Compromising Miss Tisdale Read Online Free PDF Page B

until I’ve found it.”
    The Tisdales made their entrance into the theatre as they did every Thursday evening. Ambrosia followed her parents to their usual box, with younger sisters, Tamsin and Rose, close behind. Lord and Lady Colton also joined the family for the night’s entertainment.
    Once they made it to their seats, Ambrosia self-consciously tugged at her bodice. When she’d agreed on wearing whatever it was Lilly had selected, she had unwittingly acquiesced to an icy-blue evening gown that was at least three Seasons old. She was, of course, three Seasons older and had thus grown a bit—or developed as the case may be—since the dress was originally fitted.
    “You’re only drawing attention to yourself,” Lillian whispered discreetly. “You look lovely, now leave it alone.”
    Ambrosia gave one final tug. “This neckline is indecent. Little wonder why you haven’t seen me in it before.”
    Lilly gave a sly smile. “Which is exactly why I picked it. Those matronly gowns you’re so fond of hardly do you justice. I’ve never seen you look so beautiful and I’m quite certain this gown will garner quite a bit of attention. You’ll thank me later.”
    Ambrosia accepted the compliment in silence.
    Three acts later, she was the only Tisdale that was silent.
    Tamsin, ever the hoyden, was threatening mutiny against the confines of her evening wear. Rose, the bluestocking, was criticizing the artistic capabilities of the actors on stage. Both parents were consumed by their efforts to pacify each of the young girls and couldn’t possibly have witnessed any of the evening’s performance. Lilly and her husband were too preoccupied with the assumed sweet nothings each were whispering into the other’s ear to have noticed the commotion around them, let alone the actual play in front of them.
    It was a typical evening out with the Tisdale family.
    Ambrosia lifted her opera glasses and mindlessly scanned the audience. With each pass about the room, she felt her random perusal become more purposeful. She searched those in attendance for the profile of a man she had met a week before and had left her confused amongst throngs of other new emotions.
    The realization of her intent was alarming. She only ever searched crowds for men she wished to avoid and couldn’t fathom why on earth she found herself looking for someone as inconsequential as Lord Bristol. A rush of warmth flooded her body and suddenly she had to get some air.
    Knowing that her family would hardly miss her, Ambrosia slipped out the back of the box and made her way through a set of doors to a balcony overlooking the gardens.
    The cool April air swept over her face and she leaned over the railing as if to feel more of it. Only the faint sound of the accompanying orchestra and the occasional rustle of branches could be heard from her vantage point. She closed her eyes and relished the calm, away from her family, away from the people, and away from her culpability.
    “Hello, Ambrosia.”

 
    Chapter 6
    Ambrosia gasped upon hearing the unexpected voice.
    She turned around slowly to find Amelia’s brother, the Duke of Kenning, walking toward her with a most dashing smile. The gesture might have weakened her knees if she hadn’t already known the character of the man that hid behind that exceptionally handsome façade.
    Lord Kenning seized her hand from her side and placed a kiss upon the top of it, allowing his lips to linger far too long and not releasing it promptly after. “I saw you in your box and was optimistic you would come seek me out.” His blue eyes dazzled. “It appears my hopes have been realized.”
    Ambrosia pulled her hand back, discreetly wiping it against the drapes of her gown. “I apologize, but my motives were purely self-serving since I had no idea that Your Grace would be in attendance tonight. I was simply feeling a bit warm and thought the cool air would provide some relief. But I am curious as to what brings you out here?