Free Castles by Julie Garwood

.”
    â€œI can’t take the credit,” she interrupted. “As I just explained, your mother did all the work.”
    â€œAren’t you approaching this from the wrong angle? It’s usual to find a groom first, Alesandra.”
    â€œI agree with you, but this isn’t a usual circumstance. I simply must get married right away.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œPlease don’t think me rude, but since you’ve decided against marrying me, I think it’s best you not know anything more. I would still appreciate your help, however, if you’re inclined to give it.”
    Colin didn’t have any intention of letting the matter drop. He would find out the real reason why she needed to get married, and he’d find out before the day was over. He decided to use a little trickery now and ease back to his question later.
    â€œI would be happy to assist you,” he said. “What is it you need?”
    â€œWould you please give me the names of five—no, make that six—suitable men? I’ll interview them this week. By Monday next, I should have settled on someone.”
    God, she was exasperating. “What are your requirements?” he inquired mildly.
    â€œFirst, he must be honorable,” she began. “Second, he must be titled. My father would twist in his grave if I married a commoner.”
    â€œI’m not titled,” he reminded her.
    â€œYou were knighted. That qualifies.”
    He laughed. “You’ve left out the most important requirement, haven’t you? He’ll have to be wealthy.”
    She frowned at him. “I believe you’ve just insulted me,” she announced. “Still, you don’t know me at all well and for that reason I’ll forgive you your cynicism.”
    â€œAlesandra, most women looking for husbands want to live a comfortable life,” he countered.
    â€œRich isn’t important to me,” she replied. “You’re as poor as a serf and I was willing to marry you, remember?”
    He chafed over her bit of honesty. “How would you know if I’m rich or poor?”
    â€œYour father told me. Do you know, Colin, when you frown, you remind me of a dragon. I used to call Sister Mary Felicity a dragon, though I was too cowardly to say it to her face. Your frown is every bit as fierce, and I do believe the nickname is more appropriate for you.”
    Colin refused to let her bait him. He wasn’t going to let her switch topics either. “What else do you require in a husband?”
    â€œHe’ll have to leave me alone,” she replied after a moment’s consideration. “I don’t want a man who . . . hovers.”
    He laughed again. He immediately regretted that action when he saw her expression. Hell, he’d hurt her feelings. Her eyes got all teary, too.
    â€œI don’t particularly want a wife who would hover either,” he admitted, thinking his agreement would ease her hurt.
    She wouldn’t look at him. “Would a rich woman appeal to you?” she asked.
    â€œNo,” he answered. “I determined a long time ago to make my own fortune without any outside help, and I mean to keep that promise to myself. My brother has offered to lend my partner and me funds and of course my father has also offered to help.”
    â€œBut you refused them,” she countered. “Your father believes you’re too independent.”
    Colin decided to change the subject. “Will your husband share your bed?”
    She refused to answer him. She lifted her pen again. “Begin your list, please.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œBut you said you would help me.”
    â€œThat was before I realized you were out of your mind.”
    She put the pen back on the table and stood up. “Please excuse me.”
    â€œWhere are you going?”
    â€œTo pack.”
    He chased her to the door. He took hold of her arm and turned her around to face him. Damn, he