How to Please a Lady Read Online Free PDF Page A

Barrington said.
    As gossip went, that wasn’t terribly interesting, but Rose had a feeling there was more.
    â€œApparently he has high political aspirations. Already he works for the State Department, and for a young man, his rise has been quite mercurial. But he has a problem,” she said mysteriously.
    â€œOh?” Rose asked, only because she knew she was expected to.
    â€œHe’s not married. A man with high political aspirations must have a wife.”
    Rose wrinkled her brow. “Must he?”
    â€œNot always,” Lady Barrington said with a telling emphasis on the word always . “But it is certainly prudent when unsavory rumors begin circulating.”
    â€œSuch as the one you are about to spread?” Rose asked, raising a brow.
    Lady Barrington made a face, and Rose and Georgette laughed. “Don’t ruin her fun, Rose. Go on, Rebecca.”
    She lowered her voice to just above a whisper. “It’s said he’s a sodomite.”
    Rose leaned forward. “What’s a sodomite?”
    Lady Barrington gave her a look, and Georgette said, “She’s only a child, for goodness sake.”
    Georgette’s friend waved a dismissive hand. “She’s to be married in three months.” She turned to Rose. “It’s a man who prefers the company of other men.”
    This did nothing to clear things up for Rose. “Don’t all men?”
    Georgette looked like she was close to laughing aloud. “Not in the bedroom,” she said succinctly.
    Rose looked at them in confusion until her face suddenly cleared, and the two older women laughed aloud.
    â€œTruly? But he’s so . . .”
    â€œHandsome. Yes.”
    â€œAnd manly,” Rose said, tilting her head and looking at him. “I’m going over to meet him,” she announced, and as she started walking off, Georgette grabbed her arm.
    â€œRose, don’t say—”
    â€œI won’t. Goodness, what kind of a person do you think I am? I’m far more curious about America than I am about what he does in his bedroom at any rate.” Rose had a bit of satisfaction at the stunned expression on the women’s faces before making her way over to where her brother stood with the other man.
    When Marcus spied her, he smiled and held out one hand, welcoming her. “The lady of honor,” he said grandly. “Do you know, Mr. Cartwright, my sister in just a few short months will outrank me and will continue to do so even after the title becomes mine. Please allow me to introduce you to Lady Rose Dunford, soon to be the Duchess of Weston. Rose, Daniel Cartwright. He’s on the staff of the U.S. ambassador, Edwards Pierrepont.”
    â€œLovely to make your acquaintance and on such a celebration, Lady Rose,” Mr. Cartwright said, taking her hand and making a small bow.
    Rose’s breath caught, for he was perfectly charming and extraordinarily good-looking, with a strong jaw, straight noble nose, and hazel eyes that were quite remarkable. “The pleasure is mine, I assure you,” Rose said.
    â€œHave you checked on Moonrise today?” Marcus asked.
    â€œI have, but Mother forbade me to discuss horses tonight.” She leaned in close. “Charlie says it won’t be for at least another day. Her teats are full, though, so I think it may be tonight or tomorrow.”
    Her brother coughed and gave what appeared to be a look of apology to Mr. Cartwright. “Perhaps you should have followed Mother’s advice and forgone talk of horses.” He turned to the American. “My sister practically grew up in the stables and I fear is not shy about the subject.”
    â€œWhy should I be shy? Certainly Mr. Cartwright understands where foals come from.”
    Mr. Cartwright laughed. “Indeed I do.”
    â€œI’m just glad Charlie’s here for the foaling. ’Twould have been a pity had he already left,” Marcus said