Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“He is. He is a kind and generous employer. Strict but fair.” She smiled as she shook out a gown, holding it up to me with a satisfied look. “He has a reputation for being cold and aloof, but to those closest to him, he is not.”
I recalled seeing him for the first time. The fear I felt at his regard. His stern expression and the way his lips turned down as he studied me.
“He has had a difficult life, but he has risen above it. He had to work very hard to bring this estate back to life, but he has never complained. He is honorable, and I am proud to work for him. But he is private and keeps his emotions private as well.”
“I understand.”
“He does not suffer fools easily and dislikes society as a whole. He trusts few and allows even fewer to be part of his life, but once you are within his world, he is a benevolent and compassionate gentleman.”
I nodded at her words.
“Now, dinner is at seven. I shall return in a while to help you dress. You will join the master.”
It wasn’t a question. It was a statement, and her tone told me not to argue.
“Yes.”
ALEXANDER
I paced the library, not understanding the anxiety that pulled on my nerves. I had no doubt that Madeleine would appear momentarily. We would dine together, and I would lay out my plans. The more I thought on my idea, the more I liked it. Marrying her was a good thing. She would make a fine wife and companion. And, I had no doubt, a good mother. I was certain she would agree. Surely marriage to me was a more pleasing situation than working as a servant elsewhere?
I was thought to be handsome. I was wealthy and could provide a good life for her. Children. Unfettered with worries and away from the dreary life she had been living, my offer had to be tempting at the very least.
I rubbed my temples, feeling doubt. She had admitted to wanting a husband and a happy life. Was she hoping for love? I was not known as an emotional man. In fact, I was certain my father had beaten that idea out of me. But I could care. Feel fondness. Desire.
She intrigued me—more than any other woman I had ever met. There was an intelligence hidden under her fear. I found her charming, and when she forgot to be afraid, I could see a slight glint of mischief in her eyes. I liked her laughter and her sweet smile.
What I didn’t like was the exhaustion etched into her skin. The apprehension she carried with her. The timidness she showed to the world. Her belief that she was nothing. Her worth was far greater than she realized, and I planned on proving it to her if she allowed me to do so.
A soft rustle made me turn to see Madeleine hesitating in the doorway. I smiled widely at the vision she presented. The dress she wore was simple, a soft pink color that looked pretty against her pale skin and dark hair. Gathered under her ample bosom, it showed off her figure far more than the dowdy gray hand-me-down frocks she had been forced to wear. Her hair was up, revealing her delicate neck. The only thing missing was some jewels to set off her eyes and skin, but I planned on changing that soon enough. For now, she looked sweet, lovely, and I realized, with a small smirk, decidedly nervous.
I held out my hand to her, and she entered the room. I lifted her gloved fingers to my mouth, kissing the soft leather that covered her skin. “How lovely you are, Madeleine.”
She curtsied, a light pink flooding her cheeks. “I cannot thank you enough, my lord. I have not worn such a pretty gown since I was a child. I’m not sure I am worthy of such gifts.”
“Nonsense. You are worth that and more. Now, come sit with me, and our dinner will be served shortly.”
I escorted her to the table, inhaling her familiar scent. Lilacs, one of my favorite flowers, filled my nose. I had to stop myself from burying my nose into the juncture of her neck and inhaling. The knowledge the scent would be strongest there was tempting. The urge to hold her close surprised me.
Instead, I waited until she had sat down and seated myself across from her. She looked around in wonder at the shelves of books, craning her neck to peer at the items I had purchased on travels that sat on shelves and tabletops.
“You may explore to your heart’s content,” I assured her.
“It is so vast,” she murmured. “Such treasures to be discovered!”
I met her eyes. “There is more than one treasure,” I agreed, my stare frank.