His Wicked Lady Read Online Free PDF Page B

heart for children. Do you know anything about Lady
Toplyn?”
    “I’m afraid I don’t. I haven’t engaged in the
social scene since my son needed a wife. I wanted to make sure he
got a good one.” She shot her a smile and patted her hand. “And he
most certainly did.”
    Tears filled Regan’s eyes as she placed her
other hand over Eloise’s. “I was very blessed to be married to him.
You know that, don’t you?”
    “Of course, I do. You needn’t worry about me.
I never expected you to spend the rest of your life alone.”
    “I’m not alone. I have you, Leonard, and
Danette.”
    “Yes, but a lady as young as you shouldn’t
have to go without love. Family and friends are important. Your son
is important. But it’s also important to have a good gentleman who
can fill in the hole Frederick left when he passed away.”
    “It’s no wonder I adore you so much. You’ve
always been good to me.”
    “And you’ve been good to me. Leonard is a
great comfort after losing my son. It’s nice to know his legacy
will live on.”
    “Are you sure you won’t come with us to the
park?”
    “I better not. I’m not as young as I used to
be, and though this afternoon’s reading hasn’t exhausted Leonard,
it’s exhausted me. I’m going to lie down and rest.”
    “All right.” Regan turned to her son and
wiped his hands and mouth clean. “You will be coming to my
townhouse tomorrow for dinner?”
    “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
    “Good because Leonard’s been working on his
tracing, and he wants to do your profile.”
    Eyes twinkling, she glanced at Leonard who
was grinning at her. “In that case, I’ll come in my best
hairstyle.”
    Patting his shoulder, Regan stood up. “He
loves to draw. I think he might have a future in it.”
    “I draw good,” he said.
    “Yes, you do,” Regan told him. “And tomorrow,
you can show your grandmother how much you’ve improved.”
    “I look forward to seeing it,” Eloise said,
nodding at Leonard.
    After saying good-bye, Regan took Leonard by
the hand and led him outside. The day was a pleasant one. It was
cloudy enough to cool things off. It was actually the kind of day
she’d love to take off her hat, let her hair down, and enjoy the
feel of letting her hair blow free in the breeze. But she couldn’t
do it, of course, not with all of London watching.
    In the country, she could, but she often grew
bored in the country with so little to do. She came to London as
soon as the weather permitted and stayed until all the interesting
things to do were over for the Season.
    There were drawbacks to everything, she
supposed. Except having children. She glanced down at her son and
squeezed his hand affectionately.
    When she looked up, she caught sight of Mr.
Jasper coming out of a carriage. A part of her knew she shouldn’t
go up to him, but another part couldn’t resist the thrill of
talking to him again. What was it about him that intrigued her so
much? On the surface, he seemed like any other gentleman, but she
sensed something beneath his prim exterior that promised to be very
exciting. The question was, just how could a lady break through his
wall?
    Since he was talking to the footman, he
didn’t see her coming, and that gave her the advantage of being
able to come right up to him. She stopped and gestured for Leonard
to be quiet.
    “Lord Steinbeck’s an important gentleman,”
Mr. Jasper was telling the footman. “If Mr. Raleigh happens to come
by with the proposal, bring it here. Mr. Raleigh said he was
delayed with a personal matter, but he should deliver it within the
hour.”
    “Yes, Mr. Jasper,” the footman replied. “I’ll
do as you say.”
    “Good.” Mr. Jasper turned around and almost
bumped into her. He jerked back and, after a moment, was able to
compose himself. “What are you doing?”
    “Taking my son to the park,” she replied as
his carriage pulled away from the sidewalk.
    “The park is that way.” He gestured down