Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

Author:Lisa Kleypas
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Perfectbound
Published: 2001-11-25T07:00:00+00:00

Jack managed to extricate himself from a deadly dull conversation with a pair of classical scholars, Dr. Samuel Shoreham and his brother, Claude, both of whom were earnestly attempting to convince him that he should publish their manuscript on Greek antiquities. Striding away from the pair with poorly concealed relief, Jack found Fretwell nearby. “Where is she?” he asked the manager curtly. There was no need to explain who “she” was.

“Miss Briars is occupying the settee in the corner, with Mr. Hartley,” Fretwell said. “She is perfectly safe with him, I assure you. Hartley is not one to make improper advances to a lady.”

Jack glanced at the pair and then moodily surveyed the brandy in the glass he held. A strange, bitter smile pulled at his mouth, and he spoke to Fretwell without looking up.

“What do you know of Charles Hartley, Oscar?”

“You’re referring to his situation, sir? His character? Hartley is a widower, and he is known to be an honorable man. He is of moderate wealth, born of a good family, and his reputation is completely free of scandal.” Fretwell paused briefly and smiled. “And I believe he is adored by children everywhere.”

“And what do you know of me?” Jack finally asked softly.

Fretwell frowned in confusion. “I’m not certain what you’re asking.”

“You know my business practices—I’m not honorable, nor am I scandal-free. I’ve made a fortune, but I’m illegitimate and I come from bad blood. On top of that, I don’t like children, I abhor the idea of marriage, and I’ve never managed to have a relationship with a woman that lasted longer than six months. And I’m a selfish bastard…because I’m not going to let any of that stop me from pursuing Miss Briars, despite the fact that I am the last thing she needs.”

“Miss Briars is an intelligent woman,” Fretwell said quietly. “Perhaps you should allow her to decide what she needs.”

Jack shook his head. “She won’t realize her mistake until after she’s made it,” he said grimly. “Women never do in these matters.”

“Sir…” Fretwell said uneasily, but Jack walked away, rubbing the back of his neck in the unconsciously weary gesture of a man who was driven by a ferocious will that dominated his better instincts.

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