Read To Tempt A Rogue for Free Online

year. However, I assume you will want another crack at the marriage mart.”
    Harriet’s breath came to a sudden halt. For an instant she thought her brother’s words a cruel joke, but his expression was all innocent sincerity. “I am long beyond the age of London Season. Besides, the scandal of being jilted by a fiancé who is now in total disgrace has tainted me beyond the pale. No man of decent family would have me for a wife.”
    A pang of loneliness struck Harriet. The words were harsh, yet undeniably true. She had given her heart to Julian Wingate and it had cost her dearly. Though she had very much wanted one, there would be no husband for her.
    â€œNot all men are like Wingate,” Griffin insisted.
    â€œThank heavens,” Harriet said with a bitter laugh.
    She closed her eyes briefly as the familiar pain washed over her. The scandal had revealed the truth—her fiancé’s feelings for her had been only an illusion, but Harriet had loved him truly. And in the end, he had betrayed her.
    â€œI do not wish to speak of such unpleasant matters.” She didn’t wait for her brother’s acquiescence and quickly changed the subject. “I have been doing a great deal of thinking and reflecting over these last few months and have made some important decisions about my future that I need to discuss with you.”
    The line of Griffin’s mouth lifted in a slight smile. “Strange, it sounds as though you are about to tell me what you intend to do, rather than ask for my advice or approval.”
    Harriet couldn’t control the blush that spread to her cheeks. “Ah, how well you know me, dear brother.”
    â€œNot nearly enough to save you from tragedy.” Harriet placed her hand on Griffin’s arm. “You must not blame yourself. No one suspected Julian’s true nature until it was too late.” It eased some of the tightness in her chest, knowing that her brother was so concerned about her. “Julian is in my past and I am determined to look ahead. While I have very much appreciated your generosity in allowing me to live here with your family, it was only intended to be a temporary arrangement, until I married and set up a household of my own. Since I will not marry, I must look to my own future.”
    â€œYou are my sister, Harriet, and therefore it is my responsibility to see to your welfare. Yours and Elizabeth’s.”
    â€œOh, I fully intend to hold you to that responsibility, never fear.” Harriet smiled briefly. “However, I have decided ‘tis time for me to do as I wish, not as everyone else expects.”
    â€œAnd what is it you wish?”
    â€œI wish to experience life beyond this simple village. I wish to feel as though I have some purpose, some direction to my life.” Harriet took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I believe I can accomplish these goals by working. So I have decided to seek a position as governess.”
    â€œYou cannot possibly wish to be a governess,” the viscount said with great surprise in his voice. “ ’Tis a life of drudgery.”
    Harriet frowned. Leave it to her brother to immediately identify and express her biggest fear. “I know this is a risky endeavor, but I feel I have no choice. I want my independence, I want to taste some freedom.”
    â€œA governess is little more than a servant. You have far more freedom in my household.”
    â€œAs what? A spinster? A maiden aunt who tries to stay quietly in the background, offering no opinions, causing no disharmony among the family?” Harriet shuddered. “We both know I can not possibly exist in that role.”
    When her brother did not refute her argument, Harriet pressed on.
    â€œWhen I am no longer interested in working, I will ask you to set me up in a small, independent household on this estate, so I may live quietly and autonomously. Until then, I would very much like to try