Free The Earl's Stolen Bride (Marriage by Deceit Book 4) by Ruth Ann Nordin Page B

wouldn’t be asking him to conceal his marriage if he’d been allowed to marry her in the first place.
    “It wasn’t an excuse,” her father replied, his tone stiff.  “Alexander doesn’t have a healthy constitution like most children.  He’s had to see physicians since he was a baby.”
    “Forgive me, Mr. Boyle.  I apologize for my words.  I don’t wish any child to go without a doctor if he needs one.”
    “Time was of the essence,” her father said.  “I needed the money sooner rather than later.  Lord Hawkins had to go to India, and there was no time to waste.  Sometimes a father has to do what’s best for his family.”
    “I understand.  You didn’t know I was interested in marrying her.”
    “Given the amount of money I needed, I doubt that would have made a difference.”
    It took Orlando a moment to understand what her father was telling him.  Even if he had approached her father, he would have rejected his suit.  “Am I right to assume you would not have given her permission to marry me after she became a widow?”
    “I certainly wouldn’t have so soon after Lord Hawkins’ death.”
    “If I’d waited a year for her hand, then would you have?”
    Before he could reply, Chloe and her mother came up to the doorway.
    “Are we interrupting anything?” Mrs. Boyle asked, poking her head into the room, her wide smile a startling contrast to her husband’s stern expression.
    “No,” Orlando said, rising to his feet.  “We were finished talking.”
    Orlando had nothing else he wanted to ask her father, nor was he inclined to spend another moment alone with him.  He went over to Chloe and placed his hand on the small of her back.  The action was to comfort him more than it was to comfort her.  Had it not been for her agreeing to elope with him, he doubted he’d ever had the chance to be with her.
    “By the look on your face, I can tell you and Chloe had a pleasant visit,” Mr. Boyle told his wife.
    “We did,” her mother replied.  “Lord Reddington makes her happy.  The match is a good one.” She glanced at Orlando and Chloe and smiled.  “We should head on to our cottage before it gets too late in the day.”
    “You won’t be staying?” Orlando asked, not necessarily because he wanted to but because it was the proper thing to do.
    “I’m afraid we can’t,” her mother replied.  “We must get something from the cottage then return to London.  We could come by here on our way back.”
    Orlando nodded.  “You’re more than welcome.”
    “Splendid.” She walked up to Chloe and cupped her face in her hands.  “Give the matter we discussed some thought, all right?”
    “I will, Mother,” Chloe said, her voice so soft Orlando almost didn’t hear it.
    It was then that he realized Chloe wasn’t smiling.  If he guessed right, something was bothering her.  He’d have to wait until her parents left before finding out what that something was.
    “If you won’t stay the night,” Orlando spoke up, “then I insist you have something to eat before you leave.”
    “That’s very nice of you to offer,” her mother replied.  “We’ll be happy to, thank you.”
    “I’ll tell Cook to prepare something at once.  In the meantime, I need to change into more suitable attire.”
    He got ready to leave when Chloe said, “I should change, too.”
    “Chloe,” her father called out, “if you don’t mind, I’d like a chance to spend a few moments with you.  Your mother has had you all to herself.  I’m feeling rather neglected.”
    “Oh, well…” Chloe glanced at Orlando, and he sensed her discomfort.
    “I can stay if you wish,” Orlando offered.
    Her father frowned, an indication that he had no desire to spend any time with him, but it was Chloe who protested.
    “There’s no need,” Chloe replied.  “I’d like time to talk to him.”
    Though he didn’t believe her, he had no choice but to nod and head out of the room.  Maybe she’d tell him what