Read Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires for Free Online Page B

couldn’t agree more,” Mr. Denison said. He edged closer to Sarah. “What say you, my dear?”
    Nooooo!!!
    Realizing that her hands were trembling, Sarah closed her eyes and prayed for strength. “Perfect,” she managed, even as her mind began contemplating a speedy escape. Portsmouth wasn’t far. Maybe she could board a ship bound for America. If she could find the money to sponsor such a journey.
    â€œWell then,” Mr. Denison said, “perhaps you’d like to join me for a stroll in the garden tomorrow. I’ve been told there’s an antique sundial—­should prove interesting.”
    â€œI’m sure it will,” Sarah said politely. Apparently she would not have to plan an escape after all, since she was clearly destined to perish from boredom.
    Once again Mr. Denison beamed, offering Sarah a direct view of his teeth. Each was crooked, and one was even missing. She tried not to wince at the thought of eventually having to kiss him. Ga!
    Mr. Denison rose. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to rest before dinner this evening. Thank you for your time, Lord Andover. Lady Sarah, I’ll look forward to seeing you later.”
    Sarah nodded, still struggling to comprehend what had just transpired—­that her future had been determined by men and that it didn’t look the least bit bright. She’d always imagined she’d marry for love. Love . How easy it was to conjure an empty reflection of that emotion with pretty words. Words she’d fallen prey to once with embarrassing ease. No, she would not marry for love. She would marry because her parents were desperate to be rid of her, which, to be fair, was not such an uncommon reason.
    Schooling her emotions, Sarah rose, as did her father. “I ought to go and pick out a gown for dinner this evening,” she said, grateful that her voice did not reflect her inner turmoil. “I’ll want to look my best for Mr. Denison.”
    â€œDon’t squander this opportunity,” her father said, his face drawn in grim lines. “You have your sisters to consider. As soon as you are settled, they’ll be less likely to have their reputations ruined by association, if word were to get out.”
    â€œIt won’t,” Sarah said. It hadn’t yet.
    â€œStill, you’ll be your husband’s responsibility, and as a married woman living in Yorkshire—­”
    â€œI’m going to Yorkshire? For good?” She might as well be going to the moon.
    â€œIt’s where Mr. Denison has his home—­a horse farm with spectacular Thoroughbreds, including ten prime mares, in case you’re wondering. Once we breed them with that stallion I bought in Germany last year, we’ll produce some fine racers.”
    â€œA horse farm,” Sarah echoed, feeling weak. Of course her father would leap at the opportunity to form an alliance with a fellow horse enthusiast. Especially if there was money in it, which there would be, considering the best horses sold for somewhere in the vicinity of one thousand pounds, perhaps more.
    â€œAnd if I don’t comply?”
    Heavy creases formed upon her father’s brow. “We’ve been over this a dozen times before, Sarah. You were born to procure land, status and opportunity through marriage. Squandering your chance to do your duty . . .” He took a breath, visibly agitated as he stared at her without compassion. “I have done the best I can, under the circumstances, providing a match for you that will benefit this family greatly.”
    â€œBy sending me off to Yorkshire to live on a horse farm.”
    â€œIf it’s any consolation, I wish I could go in your stead.”
    â€œAnd marry Mr. Denison? I’m sure you’d make a delightful ­couple. I certainly woul—­”
    â€œWatch your tongue, Sarah!” Her father’s voice ricocheted off the walls. He paused and took