Cupid's Choice: She's a shy beauty in distress. He's a chivalric gentleman. Read Online Free PDF Page A

as though Percy is enjoying himself,” said Guin quietly.
    Mrs. Holland glanced swiftly at her daughter, a thoughtful expression entering her eyes. “Indeed, it seems so from all Percy has said.”
    “Aye, and he is making a place for himself amongst the young bloods. You wouldn’t want it said that Percy lacked spirit, Aurelia,” said Colonel Caldar. “Why, it would be the kiss of death to him socially.”
    At once perceiving where Lord Holybrooke’s best interests laid, Mrs. Holland abandoned all of her objections. She nodded her head. “Of course I quite see how it is, Arnold. I haven’t the least desire to hinder either Percy’s pleasure or his social acceptance. He must do what is proper and befitting to his station. I suppose I must thank you for introducing him around, Arnold.”
    Colonel Caldar was stupefied by his sister’s rare expression of gratitude. “Aye, well, I told you that I’d do my best by Percy,” he said gruffly. “He goes on very well. Percy has his head straight on his shoulders. I don’t fear that he’ll run aground.”
    “You have relieved my mind of all care, brother,” said Mrs. Holland with her lovely smile.
    Colonel Caldar bowed, more in charity with his sister than he had been for some time.
    Though Colonel Caldar could provide entree to his nephew to select clubs and generally aid Lord Holybrooke, he could not do the same for his niece. And since Mrs. Holland was at a disadvantage in not having close acquaintances in London, she and Guin did not immediately soar to such heights as had Lord Holybrooke. Their entry into society was accomplished far more slowly and quietly.
    However, the very fact that the Earl of Holybrooke, along with his family, was in residence acted as a spur on the ton. Not wanting to be backward in any attention, and having already heard from their spouses and sons about the young earl, the ladies began to call and to leave their cards.
    Guin’s days became filled with all those things that were necessary to bring a young miss to the notice of the ton. Making calls, taking tea, and walking or driving in the park were all considered proper activities by her mother.
    For nearly any other sheltered young lady, such obligations would have been vastly exciting. However, unlike most of her peers, Guin’s life had been so insulated that to be thrust suddenly into society was torturous to her.
    When she and Lord Holybrooke had a few minutes to themselves, a much rarer occurrence than had once been their custom, Guin expressed something of her feelings. “I-I am just so afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing, Percy,” she said glumly. “I am not like you! I cannot converse easily with strangers or strike up friendships on the basis of a few minutes.”
    “Oh, you’ll soon grow more comfortable with it, Guin. I know it is fairly difficult for you now, but I daresay after a bit of time and adjustment, you’ll go on in famous style,” said Lord Holybrooke reassuringly.
    They were in the front parlor, where Guin had gone to do some embroidering because the light was brighter, and Lord Holybrooke had wandered in a few minutes before to keep her company. He had cast himself down in a wing chair and was flipping through a racing journal, yawning over its pages.
    “But there is Mama, too. She is not at all pleased with me,” said Guin, revealing her most pressing anxiety.
    “Oh, you know how Mama is! She comes on cross as crabs, but all you have to do is turn her up sweet and everything will be fine,” said Lord Holybrooke in a careless fashion.
    Guin dropped the embroidery hoop to her lap and stared over at her brother in astonishment. “Percy! As though I have ever been able to turn Mama up sweet! You know I can’t.”
    Lord Holybrooke looked up quickly. He had the grace to give a sheepish smile. “I suppose that’s true. I’ll tell you what, Guin, I’ll make a point of doing the pretty more often. You won’t be so nervous if I escort you and Mama