Free Tempting a Proper Lady by Debra Mullins Page B

ask.
    â€œI’ve come into good fortune and find myself richer than any man could dream. Certainly richer than your precious Raventhorpe, for all his title and pretty manners.”
    She stiffened. “Richard has explained to me that his estates are terribly expensive to maintain. I know he’s not a wealthy man, but I have money enough for the both of us.”
    â€œSo you know he’s a fortune hunter then. And now I’ve told you how he tried to kill me, yet you still defend him.”
    She tightened her lips, glancing about them as if to make certain no one was listening to their conversation. “What I know is that you abandoned me after swearing to marry me. Richard comforted me. He was there .”
    â€œIt wasn’t my choice, Annabelle.”
    â€œIt was a terrible time for me, Samuel. Horrible memories. I expected more from you, especially with the way you claimed to value honor.”
    â€œI would have been at your side if Raventhorpe had not betrayed me. A reef around the island shattered every raft I made.”
    â€œWill you please stop saying such things?”
    â€œFor pity’s sake, Annabelle, why don’t you listen to me? Why would you wed him knowing he only wants your fortune?”
    â€œThe fact that Richard needs my money doesn’t bother me. In fact, it means he won’t abandon me. Even if he runs through my dowry in a blink, the only way he’ll be able to get more money from Pa is if he keeps me happy.”
    â€œAnd alive?” He stared down into her pretty face. He could see the hurt he had caused her—hell, that Raventhorpe had caused both of them—but he also saw a glimpse of the same sweetness and naïveté that had once made him choose her as the mother of his children. “Tell me this, Annabelle. Who inherits the money if something happens to your parents?”
    â€œMe, of course, though that’s a terrible thing to say!”
    â€œIs it?” He leaned down to bring his lips closer to her ear. “And if something were to happen to you after that, Raventhorpe would inherit everything.”
    Shock rippled across her face just as a hand landed on his shoulder, forcing them to halt mid-turn. Mrs. Burke, in the arms of a naval officer, dodged around them to avoid a collision as Samuel turned to face Raventhorpe.
    â€œStill sniffing after my bride, Captain?” the earl sneered.
    â€œYou were late.” Samuel shrugged. “If you’re that worried, you shouldn’t keep your lady waiting so long.”
    â€œShe knew I was detained.” He tugged Annabelle’s hand from Samuel’s. “Didn’t you, my dear?”
    â€œRichard, please don’t cause a scene,” Annabelle whispered, glancing around them.
    â€œI am simply defending you from unwanted attentions.” The earl glared, his social mask slipping to reveal the murderous rage beneath. Samuel braced himself for battle.
    Annabelle made a mewl of distress and laid her hand on Raventhorpe’s arm. “Richard, please.”
    â€œNothing to say, Breedlove?”
    Annabelle’s anxiety kept Samuel’s anger in check. A public altercation would not advance his cause with the Baileys. His months of solitude had taught him to control his temper, but Raventhorpe would not know that. He would be expecting Samuel to react as he had in the past.
    â€œShe came willingly,” he said. “Just ask your dear friend Lady Canthrope. But unlike you, Raventhorpe, I have no desire to instigate a brawl in the middle of a dance floor.” Samuel sketched a bow. “Thank you for the dance, Annabelle. Think about what I said.” He gave the barest hint of a nod. “Raventhorpe.”
    Without another word, he turned away. Barely sparing a glance for Mrs. Burke and her escort, who lingered close enough to have certainly overheard the conversation, he left them all standing there as the rumbles of speculation