Free The Bridal Contract (Darrington family Book 3) by Sandra Sookoo Page A

hidden by her skirting, that remained behind on the settee. “Do you?”
    “Perhaps later. First, I’d like to find out why you and Oliver are here.” She glanced across to the viscount, who’d stood with an expression that bespoke mischief and devilish entertainment. Her stomach trembled. “What happened?”
    “Calm yourself. Nothing untoward has occurred,” Oliver stated as he came forward. “Come and sit with me a moment. I believe I have the answer to your sister’s unfortunate problem. At the same time you can help me.”
    “Oh?” Her heartbeat rushed hard through her veins. She followed him to the settee then handed Daniela the doll before seating herself. Oliver rested beside her, entirely too close. His leg nearly touched hers. “I’m anxious to hear.”
    “First, have you saved your sister from her fate yet?” His expression suggested she couldn’t have achieved such a goal by herself.
    She quelled the urge to make a face. Of course she couldn’t save her sister. Drat the man for knowing her too well. “No. I did meet with Lord Everly this morning, but beyond Charles suddenly procuring an indecent amount of funds within a few weeks, he’s unwilling to release Helen from my brother’s promise.” Saying it out loud made the predicament all too real. Her stomach churned. She blinked away the tears stinging her eyes. “I can’t help but think I’ve failed her.”
    “Then what I have to say will put you to rights again.” Oliver’s grin widened. “I’m aware this will come as a shock, but as we’re both in mutual need and time is of the essence, this is the best solution.”
    “Yes, and?” Why wouldn’t he just get to it? Awareness raced over her skin. The heat of his body seeped into hers. It would have been pleasant had she not been in such a brown study.
    “Miss Hawthorne, will you marry me?” Amusement danced in his blue eyes.
    “I… I beg your pardon?” Flutters filled her belly and her pulse grew erratic. She stared at him, feeling very much the simpleton. “Did I hear you correctly?” He must be mad to propose. She forced down a swallow. “Are you quite well?” She’d had only one other proposal, and that had come from Peter on the night she’d given herself to him before he left to fight for England. His proposal hadn’t made her head swim or made tingles to play her spine. His proposal had been nice, and gentle and comfortable, almost expected since they’d courted for years before that.
    “Hear me out.” Oliver turned to her and his knee crashed into hers. A jolt of sensation sprang up her leg and embedded itself between her thighs. “It’s maddening when you look at it on the surface. However, I can secure the coin you’ll need to free your sister.”
    Her jaw hung open. She closed it with a snap as her eyebrows rose. “What…?” She trailed off, scarcely knowing what question to ask from the many clouding her brain. “What do you gain from the bargain?” It was a good inquiry as any.
    “Honestly?”
    She nodded. “If this will be a strictly business arrangement, for I think that would be the best policy.” Though how crass it was to throw an engagement into a business proposition.
    “My mother is good at one thing: bedeviling her children into marriage. She’ll stop at nothing until we’re all wed and have begun propagating the species. Probably won’t quit nagging even then until we’ve produced a handful of brats. One or two won’t be enough for her.” A trace of bitterness infused the words. “So, what I gain is the temporary reprieve from my mother’s machinations. For all intents and purposes, you and I will enter into an engagement.”
    “I see. Will we need to do the pretty and act as a happy couple?” Could one pretend well enough to fool someone as intelligent as Mrs. Darrington? Eloisa had heard the woman was as determined as anyone in setting up her legacy.
    “If the occasion calls for it.” Oliver shook his head at Daniela when