The Husband List -2 by Victoria Alexander Page B

an aloof smile, as if the intimate moment between them had never happened.
    “So, my lord,” she said brightly, “your decision?”
    He narrowed his eyes and studied her for a long, uncomfortable moment. She forced herself to meet his gaze directly.
    “Very well. While I had not been in the market for a wife it is past time I wed. In addition, I would be a fool not to admit how much this legacy of yours would improve my circumstances in life. Therefore I am willing to ... to ...” He shook his head, a bemused expression on his face. “ Court doesn’t seem quite the appropriate word.”
    “Nonetheless, I do understand,” she said quickly.
    “And you understand the only terms under which a marriage between us will take place?”
    She raised her chin and kept her voice firm. “I do.”
    “Excellent. There is, however, one additional condition.” He paused as if considering his words. “Should we decide, at the end of the allotted time, not to wed, with you thus forfeiting your inheritance, essentially I will be left with nothing.”
    “As will I,” she said curtly.
    “Yes, well you’re not quite as desperate for funds as I am, are you? After all, you do have a wealthy family that can come to your aid if necessary.”
    Irritation rose within her. “I prefer not to rely on my family.”
    “As you wish, but the option remains should you choose to take advantage of it. I, on the other the hand, can ill afford to spend the next two months attempting to seduce you—”
    “ Seduce me?”
    “What would you call it?”
    She frowned in annoyance. “I believe we agreed on court .”
    “Not entirely accurate,” he murmured.
    “Nor is it as explicit, but I do favor it over the alternative.”
    “Regardless of what we wish to term it, the end result is the same—either we marry and gain the legacy or we don’t and I am left with nothing for my time and trouble.”
    “I do hope it will not be as unpleasant for you as all that.” She pulled her brows together in annoyance. “You’re not suggesting I compensate you for your time? Pay you perhaps?”
    “Not at all.” An injured note rang in his words.
    Surely she hadn’t offended him? Why, she was the one who should be offended. The very idea that she would have to hire someone to seduce—court— her was absurd and rude and—
    “I’m insulted you would suggest such a thing.”
    “You’re insulted?” She stared with disbelief.
    “Indeed I am. If I was the kind of man who expected to be paid for seducing you—”
    “You won’t be seducing me!”
    “—then I wouldn’t be at all the kind of man who would be at the top of your list.” He raised a brow. “Would I?”
    “No! Of course not. At least I don’t think so. Blast it all, you’ve done it again!” The expected throbbing pulsed above the bridge of her nose and she rubbed it vigorously.
    He stepped toward her. “Would you like me to—”
    “No!” She thrust out her hand and stepped back. The last thing she needed was to add the confusion triggered by his touch to the confusion brought on by his words. “Just tell me what you want.”
    “Very well” Again he hesitated. “Since you claim to know all there is to know about me you are no doubt aware that I am the sole support of four sisters. All but one is of marriageable age, the eldest especially should have been wed long ago. It is my fault, I know, but there has been no money for dowries. Nor is there much opportunity in the country to make a suitable match.”
    He pulled a deep breath. “I would be quite grateful if you should allow her, that is Emma, the oldest, to stay here with you.”
    Her heart went out to him. “Richard, I can’t afford to sponsor a season for a young woman.”
    “I’m not asking you to,” he said quickly. “If you would chaperone her, procure invitations for her to the same parties you attend, allow her to participate in your salons, that will serve nicely. With luck, she will meet someone. She’s