To Marry an Heiress Read Free

the glass as he began to pour the wine. “I’ve made inquiries regarding you as well, Mr. Pierce.”
    He set the decanter aside, walked to the desk, and extended the glass to the man he was beginning to view as his adversary. “I know you’re a shrewd businessman.”
    “My daughter is not a piece of property.” Pierce snatched the drink from his hand. He downed the liquid in one long gulp before slamming the glass on the desk and skewering Devon with his glare. “I’ve no interest in dealing with a man who views women as such.”
    His mind swirling with the implications, Devon returned to his place by the window. “I assure youthat I meant no offense, nor would I deem her an object. As my countess, she’ll want for nothing.”
    A gleam entered Pierce’s eyes. “That’s what I’m counting on. But I have three conditions you must agree to before I’ll give my blessing to this venture.”
    “What would those be, Mr. Pierce?”
    “First, my daughter is never to know about this arrangement. You are to make her believe you find her beautiful, you’re in love with her, and that’s the reason you asked for her hand in marriage.”
    Make her believe she was beautiful? Dear God. What sort of woman would need convincing? An unattractive one obviously. Love her? Devon wasn’t even certain he knew what the word meant anymore. Still, he gave a brusque nod.
    “Second, my daughter loves children. You are to give her as many as she wants.
    “Finally, you’re to remain faithful to her. If I discover otherwise, I’ll have you gelded. Even from the grave.”
    Devon spun around and faced the window. He felt as though he were a whore, selling himself to this old man so he could rebuild his estate.
    “What exactly will my agreement to your conditions purchase me?”
    “Unlimited access to everything I have—after the marriage, after I see she’s happy.”
    Devon had not expected such prodigious generosity. He could quickly restore Huntingdon to its former grandeur. He looked at the gray skies and inhaled deeply.
    “I accept all your conditions. We shall need tomeet with our solicitors to negotiate the marriage settlement.”
    “I’ve got no problem with that, once I see she’s happy.”
    Turning away from the window, Devon gave him a long, hard perusal. “You’ll have to sign the settlement papers before I’ll apply my signature to the marriage license.”
    “I’ll sign on the day you tie the knot,” Pierce stated. “Once you’re married, I’ll transfer money over to you. The happier she is, the more generous I’ll be.”
    “We shall have to arrange an introduction.”
    “She’s attending some fancy ball with Lauren tomorrow night. You can start wooing her there.”
    Devon bowed slightly. “Very well. I shall count the moments until tomorrow evening.”
    “I doubt that. I’ve never known a man to welcome Cupid’s cramp, but I’ll promise you this, Huntingdon. She’ll make you a far wealthier man than you can imagine.”
    Devon hoped the old chap spoke true, because he could imagine quite a bit.

Chapter 2
    “A t tonight’s ball, if you wish to speak to a gentleman, you simply catch his eye and snap your fan closed.” Lauren Fairfield demonstrated the proper protocol with a coy batting of her eyelashes that reminded Georgina Pierce of the rapid beating of a hummingbird’s wings.
    Curled up in a plush chair beside the window, Georgina slowly sipped the flowery pekoe tea. The serving girl who’d brought her the steaming brew had explained it was suitable for morning but not afternoon or evening—as though Georgina truly cared if the proper tea was poured from the teapot at the appropriate time of day.
    The things these Brits fussed over and were concerned with baffled Georgina no end.
    “If I’ve a mind to speak to someone tonight, why can’t I just walk across the ballroom and talk to him?” Georgina asked.
    Not that she would consider talking to one of these Englishmen, much less