To Seduce a Bride by Nicole Jordan Page B

reasons. I am highly independent, for one thing.”
    â€œBut that is a point in your favor, since I dislike limpets. I don’t want a wife who would forever be clinging to me.”
    She gave him a dulcet smile. “I daresay I would be just the opposite. I have a mind and a will of my own. And I have no intention of calling any man ‘lord and master.’”
    â€œNor would I expect you to. As my wife, you would be free to do as you please.”
    Lily raised a skeptical eyebrow. “
Anything
I please?”
    His own half smile was slow, direct. “Anything within reason.”
    â€œBut it is
your
definition of reason that counts.”
    â€œI imagine we could set mutually agreed-upon limits to your behavior.”
    â€œI doubt it,” she rejoined. “I don’t conform well to the dictates of society.”
    â€œSo you have told me.”
    She couldn’t help but note the teasing glint in Claybourne’s eyes, which miffed her further. “Did I also tell you that I am something of a bluestocking? My sister Roslyn is the scholar in our family, but I like to study history and geography.”
    â€œI can appreciate a well-informed intellect,” he replied, unperturbed.
    Realizing she was unlikely to ever win this argument as long as Claybourne was pretending such forbearance, Lily shook her head. “It scarcely matters what you appreciate. I am not at leisure to entertain your suit. I am quite busy teaching our boarders.”
    â€œI won’t interfere with your efforts.”
    â€œNo? I find that hard to believe.”
    â€œAs you said, it is for a worthy cause.”
    Her smile turned cool. “Then you understand why I have no time to indulge your eccentric whims.”
    He looked perfectly solemn except for the devils dancing in his eyes. “It is hardly eccentric for a gentleman to decide to take a wife.”
    â€œIn your case it is. You are the greatest Lothario in England.”
    The marquess gave a mock wince of pain. “Your accusation is rather harsh, sweeting. I am no libertine, even though I like women exceedingly.”
    â€œYou won’t like
me.
”
    â€œYou are gravely mistaken if you think that.”
    â€œI am nothing like your usual conquests.”
    â€œQuite true. You are more thorn than rose.”
    â€œPrecisely. And I am certain you will find my tart tongue uncomfortable. I tend to speak my mind.”
    â€œGood. I can’t endure simpering, vacuous women.” Claybourne paused a moment, holding her gaze. “But in your eagerness to list your drawbacks, Miss Loring, you are forgetting one chief advantage you hold over every other potential candidate for my bride.”
    â€œOh. What is that?”
    â€œMy attraction to you. I find you lovely and fascinating.”
    Lily raised her gaze to the ceiling, and yet some small feminine part of her was foolishly pleased by his compliment.
    Vexed by the very thought, she exhaled in a huff of exasperation. “Regardless…this entire discussion is meaningless, my lord. The simple truth is, I do not wish to marry you.”
    â€œHow do you know unless you put the issue to a true test?”
    Chantel interrupted their exchange at that juncture. “Yes, Lily, darling, just consider. You would be a marchioness!”
    Lily softened her reply to the kindhearted older woman. “I know, Chantel, but a title is of little importance to me. I care nothing for his lordship’s rank and consequence.”
    The marquess responded with a rough chuckle. “Actually I find that reassuring. If you wed me, it will be because you want me, not my title or my fortune.”
    Fleur entered the dispute then. “Lily, his lordship could be the ideal husband for you.”
    Lily turned to eye her in dismay. “You mean to take his side?”
    â€œNot entirely. But I do believe you may be well-matched. Lord Claybourne is a man of passion and daring, very much