All the Pleasures of the Season Read Online Free PDF

watched Kelton’s eyes drop to the lady’s large breasts, even as Anthea’s eyes fell to Miranda’s more modest bosom, where they widened at the sight of the sapphires. Her eyes narrowed for an instant as they swept over the rest of Miranda, from her blond curls to her dancing slippers. Was it speculation? Jealousy, perhaps? But the fleeting look was gone in an instant and Miranda wondered if had been a trick of the light. Lady Endersly greeted them with warm congratulations, and then Kelton— Anthony —was leading her onto the dance floor as the other guests looked on, admiration clear in their eyes.
    He held her stiffly, moved precisely, scarcely looking at her. Her throat closed, and she was lost for conversation.
    â€œWhat a marvelous knot,” she managed at last, looking at his cravat. “What is it called?”
    â€œIt is a simple trone d’amour ,” he replied. “It is the most suitable style for an important evening function, in my opinion.”
    â€œYes, nothing else would do,” she murmured, wondering if that were true. She looked around the room. Other men had other knots in their cravats that looked just as elegant.
    He had not, she noticed, said anything at all about her appearance, though his eyes remained fixed on her bosom. That was a start, wasn’t it? Marianne was allowing him to escort her home to De Courcey House after the ball. Would he try to steal a kiss? Touch her? There wasn’t even the barest hint of passion in his eyes, no love, or admiration, or even regard. And his conversation was certainly lacking. Perhaps he was shy, or overwhelmed by her, and she would have to be the one to initiate the first kiss. She licked her lips and tried smiling up at him, giving him a warm and reassuring look she hoped suggested passion, love, and regard all at once, but his eyes were elsewhere, across the room, fixed on Lady Endersly. Now there was a spark of interest, she realized, with more annoyance.
    â€œGrandfather left today for Carrington. He and Great-Aunt Augusta will put their heads together and plan the Christmas Ball, and—” She swallowed nervously. “—and the wedding, of course,” she began, trying to reclaim his attention.
    He didn’t even look at her, as if he hadn’t heard her speak at all. “There shall be flying monkeys at the wedding,” she tried. “And a talking horse Grandfather keeps in the dower house and rides to church on Sundays,” she said, but he did not even nod.
    The music ended and he released her at once, bowing, his expression bored. He took the tips of her fingers in his and delivered her to Marianne. Marianne curtsied and Kelton walked away without another word. Miranda watched him go, stunned.
    â€œWhat did you talk about?” Marianne asked.
    â€œHis tie,” Miranda said dryly. Her heart sank to her shoes. They would be man and wife in a few short weeks. Why did she feel only disdain and irritation?
    Marianne prodded her with a sharp elbow. “Keep smiling, Miranda. Surely you spoke of more than just his cravat. Did you say something amiss, something to upset him? Did you step on his toes?”
    â€œWe barely said anything at all,” Miranda snapped. “By his choice, not mine.”
    â€œGood evening,” a familiar voice said, and Miranda turned to find Gilbert standing before her.
    She didn’t need to pretend to smile. Her grin of delight was genuine. She drank him in, and felt his gaze roam over her like a touch. He didn’t need to speak. His eyes told her she was beautiful.
    â€œMay I have this dance?” he asked, bowing. The candlelight glinted off his brown hair, turned it golden and bronze.
    Marianne set her hand on Miranda’s arm to keep her from stepping forward too quickly, as if she were still a debutante instead of a lady about to be married. “Mr. Fielding, isn’t it?’ You’re acquainted with my brother,