A Christmas Wedding Wager Read Free Page B

in some little box, surrounded by children and amusements suitable for a lady. 'There is nothing wrong with that. A light enquiry to pass the time.'
    'I wished to be certain, that is all. I find it best in these circumstances.'
    'You flatter your younger self, sir. I refused proposals before yours and after.' Emma tilted her chin in the air, wishing they were having this conversation when she was dressed in her new blue poplin rather than the grey sack that seemed to be becoming more dowdy by the second.
    Jack inclined his head. His lips had become a thin white line. 'Forgive me, Miss Harrison, but what was I to think? You were the one enquiring about my marital status. I have learnt to be cautious about such things. I intended no dishonour.'
    'It would serve us all better if you did not jump to conclusions but confined yourself to the facts.' She forced her lips to smile her best social smile and batted her lashes, longing for a fan to flutter.
    Jack reached out and caught her by the arm as a white-hot anger surged through him.
    How dared she bring up old memories? What had once been between them was in the past.
    He had made no apologies for how he had behaved. He had made an honourable offer of marriage seven years ago. She had refused. He had not needed telling twice. His nostrils flared.
    'You forget yourself, Mr Stanton.'
    She gave a brief tug and he let her go. Her hand went immediately to the spot where his fingers had gripped, held it. He pressed his lips together, hating himself, hating his sudden loss of control. It had not happened for years. He took pleasure in looking at things dispassionately. Yet within a few minutes of Emma Harrison's company he had reverted to his gauche youth, when his clothes had been bought ready-made and a ball at Newcastle's Assembly Rooms had appeared an excitingly attractive prospect.
    'There is no need to go further. I have seen enough, Miss Harrison,' he said.
    He turned his back and rested his hands against the cane, seeking to restore his equilibrium. It had been a mistake to come here.
    'You must forgive me, Mr Stanton,' her voice called. She came up by him. An entreating face peeped out from under her ugly bonnet. 'I did warn you that my tongue was razor-sharp and that I have become accustomed to speaking my mind. You were correct. My earlier remarks trespassed on our acquaintance. I did not mean to pry. Nor did I mean to imply anything. Pray forgive me.'
    'The fault is entirely mine.' Jack made a bow. 'The journey north appears to have made me ill-tempered and out-of-sorts. I should have recognised it for what it was--a light-hearted remark.'

    'Shall we quarrel about that now as well?' She tilted her head and her eyes shone with a hidden mischief.
    A brief pang rose in Jack's throat for what could have been. He forced himself to swallow and it was gone. He should not have returned here. On a day like today, too many old memories lapped at his mind, drawing him back to a place he'd been certain he had left far behind.
    'I have no wish to quarrel with you, Miss Harrison.'
    'Nor I with you, Mr Stanton.' She gave a brief nod. 'I do wish, however, to show you what progress has been made so your journey will not have been in vain. I am sure if my father had known you would be here then he'd have made every effort. As it is, today being the Monday after payday, he followed his normal routine.'
    'It has been a most enlightening experience.'
    They stood awkwardly. Emma pointed out where the piers should be built. Jack made a few polite comments as the sleet started to drive harder. But he could not rid himself of the feeling that there was mystery here. All was not as Emma Harrison would have it seem.
    'Have you seen all that you need to?' The number of men standing forlornly by the brazier had diminished slightly. One or two had started to half-heartedly work.
    'I do hope you will keep in mind what I said about the castle. At this stage plans are easily changed, but once we begin to