An Impossible Attraction Read Free Page A

He turned to her, brows raised. “He has a fine manor house. He has a carriage and a brougham.”
    Alexandra started, gathering up her wits. She had a suitor—one with means. Yes, he was an older man, but he had always been kind, and if he was inclined toward generosity, he could be a savior for their family. She thought again of Owen and his courtship, and she was saddened. She must put Owen out of her mind. Squire Denney’s suit was flattering, and more than that, it was a boon. At her age, in her circumstances, she could not expect more.
    “You know I don’t care about fashion—I care about you and the girls,” she said carefully. She stood up and dusted off her immaculate skirts, and stared carefully at her father now. He was sober, and he was no fool. “Tell me about the squire. Is he aware that there is no dowry?”
    “Oh, dear,” Olivia murmured. “Alexandra, you cannot be considering Denney.”
    “Don’t you dare even think about marrying him!” Corey exclaimed.
    Alexandra ignored their outbursts.
    Edgemont leveled a firm gaze at them both. “You two will keep your opinions to yourselves. They are not wanted. Yes, he is very aware of our predicament, Alexandra.” His stare was sharp.
    “Is there any chance he will be able and willing to contribute to this household?” Alexandra asked, after a lengthy pause.
    Corey ran over to her. “How can you consider marrying that fat old farmer?” She whirled. “You can’t marry Alexandra to him against her will!”
    Edgemont glared. “I have had enough of your harping, missy.”
    “Corey, please, I must discuss this opportunity with Father,” Alexandra said, squeezing her sister’s hand.
    “You are elegant and beautiful. You are kind and good, and he is fat and old,” Corey insisted. “This is not an opportunity. This is a fate worse than death!”
    Alexandra laid her hand on her sister’s arm. “Please calm yourself.” She faced her father. “Well?”
    “Our discussions have not taken that turn. But he is a very wealthy man, Alexandra. I have heard it said he has the largest lease of all the Harrington tenants. He will surely be generous with us.”
    Alexandra chewed on her lip, a terrible habit of hers. Lady Harrington was an old family friend; Elizabeth and Blanche had been fond of one another, once. Lady Blanche came out to Edgemont Way once or twice a year, when she was passing by, to check on Alexandra and her sisters. Alexandra no longer called on Lady Blanche, mostly because their clothes were so out of fashion and so shabby—it was too embarrassing. But it might be time to call now. Lady Blanche would certainly know all about Squire Denney.
    “Father, I will be frank. If he is inclined to be generous, I do not see how I could refuse his offer—if he truly makes one.”
    Corey cried out.
    “By God, Alexandra, you are such a fine and giving woman! You are exactly like your mother. She, too, was selfless. Morton Denney has implied he will be a benevolent son-in-law. And Olivia can certainly run this household once you are wed.”
    Alexandra looked at Olivia, who was clearly distraught. She wanted to tell her not to worry, that it would be all right.
    “He will call tomorrow afternoon, and I expect you to be turned out in your Sunday best.” Edgemont smiled, pleased. “I am off, then.”
    But Corey rudely seized his sleeve as he turned to leave. “You can’t sell Alexandra off to that farmer!” Corey said, flushed with outrage. “She is not a sack of potatoes!”
    “Corey…” Olivia seized her sister’s hand, jerking it away from their father’s arm.
    “But that is what he is doing.” Corey was near tears. “He is selling Alexandra off to a fat old farmer so he can replenish his coffers—and then he will lose it all once again, gaming at the tables!”
    Edgemont’s hand lashed out, and his slap against Corey’s face rang loudly in the room. Corey gasped, her palm flying to her red cheek, and tears filled her eyes.
    “I