Free The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron Page B

And then he worked with us until it became second nature. But no one else knows.”
    “How often do you ride like that?”
    “Every day.” She tipped her shoulders in a light shrug. “Why?”
    Colin knelt down, meeting her eye to eye.
    “Lady Rosamund—”
    “It’s just Rosamund,” she cut in with a soft shake of the head. “I don’t require all of what my father does. Titles don’t mean anything to me. Not anymore.”
    “Okay then. Rose ,” he offered. “Your father is a good man. He wouldn’t do this just to hurt you.”
    “My father is a man of propriety, Mr. Keary. Please do not confuse the two.”
    “Was he harsh with you because of what happened at dinner last night?”
    “My parents spoke with me, yes. But they weren’t cruel, if that’s what you’re implying. They merely stated what’s happening as fact. You are buying my horse and she ships out tomorrow. That’s to be the end of it.”
    He paused, choosing his words carefully.
    “You have a good life here. People who care about you. I know I don’t need to tell you how important that is.”
    “And you think I should marry and live happily with my wealth? I should want nothing more than a title and stacks of money?”
    “Maybe, but I wouldn’t have put it to you quite so bluntly.”
    “And what if I told you that my father is in trouble? That he’s doing more than just selling a horse to you?” She lifted her chin. “He has gambling debts that are overtaking the family finances. With Hendrick’s death, our estate will revert to a cousin on my father’s side. He’s already married, so there’s no hope of a family alliance. And through bad investments and my mother’s refusal to live as though we have a rapidly dwindling fortune, their only recourse is to sell their only daughter to the highest bidder. And Lord Brentwood is buying, Mr. Keary. He has quite a fortune with which to do so. Because I have a good name, that makes for a favorable match for future heirs.”
    “And does he know of your father’s debts?”
    “Of course not. I’m not even sure why I told you, except to say that I know more about how Ingénue feels right now than you might give me credit for.”
    Colin’s jaw seemed to flex on its own. He stood and backed away for a moment, afraid if he didn’t, she’d see anger seep out over his face.
    He shoved his hands down in his pockets.
    “One day you’ll be mistress of a grand manor, and you’ll be glad to revisit the memories of time spent with your brother. And with Ingénue. You’ll see someday when you look back on your life that you’ve been given a wonderful opportunity. The kind of life most people only dream of.”
    Rose sat frozen for a moment, staring back at him. “And you truly believe that?”
    He nodded. “I do.”
    “Then forgive me, Mr. Keary, as it’s none of your affair, but the prospect that I could live content married to Oliver Brentwood is a fairy tale of my mother’s invention. Frittering away my days with garden parties and afternoon teas at the Spencer estates may sound like heaven to some, but it will be my lifelong prison. I have no option but to accept the life they’ve chosen for me. So at the very least, I’d ask that you not judge me in it. As an outsider looking in, you could never fully understand my reasons for needing the daily escape of rides with Ingénue.”
    Rose paused, no doubt considering the impasse that had formed between them. “Tell me, what would your counsel be if Mr. Butler came to you, wishing for a different life?”
    Colin sighed. Somehow he’d known that was coming.
    “You couldn’t stop him, Mr. Keary. Not if he knew what he wanted. He’d find his own way to get it.”
    “Of that I have no doubt.”
    Her honesty reached something inside that Colin had once felt himself. But it still precipitated an equally honest answer, one that would either dissuade her or convince her. She deserved that much.
    “What would you say to him then?”
    What