Gentleman of Her Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page A

jumped to the ground, handing the reins over to a waiting groom.
    “Shall I take your buggy to the livery?” the groom asked.
    Henry bit back a groan. “Am I to assume I’m not going to be in need of it in the near future?”
    The groom smiled. “Miss Wilson has a wagon waiting just over there.”
    Henry swiveled his head and frowned. “Is that a boat on the back of the wagon?”
    “Some might call it a boat,” the groom said. “Miss Wilson came home with that about a month ago. She’s been patching it up.” The groom grinned. “May I say you’re a brave one, sir? It’s not every gentleman who would take the risk.”
    “Risk?” Henry asked warily
    The groom nodded. “I do hope you know how to swim.”
    “Swim?”
    The groom nodded again. “That’s why I told Miss Wilson I couldn’t help her with this particular project. I don’t swim, or I would have gone with her after her brothers, the friends of her brothers, and anyone else she asked balked at the mere thought of taking that contraption out on the water. She’s right hard to say no to, isn’t she?”
    “That she is, although it seems there were many who did,” Henry said before turning and walking up the sidewalk, determined to get to the bottom of what was obviously yet another one of Charlotte’s mad schemes. “Thank you for seeing to my horse,” he called over his shoulder.
    The groom smiled and jumped into the seat, and Henry watched as the horse and buggy cantered away. He then set his sights on the door, shaking his head before he rapped the knocker against the wood.
    She’d always been incorrigible, but instead of growing out of that particular habit, it seemed to be worsening with age, and he could only hope Charlotte hadn’t gotten it into that delightful head of hers to try something dangerous.
    As the groom said, she was difficult to say no to, especially since he was trying to win her favor and win her affections away from Hamilton.
    Mr. Lewis, the Wilson family’s devoted butler, answered the door and ushered Henry inside, sending Henry a look that appeared almost sympathetic.
    “Going to the Hudson Bay, are you?” Mr. Lewis asked.
    It seemed as if there really was some dastardly plan in the works.
    “I’m not quite certain about that,” Henry said slowly.
    “Ah, she neglected to tell you,” Mr. Lewis said. “That explains it.”
    “Am I to understand I’ve been summoned to take her boating?”
    Mr. Lewis winced before he nodded. “She’s been desperate to find someone to accompany her.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Do you know she offered me five dollars to go sailing with her?” He let out a sigh. “I must admit I was briefly tempted, seeing as how she can be somewhat persuasive, but my rheumatism doesn’t do well in the wet. She understood of course. Miss Wilson is a compassionate soul, and it took me a good hour to convince her she hadn’t hurt my feelings by asking me to accompany her, seeing that it brought attention to my ever-increasing fragility.”
    “Henry, how good of you to visit.”
    Henry swung his attention away from Mr. Lewis and smiled when he caught sight of Charlotte’s mother, Mrs. Margaret Wilson. He stepped forward and took her hand, bringing it to his lips before he dropped it and grinned. “You’re looking as wonderful as ever, Mrs. Wilson.”
    Mrs. Wilson beamed. “I see you’ve managed to get quite a bit of polish on your extended travels around the world, Henry. I’ve missed you, dear.”
    “I’ve missed you as well, Mrs. Wilson, but I’m not certain I got much polish on my travels. I spent most of my time in derelict ports dealing with unsavory groups of men.”
    Mrs. Wilson took his arm and began directing him down the hallway. “You must tell me all about your adventures. The unsavory men sound completely riveting.”
    “Mother, I’m afraid Henry won’t be able to tell you his stories now,” Charlotte said, coming up behind them. “We’re on a tight