Make-Believe Wife by Anne Herries

pompous fool and not fit to stand in Grandfather’s shoes.’
    â€˜What happens to you if the earl disinherits you?’
    â€˜I lose the earl’s title, his estate and fortune—but do not imagine I care for his money. I have sufficient of my own…or I had. He has told me that he can withhold the inheritance I had from my paternal grandfather until I am thirty if he chooses. I do not know if it is an empty threat. I must speak with my lawyers in town. It would be deuced awkward. I have commitments to some people that I would be loath to break.’
    â€˜What kind of commitments?’ She saw his quick frown. ‘That is not my business. Forgive me. It is just that I would be certain what is in your mind concerning this arrangement.’
    â€˜My suggestion stemmed from your own, Roxanne. Forgive me, I should not have mentioned it. After all, you hardly know me. I might be a ruthless rogue out to rob the old man of his money.’
    â€˜No, I do not believe that,’ Roxanne replied. ‘You must allow me a little time, sir. I shall complete the journey to London with you—and then we shall discuss this again, perhaps in a few days.’
    His gaze fastened on her face. ‘Yes, of course. We have another day on the road and then I shall take you to a place where you can stay until a decision is made.’
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    The journey was completed without incident. They were obliged to get down from the chaise once so that Luke could relieve himself. He had not lied when hetold her he would need assistance to hobble into the bushes at the side of the road and leaned heavily on her arm. From the grimace on his face, she thought that he was still in some pain. She turned her head modestly and ignored the sounds from behind her, waiting patiently to help him back into the carriage when he was ready.
    Luke shot her an amused glance. ‘You play the part of a long-suffering wife to perfection, Roxanne. If you chose, you could easily fool Grandfather or anyone else into thinking we had been married for an age.’
    Roxanne looked at him disapprovingly. ‘I know you are jesting, but I do not find the suggestion funny. Marriage would not be an option. Even an engagement seems so deceitful when there is no intention on either side—but I do understand why you wish to please him.’
    â€˜He gets so distressed over the smallest thing,’ Luke told her. ‘I fear a fit of temper may carry him off. Once, that would not have concerned me, but now—I find I should not like to be the cause of his death.’
    â€˜You really believe that your refusal to marry may cause the earl to die in distress?’
    â€˜Yes.’ Luke’s expression was serious. ‘You are right to accuse me of levity. It has always been my way to make light of things—but it shocked me when he had that turn. I thought he was going to die, and, had he done so, it would have been my fault.’
    Roxanne nodded, but made no further comment. Luke sat back with his eyes closed and the remainder of the journey was accomplished in silence. However,he stirred himself as they approached the heath and told her that they had reached Hampstead.
    â€˜There has been a highwayman waylaying travellers hereabouts for some months, but last month they caught him and I dare say he will hang. The house I told you of is nearby. It is being prepared for someone—a lady and child. At the moment she is staying with friends in the south of England, but in another week or two she will take up residence. She will not mind if we use it for a few days.’
    â€˜You intend to stay there with me?’
    â€˜Not to sleep, but I must visit often. You have my word that I shall not take advantage. If you are to play the part of my fiancée, you will need to know certain things and we must dress you accordingly.’ He smiled at her. ‘Can you trust me, Roxanne? You must know that I would not harm you after all