Counterfeit Courtship Read Free Page A

many times in his life had Graham regretted having heard those words? He had a feeling he was going to regret it again. “All I want you to do is go in there and ask those women to leave while I look for Noreen.”
    â€œIf that’s all it takes, you do it,” Ellie said in her easy drawl.
    The sick feeling in Graham’s stomach intensified to a burn. How was he supposed to tell her that, since he left her house that night eight years ago, he had spent almost no time with women and had no idea how to handle them? What was he supposed to say—that he’d led men into battle but couldn’t lead a gaggle of women out of his home? After all his time at war, he simply didn’t trust himself with the social graces. But the grin on Ellie’s face told him she wasn’t interested in hearing about it anyway.
    Well, she was going to hear about it, whether she liked it or not. “Look, I’ve been three days without a bath and in the saddle the past day and a half, and I smell worse than a wet dog. I’ve been stripped of everything I own, plus my citizenship, and now to be disgraced in front of all those ladies— I still have my pride. I can’t do it.”
    â€œMy plan is brilliant. Trust me.”
    He blew out his breath, sounding a little like Dixie when she saw something she didn’t like. “Don’t even tell me about it. You’re just like the Confederacy—full of great ideas that never quite work out.”
    â€œI’m honored to be compared to the glorious Confederate States of America.”
    To his dismay, she smiled her sweet smile. He’d wanted to make her mad, prod her into helping him. Why couldn’t she just do as he asked?
    Then he realized she was baiting him, as she had for years when they were young.
    â€œFine. Carry out your plan. But I don’t want any part of it.” He stuck his foot in the stirrup, swung himself onto Dixie’s back and guided her out of the stable.
    Just as he was about to tap the horse’s flank and take off, Ellie slipped out of the stable and closed the door, leaving the dog inside. She climbed the marble carriage steps and then took him by the arm and started to hoist herself right up there in front of him.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Against his will, Graham helped her mount. He’d left this woman here eight years ago, and she’d gone crazy while he was away. Now he not only had to get five girls out of his house, but he had to get another one off his horse.
    â€œRide up to the front of the house and pass as close to the south parlor windows as you can. You put the girls in the parlor, right?”
    â€œWhere else would I put them? The cellar?”
    She leaned back against him. “Get the horse moving, and act as if you like it.”
    â€œEllie, we’re not children anymore. This isn’t one of your schemes. Noreen could be in trouble.”
    â€œThe sooner you stop talking and ride up there, the sooner you’ll be gone to look for her.”
    How did she always make everything sound so logical? But in his situation, what else could he do? He nudged Dixie with his heel and she took off.
    â€œSlower. We’re supposed to be enjoying this.”
    He gritted his teeth so hard, they might break, and he slowed the horse. When they were ten yards from the window, Ellie began to giggle.
    She really had gone crazy.
    Turning back to look at him, she stopped the laugh cold and spoke through her teeth as she smiled. “You’re scowling like an old schoolmarm. Smile and act as if you like me.”
    After all those years of war and responsibility, he wasn’t sure he remembered how. He tried a rather tentative grin but it felt like a grimace.
    â€œBetter but not good. Think of something pleasant.”
    â€œBe glad you get this much. I’m out of practice.”
    As they passed the windows, Ellie primped a little and giggled again. “They’re