Free Impulse by Candace Camp

her affection.” His face turned grim. “But, damn it to hell, why is she not giving in despite her dislike?”
    â€œYou do not care if your wife dislikes you?” Pettigrew asked neutrally.
    Monroe frowned at him. “I should think you, of all people, are well aware that this is no love match.”
    Pettigrew refrained from pointing out that, at this moment, it was no match at all. Angela Stanhope mightbe willing to risk Monroe’s bad temper, but Jason was not. “Yes, sir. It is just that it seems a mite uncomfortable, sir. There is a vast difference between an indifferent marriage and one in which there is open animosity.”
    Monroe gave him a level look. “I believe I will be able to handle it.”
    â€œOf course, sir.”
    Monroe turned away from him and walked to the window. He stood silently for a few minutes, gazing out at the gardens. When he turned back, his face was set and impassive. “We will have to apply more pressure.”
    Jason hesitated. “You mean, tell the Earl about the… the information we have?”
    â€œYes.” Cam paused, watching his assistant. “Do you have a problem with that?”
    Jason glanced away, then brought his gaze back to meet Cam’s squarely. “I am not accustomed to blackmail, sir.”
    â€œDon’t worry. You will not have to do it. I shall speak to Bridbury myself.”
    â€œHe—he seems a nice enough man,” Jason went on.
    â€œAnd you would hate to ruin his reputation, is that it?” Cam smiled faintly as Jason nodded, a little sheepishly. “Well, you need not be ashamed of feeling that way, man. There’s nothing wrong with having scruples. Don’t worry, ’tis an empty threat. I would not use it against him, either. It is useless to me except in the possibility of using it. The actuality serves me nothing. But I hope it will concern them enough that they will agree to my terms.”
    â€œYes, sir.” Pettigrew still looked slightly troubled. “But, sir…well, is it worth it?”
    â€œOh, yes. To me it is. It is very much worth it.”
    Â 
    Angela decided that the best way to avoid Cam was to take a long walk with her dogs. Accordingly, she put on a pair of stout boots and headed out the front door, Wellington and Pearl close on her heels. But before she could reach the front door, Cam stepped out of the library.
    â€œAngela.”
    She came to a halt, mentally cursing her bad luck, and slowly turned around. He came toward her. The two dogs turned and watched him, Pearl with interest and Wellington with some distrust. As he came closer, Cam looked down at the dogs, and a small smile touched his lips.
    â€œWell, hello, old fella,” he said quietly, extending a hand toward Wellington. “I wouldn’t have guessed you’d still be here.”
    Wellington came forward slowly, sniffing at the outstretched hand. His tail began to wag and he put his head under Cam’s hand, giving it an inviting bump. Cam chuckled and began to stroke him.
    â€œTraitor,” Angela murmured.
    â€œWell, I am the one who gave him to you,” Cam pointed out. “You have a good memory,” he told the dog, scratching in just the right spot behind Wellington’s ears.
    Even Angela had to smile a little at the memory. She and Cam had been riding, only a few weeks before Cam had admitted his love for her. They had come upon the miller’s son and a few of his cronies down by the pond. The boys had been throwing a puppy into the pond, a rock tied to his neck to pull him down. “That’s true,” she said softly. “I’ll never forget the way you jumped into the pond to save him.”
    He cast her an amused glance. “Nor will I forget the way you boxed the miller’s boy’s ears.”
    Angela shrugged. “Well, he deserved it. He was a heartless little criminal. As I remember, you sent him on his way with a few choice