governess. God only knows what foul ideas that female crammed into you before I found her out and dismissed her.”
    â€œFoul ideas!” Charlotte protested. “She encouraged me to exercise my mind, read important books, learn science and history and Latin—”
    â€œAnd look what it’s done to you,” he snapped. “You’re insolent to your father. Well, I won’t tolerate such rebellion, do you hear? It’s time you recognize who runs this family, and it isn’t you, missy.”
    She bit back a hot retort. As if she hadn’t had that drilled into her since childhood.
    â€œNow,” her father said firmly, “will you comport yourself like a proper young lady this week, or shall we take a river jaunt to remind you of your duty?”
    Every inch of her