Alice: Bride of Rhode Island (American Mail-Order Bride 13) by Kristy McCaffrey

the fire occurred, I proposed. I had no intention of letting a woman like Alice go. I considered myself a very fortunate man when she agreed to come to Tiverton.”
    “I’m sure your intentions were noble.” The tone of Daniel’s voice, however, contradicted his words.
    Lillie smiled. “It sounds as if it were meant to be.”
    William rose from his seat, all but snarling. “Am I supposed to sit here and take this?” He threw his napkin onto the table and left the room.
    Daniel turned his attention to Alice. “You did hurt him when you left.”
    Irritation bubbled to the surface at her stepfather’s attempt to manipulate her. “I didn’t love him, and he certainly didn’t love me. His reaction is unwarranted.”
    “Be that as it may, William is my associate, and that broken engagement was an embarrassment on many counts. You’ll have to forgive me if it takes some time for me to become accustomed to you being married to a Martel now.” Daniel stood also. “I’d like to have a word with you, James, in private.”
    James tossed his napkin onto the table as well. “I thought you might.”
    “In my study then. Ladies, if you’ll excuse us.”
    Before James departed, he leaned down and kissed Alice’s cheek, the simple gesture muddling her thoughts and unwillingly warming her heart. How was she supposed to make decisions about her future when all she wished to do was to let him kiss her senseless?
    Once both men departed, Lillie leaned back in her chair. “It’s rather a relief to have them all gone.”
    Alice sipped her coffee, unsure what she and Lillie Jenkins could possibly have to discuss. Except for James.
    “I’m really so very happy that James has found himself a good match,” she continued. “Stephen and I always wondered when he’d finally find a woman who could tame him.”
    Alice responded with a slight smile. “You must be very fond of him.”
    “Yes.”
    “Are you his mistress?” The words flew out of Alice’s mouth before she could stop them. Horrified by the desperation in her voice, she wanted to shrink into her day dress and disappear.
    “Oh my word, no. Is that what you think?” The look of shock on Lillie’s face seemed genuine.
    “I…umm…” How to explain?
    Lillie sat up straighter, her expression serious. “I’ve never felt more than a brotherly affection for your husband, I can assure you. Whatever made you think otherwise?”
    Feeling mortified, Alice said, “Never mind. I find myself fumbling a bit in my married life.”
    “I can imagine how difficult it is. I gather you don’t have much support from your stepfather. I know we don’t know each other well, but I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”
    The offer sounded sincere but Alice decided to steer the conversation away from the mess that was currently her marriage. “Would you tell me about the factories you own in Tiverton?”
    * * * *
    As soon as James entered the study, Daniel didn’t waste any time.
    “You’ve compromised my daughter. I ought to have you arrested.”
    James remained standing as he had the previous night while Daniel sat at his desk. “Go ahead and try.”
    Disgust marred Daniel’s features. “What exactly do you want? Because you sure as hell didn’t marry my daughter out of love.”
    “I would never hurt Alice.”
    “Forgive me if I don’t believe you.” Daniel placed his interlaced fingers onto his belly. “I suppose you’re here for a cut of the Endicott money. So I’ll make this fast and easy for you. I’ll transfer $25,000 to wherever you like, as long as you divorce Alice immediately.”
    “I can’t be bought.”
    Daniel smirked. “Everyone can be bought.”
    “Is that what you’re doing with Lillie Jenkins?”
    “There’s nothing wrong in mixing business with pleasure. What’s the matter? Did you plan to marry her too once her husband died?”
    Anger flared around the edges of James’ control. “No, that’s your method. Not every man seeks to gain