Read Passionate Secrets (The Secrets Trilogy Book 2) for Free Online

governess post won’t fulfill her needs,” Abigail added.
    Ashbury turned to his fiancé. “Few other options are available to her. Other than making a good match.” Ashbury turned to Michael. “That’s it!”
    Abigail blinked, obviously as confused as Michael. “What is?”
    “She needs to find a husband. And, if Weston assisted her in finding one, he’d have an excuse to stay near her.”
    “Have you gone mad?” Michael asked.
    “We’ve already discussed that possibility, remember?”
    Michael shook his head, exasperated with his friend. “Might I remind you that I’m engaged?”
    “I’m still not certain you’re making a wise decision, but what does that have to do with anything?”
    Michael chose to ignore Ashbury’s comment. “I can hardly escort Miss Grisby about while planning my own wedding. My fiancé will not approve.”
    “But it’s the perfect solution.” Ashbury’s excitement at the idea set Michael’s teeth on edge.
    “Stephen’s suggestion does have merit,” Abigail suggested.
    Ashbury smiled at his fiancé, obviously pleased she’d taken his side. “This will work brilliantly. You can launch her into society. Give her a season. Help her find a husband. And the entire time, she’ll be right under your nose.”
    “I couldn’t possibly do all that.” The idea of spending so much time with her made his mouth go dry as he remembered that sizzle. Not to mention that Catherine would be less than pleased by such an arrangement.
    “You can with your grandmother’s assistance,” Ashbury insisted.
    Michael’s mind searched for an excuse to stem Ashbury’s enthusiasm. “You haven’t seen Miss Grisby of late. I don’t know that she’d attract a husband.”
    “Oh, please.” Ashbury waved his hand in the air. “Your grandmother can transform her into an adequate catch. Sweeten the deal with a small dowry.”
    Michael sputtered as he remembered Miss Grisby’s reaction to him offering her money. He couldn’t imagine proposing this crazed plan to her. “I hardly think—”
    “You have more money than you know what to do with. This is the perfect arrangement. Admit it.” Ashbury slapped him on the back. “Miss Grisby will gain the financial stability she needs, and we’ll be able to watch her every move. It solves everyone’s problems.”
    “Except for mine,” Michael muttered. Reluctance filled him at the thought of spending so much time with Emma. That was certainly not part of the plan he’d set for his well-ordered life.
     
    ~*~
     
    “Please, Dr. Barnes,” Emma pleaded from the doctor’s front step. “She’s coughing up blood. I don’t know what to do.” She tried to keep her tears at bay, but her worry for Tessa was overwhelming.
    The tall, grey-haired man rubbed his forehead from the doorway of his modest red brick home on Villiers Street. “Miss Grisby, you haven’t paid your account for nearly six months. I can’t help you anymore.”
    “I know and I’m terribly sorry for the delay in your payment. I’m searching for a position and expect to find something very soon.” Emma hoped her tone sounded positive rather than desperate.
    “You couldn’t pay me properly when you did have a position.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. But I have to care for my family too.”
    Dr. Barnes had been their physician for as long as she could remember. His shoulders were stooped, whether from age or the burden of trying to help families like hers, she couldn’t say. He’d been her rock through Tessa’s illness, and she didn’t know what she’d do without him. The idea of him not helping them anymore wasn’t acceptable.
    “Perhaps we could find some sort of trade. Does your wife need assistance cleaning your home? Is there mending we could do? We’d be pleased to do anything you need.” She dug her nails into her palm, hoping against hope he’d agree. “Mother is an excellent cook.”
    His tired blue eyes looked at her as though he didn’t know what