Free For All Eternity by Heather Cullman Page B

stared at her as if she’d lost her wits, then snorted and released her arms with a shove. “I don’t want to scratch by, and I most certainly have no intention of rusticating in Lincolnshire for the next few years.” “What does it matter where we live or how modestly as long as we’re together?” she appealed, unwilling to believe that he meant his words. “Our love will see us through.”
    “Love?” He released a bitter grate of laughter. “Love had nothing to do with my desire to marry you.”
    “But you said that you loved me,” she cried. “You vowed that you’d do anything for that love.”
    “Pretty words, nothing more. The same empty ones every man uses to hook a rich wife.” He folded his arms over his chest and eyed her with visible scorn. “If you actually believed the flowery phrases men whispered in your ear all Season, then you’re a bigger fool than I imagined.”
    Sophie returned his gaze, tears welling up in her eyes. “You don’t love me?” she choked out, feeling as if her heart were being ripped from her chest.
    “You might be a fool, but at least you learn quickly,” he snapped. “No. I don’t love you. I never did, though had you the dowry you claimed, I’d have gladly wed you. You are, after all, a most beautiful woman, and I desired you from the moment I saw you.”
    He cocked his head to one side then, viewing her thoughtfully. “In truth, I desire you still. Hmm. Perhaps I can help you after all. Yes — ” he nodded ” — I believe I can. You have only to agree to be my mistress, and I shall arrange it so that your creditors will never find you.”
    She gasped her indignation. “Your mistress? Why … why … that’s …”
    “Most generous of me,” he interjected, reaching out to trail a finger down the slope of her breast. “Just think, my dear. Not only will you be spared the horrors of prison, you shall have the pleasure of my intimate attentions. Since you profess to love me so, that prospect should please you immensely.”
    Sophie slapped away his hand, more affronted than she’d ever been in her life. “How dare you insult me in such a manner.”
    He laughed. “Come, come, now, dearest. Don’t think of it as an insult, but as a rescue.”
    “I would rather marry Lyndhurst than enter into such a — a — an indecent arrangement,” she flung back, and it was true.
    “Perhaps, but I’m afraid that marriage to Lyndhurst is an option you no longer possess.”
    “Of course it is. I’m officially engaged to him. By this evening everyone in London will know of our betrothal.”
    “By this evening everyone in London will know of your visit here, and of your uncle’s hoax. I can assure you that neither the ton nor Lyndhurst will look kindly upon being played for a fool.”
    She gaped at him, stunned by his threat. “You wouldn’t!”
    “Indeed I would. You see, my dear. Though I shan’t marry you, I do want you in my bed. Very much so.”
    He smiled with a ruthlessness she’d never have believed he possessed. “And what I want, I always get.”
    Hating him with every fiber of her being, she spat, “Not this time. I shall deny your allegations with every breath in my body. It shall be your word against mine.” “Yours against mine and Somerville’s,” he reminded her. “No doubt I shall be able to persuade Hucknell and Dumont to take my part as well. That’s four against one.”
    “You’re despicable,” she hissed, impotent to do more. “I can’t imagine how I could ever have thought you kind and noble.”
    “I’ve already told you how: You’re a fool.”
    Wishing that looks could kill, she fixed him with her most murderous glare and shot back, “I may be a fool, but I’m not a harlot. You shall never have me for your mistress. Never!”
    He smirked. “Watch me.”
     
     
     
     

Chapter 5
     
     
    It had been a most satisfying day indeed.
    Having spent the entire afternoon writing his parents and relatives of his upcoming