The American Bride - By Karla Darcy Page 0,6

sit down while I read the Duchess' letter. It should prove amusing if nothing else."

"I would prefer to stand," Cara answered primly, although she would have felt much steadier anchored to a chair.

"Then stand and be quiet," was the exasperated reply.

As Julian broke the seal on her grandmother's letter, Cara was grateful for the opportunity to make her own inspection of the man who was her husband.

The sheer size of the man was impressive. He was well over six feet and heavily built, although there did not appear to be an ounce of excess weight. He had the well-muscled body of an athlete, with none of the apparent dissipation so often evident in moneyed gentlemen. The fawn velvet jacket fit him like a second skin. His shirt gleamed white at his cuffs and his neck was bound by an intricately tied neckcloth of silk and lace. The delicacy of his cravat contrasted drastically with the aura of masculinity that emanated from the man.

"Quite finished with your inspection, Miss Farraday?" Julian asked in amusement as he looked up and noticed the girl's concentration.

"Yes, thank you, my lord."

With the pert response, Julian caught the barest flash of angry blue-green eyes before the flustered chit dropped her head to stare at the toes of her scuffed half boots.

"The Duchess claims you are from America and are very used to children."

Julian's drawling voice lent skepticism to the simple statement. Clenching her teeth to keep back a sharp retort, Cara took a deep breath before she felt capable of a serene reply. "Yes, my lord." Inwardly she seethed at her inability to snap back at her inquisitor. "My last post was as governess to the Blakely's six children."

"Then I'm sure you are well qualified to take over the care of my two termagant wards." Julian's acid tones left little doubt that he felt her capabilities fell far short of the mark.

"Do you doubt my ability?" Cara drew herself up to her full five foot three height.

"Miss Farraday," Julian snapped in exasperation. "There have been four governesses in the last two years. All of them left under less than auspicious circumstances. Do you really think with your extreme youth you will be able to handle your charges where the others have failed?"

"I don't know," Cara answered honestly. Then as Julian arched an inquiring eyebrow, she stuttered. "I-it seems to me, that is, I believe that...." She ground to a halt then summoned courage to plunge ahead. "I am quite sure I shall be able to fulfill all of my responsibilities."

For a moment Julian had an overwhelming urge to laugh at the unflinching determination stamped on the young girl's face. He rubbed a hand across his forehead wondering at his own patience with the exasperating child. Normally he would have resolved the question instead of entering into a battle of words. There was some quality in the girl that had piqued his interest.

He took a closer look at the colorless figure, standing before his desk. There was nothing attractive about the bland-faced chit. He shuddered at the dun-colored tweed dress that effectively muffled her body, from the tip of her stubborn chin to the toes of her boots. There was so much excess material that Julian suspected the dress would be able to stand up without anyone inside. The wimple-like headdress annoyed him as it completely covered her hair. He had little hope the color or texture of the hidden tresses would be worth the trouble of a peek. In his various dealings with women it was his impression that if a woman's hair was notable at all, she flaunted it in elaborate curls and ringlets. All in all the girl appeared to be a nonentity but there had been the slightest trace of defiance in her voice that gave him a moment of disquiet. Shrugging away this nonsensical feeling, Julian continued his questioning.

"Aside from music and embroidery, have you any sort of classical education that might be of some benefit to my wards?"

Once again Julian caught the merest blaze of color before the girl's eyes closed as if in pain.

"I have had a firm grounding in mathematics, astronomy and the physical sciences. I am well versed in both ancient and modern poetry and a broad range of literature," Cara managed to grit out in a civil tone. "I speak and read French, Latin and Greek. Although I enjoy music, I have no ability to play an instrument and my embroidery work is still at the level