The Desires of a Countess Read Free

she wasn’t really
directing that comment to him either.
    “ And your family,” he
offered.
    Her eyes lifted to his and there was
no mistaking the fire of hatred that sparked within them.
“What?”
    “ They’re your family, too.
By law.”
    “ They are not my family,” she said with venom.
Then the anger faded, though what replaced it seemed false. For the
first time since she’d stormed into the office, Virginia smiled.
“But now we must discuss where you’ll be staying during the short
time you’ll be here to look over Henry’s books.”
    Simon nodded. There was no use telling
her that he had no idea how long or short his visit would be.
Judging from her manner, his stay might involve more than a cursory
look over the finances of the estate. It might include
investigating her fitness. An exercise that suddenly didn’t seem so
very unpleasant.
    “ Of course you cannot stay
here in my home. That wouldn’t be proper.” Her smile fell. “So I’ve
arranged for you to stay in the little cottage on our property. It
isn’t large, but it will house you and your staff.”
    Simon wrinkled his brow. This sudden
sweetness and accommodating manner was as confusing as her earlier
rage. But he had to admit, he was drawn to the act all the same.
Even a false smile increased her beauty tenfold. He could only
imagine what a genuine one would do.
    “ Of course I wouldn’t want
to be a burden. And staying on the estate makes sense. The sooner I
can be done with my business, the sooner I can leave you to your
normal life. I appreciate your offer.”
    She turned away, but not before Simon
saw her smile had turned to a smirk. What in the world was he
getting himself into?
    “ Very good. I assume you can
take care of yourself for the most part. Since the household is
still in mourning,” she paused with a grimace. “We don’t have
formal suppers every night. I’ll have the cook bring down food for
you and your men. How many are there?”
    Simon glanced at her gown. The pale,
spring blue was anything but mourning attire and he hadn’t missed
how she’d accentuated the household was in mourning, but had said nothing about herself. He
wondered why. Only a few short months had passed since Henry’s
accident.
    “ Mr. Webber?”
    “ I’m sorry.” He shook his
head. Maintaining focus around this woman was a difficult order.
“There will only be two of us. Just me and my valet.”
    Her brow wrinkled and her eyes moved
over him again. “I would have thought you’d need an army of men...”
With a gasp, she shut her mouth and turned away. “If you need
anything, please bring it up with my butler. Ingram will be happy
to assist you. Good day.”
    With that, she gathered up her skirt
and all but fled the room. Simon watched her go with a shake of his
head. In the span of twenty minutes Virginia Blanchard had
confused, aroused, and infuriated him. He found himself wondering
when they would meet again, and if he would ever find out who the
real woman behind the mask was.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Two
     
    “ So what does he look
like?”
    Ginny turned from the rain-streaked
window to glare at Harriet. “You’re missing the point.”
    Her friend shrugged. “You said he was
younger than you thought he’d be, I was simply curious.”
    With a sigh, Ginny sat back down in a
comfortable chair by the roaring fire. “I said he was unexpected
in many ways, not only in his
appearance.”
    Still, despite her protestations to
Harriet, thoughts of Simon Webber had crept into her mind since
their meeting a few hours before. And not just because of the
heated words they’d exchanged.
    “ Which was…?” Harriet
prodded.
    “ You’re exasperating. He was
very handsome if you must know.” The image of Simon Webber standing
in her husband’s office as if he owned that and every other room
flashed into her mind. “He’s very commanding. Hard, like a man who
works outdoors, except for his eyes. I’ve never seen a