Lord Heartless Read Online Free

looks of envy as he escorted her to court or a turn around the park, perhaps an evening at the opera. Bathed in the day glow of his own musings, Landon startled when her hand brushed his arm. Glancing up, he found all eyes upon him.
    “Lord Montague, Reverend Phelps asked you a question.”
    He looked to the stout gentleman on his left. “Indeed, sir, I beg your pardon. I was a million miles away contemplating a business deal.”
    “Perhaps no more than two feet, right.” He heard Amos’s low voice tease from his left.
    Heat crawled past his cravat. He leveled a silencing glare before shifting his gaze back to the minister. “Pray, please ask again.”
    “I merely asked if you had plans for Holly Grove.”
    “Ah, I must admit, I did not expect to find the manor in such good shape.” He glanced toward Juliet. “Forgive me, Lady Juliet, but you appear to have a gift for management. I applaud you.”
    At his compliment, she blushed. He decided that rose was his new favorite color. A moment lapsed as he studied the shade upon her cheek, and then realizing the company waited, he continued. “I would like to clean up the grounds and keep it as a residence.” Landon lifted the corners of his mouth. “Something away from London, I think. Something tells me, I might enjoy the serenity of country life.”
    Juliet’s head turned with a snap. The reverend blinked. Even Amos’s brow careened toward his hairline. Good, I have caught them all off guard .
    “You surprise me, Lord Montague.” The reverend’s plump wife interrupted the silence.
    “Do I?” He drew his eyes wide in mock disbelief.
    “I must agree,” Reverend Phelps said. “Forgive me, but with your reputation—”
    “Ah, that.” Landon pressed his lips together. “I am afraid my deeds are highly exaggerated.”
    Beside him, Juliet’s voice seemed to scold. “Are they?”
    He glanced to his right. A shimmer of ice resided in her scathing glance. “Like any man, I enjoy a good warm fire, a game of cards now and then.” He lifted the wineglass. “Not to mention a glass of fine wine.”
    “And the accompaniment of beautiful women,” she added primly, placing her hands in her lap and keeping her eyes upon the plate.
    Her candor was a surprise. Landon sat back and placed glass on the table before turning to face her. “What man would not?”
    She met his glance without flinching. A small rush of breath passed through that delicate, heart-shaped mouth.
    “What Lady Juliet, you mock me?” He pulled his right hand to his chest.
    “Mock you?” She bristled.
    Landon watched as her long dainty fingers took hold of the linen and twisted it in to her fist. He wondered if she’d like to do the same to his neck.
    “You, sir, not hardly. Yet, I do expect the truth. You sit here at what used to be my table and pretend to be a gentleman, whilst the ownership of my home transferred through a hand of cards, as easily as one takes possession of a trade. You knew that my father was well into his cups, and you did nothing to stop his bids. Forgive me Your Grace, but your”— she paused to search for the right words, then continued— “business practices indicate the opposite.”
    Landon watched the rigid carriage of her shoulders and deep down the manly part of him thrilled to the fire flashing in her blue-green eyes. By heavens, to bed this woman and teach her the art of love would be a worthwhile effort .
    “Lady Juliet,” he began, knowing that his words must be chosen with extreme care. “Let me take a moment to assure you I knew not of your existence or your father’s precarious financial status. I did not press Lord Gilbert to drink, or have a hand in the manipulation of cards that ended in my advantage. It was a mere game of chance. Your father had the right to withdraw with any hand played. He chose not to.”
    “Because he was no doubt intoxicated and an easy mark,” she reminded him.
    Landon glanced to Amos who rolled his eyes and lifted his