Search for a Bride

By Lois Edmonds

Seth must marry soon, or his chain of hotels will revert to his most unsuitable cousin. He enlists Margeaux to find him a wife, but the plans go horribly awry when she finds she has fallen for her client and wants him for herself.

Seth’s ideal woman is everything Margeaux is not – then why doesn’t one of the lovely females she lines up for him attract him in the slightest? As the deadline looms, will Margeaux find a way to convince him that his perfect mate is right under his nose?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lois Edmonds
• Release date: Oct 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466094222

Lois Edmonds

The author has two loves:writing and painting pet portraits. After many years in the UK as a professional charity fundraiser and marketer, Lois now lives in Brisbane Australia, where she divides her time between writing, painting, and charity work.

Book preview

Search for a Bride

Lois Edmonds

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Lois Edmonds

Cover image by spisharam

Discover other titles by Lois Edmonds at Smashwords.com.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter One

Mr Harrison – my company may be called MS Communications, but the MS stands for Margeaux Saunders, not Marriage Services!

Margeaux drew herself up to her considerably average height of 5 feet 5 inches, her tawny eyes flashing indignantly at the extremely handsome man sitting on the opposite side of the swish executive desk.

Seth Harrison was not fazed at all by her outburst. In fact his own eyes showed more than a hint of amusement and he was clearly suppressing the urge to laugh.

Miss Saunders, I am not asking you to do anything more than identify suitable candidates for marriage – I am sure I can manage the rest!

Nevertheless, this really is the most unusual request -

Unusual, it may be, but not unethical or even immoral. Perhaps, if you would just sit down and let me explain the circumstances, you will understand my reasons for asking you to do this for me.

Margeaux hesitated for a brief moment, then relented as her naturally inquisitive nature came to the fore. She sank back into the chair she had recently jumped out of in her surprise and annoyance at his strange request, and sighed. Very well, I will listen to you but I can tell you, it is most unlikely than anything you can say will sway me into taking on such as assignment…

He smiled briefly, and leaned toward her.

Miss Saunders, when I inherited this company from my uncle almost ten years ago, there was a condition in his will that required me to marry by my 35th birthday, or ownership of the business would be transferred to a cousin. He grinned sheepishly. It always seemed so far in the future, I didn’t give the situation much thought for a very long time. Unfortunately I let things slip and now, I have only three months left to comply!

Margeaux frowned at him. Why would your uncle put such a condition in his will?

Seth shrugged his neatly clad shoulders. I'm not really sure. Uncle Ted never married. He was a workaholic, he spent all of his life building up the company and he never made the time for a wife and family. He was a lonely man in his later years; I guess he didn't want me to make the same mistake. I was the closest he had to a son – my own father died when I was still a teenager and Ted supported me through school, gave me a job, and taught me all I know about the hotel business. Ted had two younger brothers - my father and Dennis's father. Neither Dennis or his dad have ever showed any interest in the hotel business. I owe Ted everything, and I don't want to see the company he worked so hard to build, destroyed by the idiotic cousin who will take over if I can't fulfil this condition.

Despite herself, Margeaux was intrigued. It’s an odd way to run a company, but his reasoning makes sense I suppose. However, it’s a pity you haven't thought about doing something a bit sooner. Really, three months –

He grinned wryly. I suppose I am more like Uncle Ted than I thought – running the company has taken all of my time! There was always some pressing business to attend to. I kept thinking someone special would come along… He leaned back in the leather chair, and sighed. "…but now it seems I will have to go looking for a wife!'

Margeaux quietly observed the man across from her and Seth Harrison was certainly worth close observation.

A man of his stature – and looks – surely shouldn't have to look very far – or very hard to find a wife.

Tall, athletic, broad shouldered, well-groomed dark hair and engaging hazel eyes set in a strong, handsome face.

He exuded sophistication, confidence – and Margeaux sensed an aura of sexual magnetism that must have women flocking around him in droves….

Added to the fact that Seth Harrison owned and controlled one of the most successful chains of exclusive hotels in the world, it made him a very attractive package.

Surely any woman in her right mind would just jump at the chance of landing this big fish for herself.

On paper - and in person - he was pretty damned perfect!

Margeaux shook herself mentally. She had to be hard headed about this assignment – there was no room for the illogical influence of a fluttering heart.

Mr Harrison…I am still not very clear about how you think MS PR can help you with this unorthodox – search for a wife.

I want you to use your expertise in research, access to databases and professional acumen to identify likely candidates, and engineer opportunities for me to introduce myself to suitable women. Are you up to the task?

Margeaux bristled. Whether or not I am up the task is irrelevant, Mr Harrison. The fact is, I have serious reservations about taking on this – project…

If it is the money you are concerned about, I promise I will make it very worth your while!

Money is not the issue here. I have my professional standing to consider - I would not wish to gain a dubious reputation as a matchmaker!

A deep cleft appeared in his chin as he smiled widely, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. The effect was devastating – and Margeaux was mesmerised.

I promise you, Miss Saunders, I am just as anxious as you to keep this matter extremely private. Surely you can imagine what would happen if the tabloids get wind of the fact that I’m desperately hunting a Mrs Harrison! I would have a line of most unsuitable females lining up to fill the position, and that would surely ward off any good candidates. No, let me assure you that my lips are sealed – I will not disclose your procurement abilities to a living soul!

Margeaux's rising irritation overrode her fascination. I do not consider my reputation a laughing matter, Mr Harrison – I have worked too long and hard to get where I am –

And where would that be, Miss Saunders?

Successful and well respected. She stood up, and moved toward the door. Good day, Mr Harrison –

Seth rose out of his chair with a lithe grace, and was in front of her before she could move another step. He folded his arms, and regarded her seriously. Are you turning down this assignment?

Yes.

So, do you consider the task of finding me a wife too difficult? He bent slightly toward her, and Margeaux resisted the urge to move back from his formidable bulk. Her chin came up and she held her ground.

No! It’s not that, I-

You don't relish the challenge? Another slight movement of his upper body and his face was very close to hers. She held his gaze with a stubborn glint in her eye.

No! It’s just…

You don't need the money?

She hesitated. Actually the money he was offering would give her enough to expand the business, hire more staff and move to larger premises.

Which was something she had been hoping to do for a long time.

What was she really objecting to? At this moment, she was having trouble dredging up a logical reason to refuse – and she struggled to suppress the urge to find a good reason to accept. She dropped her eyes, not wanting to let him see the uncertainty that was creeping in, but the broad expanse of chest now filling her line of vision wasn’t helping.

Yes, I have to admit that the fee you are offering is very generous. Her objections were melting away like snowflakes in hot sunshine. She added reluctantly. "Well, I suppose I could help you…"

His immediate response was brisk and Margeaux realised with a stab of annoyance that he had never doubted he would win her over. Good. That's settled then. Let's sit down again shall we? He took her arm and led her back to her chair. Margeaux went meekly, any thought of resistance mysteriously dissolved the moment his warm hand closed around her arm.

This was madness – what was she getting herself into?

With shaking fingers, she took a notepad and pen from her briefcase. If I am to take on this – project – I will need some personal information from you, if you can spare me a few minutes –

I will give you all the time you need, Miss Saunders – this matter will have my full attention for the next few weeks. Except for one event in four weeks time when I am committed to opening a new hotel in the Caribbean, I have cleared my diary. I am at you complete disposal!

Margeaux swallowed, and veered her mind away from his last remark. Having this gorgeous man at her disposal was an image not conducive to rational thought!

She put on her most professional manner, and fired him with questions.

Perhaps we can start with your personal details, Mr Harrison…

Please, call me Seth. He grinned at her. After all, you will probably soon know more about me than my own mother – and certainly more than any other woman! May I call you Margeaux?

Ah – yes, please do. Now Seth. You are 34?

Yes.

How tall are you?'

Is that relevant?

Yes, of course it is. Unless you want a wife taller than you?

Good grief, Margeaux- I want a wife, not a giant!

Margeaux sighed in frustration. Please… just tell me how tall you are!

Okay. Six feet, three inches. Do you want my inside leg measurement as well? He gave her a devilish grin that did nothing for her good humour – or her nerves!

Margeaux fixed him with an exasperated look. Seth, if you can't take this seriously, I can't help you.

He sobered, and looked at her ruefully. I'm sorry. This is awkward. I am not used to talking about myself.

Margeaux relished his discomfiture. Serves him right, she thought maliciously.

For heaven’s sake, I haven't even got to the really personal questions yet! Now…what are your interests?

"Such as?'

Well for a start - what sports do you play?

Oh. Tennis, golf, swimming… I have facilities for these sports at my hotels and I fit in as much exercise as I can between meetings. I don't get much time to seek out other outside activities.

Anything else?

Skiing in the winter. I usually go to our hotel in the French Alps for Christmas.

What about the gym – do you work out?

Nope – can't stand it. I prefer to get my exercise outdoors.

Where is your home?

I don't have one.

What do you mean – you don't have one…

I do not own a house, or a car.

Margeaux was too astounded to quell the obvious question. Why not?

I have a penthouse in every hotel. I travel constantly, why would I need a house? When would I use a car? I use the hotel limousines if I need to go somewhere.

Where do you keep your personal things?

"Like what?'

Photos, books, mementos, personal papers.

I don't have time to take photos, or read. My mother has all my childhood toys, school books, things like that.

Any other interests? Do you cook? Play chess?

No need to cook – I just order room service. No one to play chess with.

Do you like art or music…

He waved his hands around in a sweeping gesture. The art on the walls is chosen by the best interior designers money can buy. I can select music from the hotel system…

No wonder you are always working - you have nowhere to call your own, where you can relax and be yourself, with your own things around you… Margeaux blushed. She had spoken her thoughts aloud without thinking.

His deep green eyes regarded her closely for a moment. I guess you are right. I never thought about it like that before.

I'm sorry – it really is none of my business –

He grinned lopsidedly. No! It's all right. In a way I have made it your business, haven't I? How else are you to match me up if you don’t know what makes me tick?

Seth got slowly out of his chair and stood with his back to her in front of the huge arched window, his hands clasped behind him. The penthouse on the third floor of the rambling old mansion afforded panoramic views over the manicured grounds of the hotel to the surrounding lush green countryside. His private suite of rooms was beautifully appointed in an elegant yet comfortably modern style, a trademark of all the Harrison Hotels. Margeaux let her eyes roam from the neat heels of his black leather shoes, up his long legs and slim hips encased in expensive dark trousers, to his broad shoulders clearly defined in the crisp white shirt. He stood immobile, but the way his strong and well-manicured fingers were tapping against each other hinted at an inner unrest.

He was quiet for a few long moments, and Margeaux waited for him to continue. When he did, she was disconcerted by the cheerless tone of his words.

I presume this is exactly what Uncle Ted was trying to avoid. I live my life in impersonal rooms that all look the same, wherever they are in the world. I have no roots, my every whim is satisfied wherever I happen to be, and I haven’t left my stamp on anywhere in particular. It has been so easy to just go where the work takes me, and the constant travelling has made it easy to avoid complications, like relationships with women. He's right – I am making the same mistakes he did. He turned suddenly, and although he smiled, his eyes full of sadness. Forgive me, Margeaux. I am not usually prone to self-pity. Shall we continue?'

Margeaux watched as he lowered himself into his chair, and she felt a glimmer of anticipation. There was much more to this man than she first thought – and if she were to help him, she would need to find out all she could about him.

Perhaps that would not be such an onerous task after all.

To break her reverie, Margeaux turned the page and started a new line of questioning.

She cleared her throat nervously. I need to ask you about what you are looking for in a woman. Your ideal mate…

He raised an eyebrow. "Well, I can't say I have given it much