Never Marry a Stranger Read Free

response in the battle he’d just initiated.
    And then her eyes rolled back in her head and she began to collapse.

Chapter 2
    M atthew scooped Emily up before she hit the floor, enjoying the soft curves of her limp body as he gathered her against his chest.
    “Oh dear!” Lady Rosa cried, putting her palm gently on Emily’s forehead. “The shock must have been too much for her. She has grieved for you so, especially after your six wonderful months together in India.”
    Reggie gave a sudden cough, then cut if off.
    “She was ill when she first arrived last year,” Lady Rosa continued, “just after we’d heard of your death. Poor thing. She herself hadn’t even heard the news, for she was on an earlier ship.”
    Lady Rosa gave him a worried smile, but returned her concern to his “wife.” So Emily had not just claimed theirs was a rushed marriage, but said they’d spent time together. That was incredibly risky. So what had she been doing—and trying to hide—while they were supposed to be together in India?
    “She only came to you after you heard the news?”he asked. Emily had obviously targeted him because she discovered that he was conveniently dead. Why would she need the protection of a man’s name?
    “It doesn’t matter, son,” Professor Leland said in a husky voice. “Good Lord, your health is more important than anything else. You’ve lost parts of your memory. Shall we send for the physician immediately?”
    The twinge of guilt was too easily ignored. “The army took care of all that, Father. And nothing can be done except hope that time will heal my memories. I am not in any pain or discomfort.”
    The professor seemed to force himself to relax, his gaze falling on Emily, still unconscious in Matthew’s arms. “Is she not heavy, son? You could place her on the chaise. I’m certain she’ll revive quickly.”
    Matthew wondered if she’d portrayed herself as fragile, coming to them supposedly ill. He wanted to question her, but not in front of his parents.
    He gave his father a tired smile. “Though I can’t remember our marriage, I imagine I don’t mind holding her.”
    Lady Rosa rolled her eyes even as she blushed, while the professor chuckled.
    Matthew looked down at Emily’s still face, adjusting her so that her head rested on his shoulder where he could see her. Her sweet-smelling breath fell softly on his neck; her closed eyelids looked bluish with fragility.
    “This must be a shock for you as well, son,” Professor Leland said quietly. “Memories are all we have of the past, and to lose them, especially one so important…” His voice trailed off for a moment, then strengthened. “But this is minor, something that will ease with time. The most important thing is that you’re home with us, that you’re alive. We can all make new memories together.”
    “Oh, your sisters will be so thrilled!” Lady Rosa cried, clapping her hands with delight. “They had already retired to their rooms. We can send for them and celebrate!”
    But Matthew was too eager to begin the dance of wits with Emily. “Mother, would you mind if I take…Emily up to our suite? Peace and quiet will help ease her shock. And I do find myself exhausted. I only spent a brief night in London, then came directly here.”
    “Of course, of course,” the professor said. “We’ll tell the girls when they awaken in the morning, so they won’t shock you with their hysteria.”
    “Shall I have a tray sent to you for dinner?” Lady Rosa asked.
    “No, we stopped for a meal several hours ago. I’ll just be glad to sleep.”
    His parents turned and came up short when they encountered Reggie, who clicked his heels together and bowed to them.
    Matthew shook his head with suppressed amusement. “With all the excitement, I forgot the introductions. Professor Leland and Lady Rosa, allow me to present my friend, Lieutenant Reginald Lawton. We traveled together from India.”
    While his father nodded politely, Lady