When We Touch Read Online Free PDF Page B

eyes. Don’t do this thing!
    She preferred not to look at her brother in turn. She stared straight at Charles.
    â€œNaturally,” Charles said. “There have been difficulties in the family, and I would intend to address every situation. My dear, you would never want for anything the rest of your life,” he finished earnestly to Maggie.
    Jamie gritted his teeth. Charles was like an infatuated schoolboy. And oddly, it was the young woman who appeared to have her wits about her completely.
    But then, there was no question that she had not suddenly fallen head over heels in love with the man seeking her hand.
    â€œLord Charles, I admit to a hesitation when this matter was first brought before me.” She smiled. It was a good smile. Practiced? Or was she a natural expert at seduction. “But now that we have met again, and I remember you . . . I haven’t the least reservation!”
    Jamie thought that Charles would leap out of his chair with joy. He prayed his uncle would commit no such indignity.
    But Charles did stand. He rushed to her, remarkably agile suddenly for a man of his age, and upon a knee he took her hand.
    â€œI will never let you regret this decision, my dear.”
    She stared steadily at him. “I know I never will.”
    Charles rose again, flustered. Jamie kept his eyes on Lady Maggie. If she shuddered, just slightly, she quickly recovered. And yet . . . her gaze slipped, just momentarily. And her eyes caught his. He must have been all but shooting venom through his own narrowed orbs, because something in her seemed to harden, and the quaking he had sensed became pure, angry conviction.
    She gave him a smile that was pure fury, and pure challenge. Yes, you think that I’m a harlot, selling out and counting my gold already. Good for you. There’s not a damned thing you can do about it!
    â€œI’m at a loss!” Charles said.
    Stuttering fool! Jamie thought, and was furious with himself, because Charles was as fine a person as a man could be, noble in truth.
    â€œWell,” Jamie drawled slowly, his eyes on the soon-to-be blushing bride. “Arrangements must be made for the nuptials to take place. I would think sooner than later, wouldn’t you, Uncle? You’ve both been wed before . . . the banns can be cried immediately, and within a matter of weeks, you can be man and wife.”
    â€œYes, yes . . . if that is agreeable with you, Maggie?”
    He spoke her name with no title, as if he tested it, and did so with awe.
    â€œMy lord Charles, whatever you desire,” she said sweetly.
    Jamie felt as if he had to get out. He was going to be sick.
    He rose. “Well, then, we’ve a busy day ahead.”
    â€œWait, wait!” Charles said, lifting a hand. His eyes, however, never left the woman’s face. “Would you prefer something more elaborate? Many weddings take time, invitations must be sent out, clothing purchased, arrangements made. And my daughter is in France, at the moment. Perhaps Lord Justin has special requests for the wedding?”
    Justin looked haggard, and more than a little drained. Hard to sit there and watch your sister prostitute herself, is it, my friend?
    â€œI leave it all to Maggie,” Justin said quietly.
    She was shaking her head. “There is no need for an elaborate ceremony.” She shot Jamie a glance. “As your nephew says, sir, we have both been married before.”
    â€œStill, there is a certain propriety one must see to.”
    â€œI think the lady is anxious,” Jamie said. “And why not, Charles? She seems to be a woman who knows her own mind, and her mind is set. The wedding should definitely take place with all haste!”
    â€œLord Charles, I am in agreement, and I accept your proposal, and leave all else to you. My brother and I are alone in our immediate family, and I’m certain that my uncle Angus will be more than happy to oblige his family to your