Josette Read Online Free PDF Page B

to that last toad I left in your reticule?”
    “I’m not your kitten.” Amy’s face changed from pink to red and pink again. She glared at Josette as if she’d encouraged him.
    “He’s only teasing.”
    “I wasn’t his kitten then, and I’m certainly not now.”
    Josette shrugged at her cousin. “Sensitive.”
    “Ah,” Edward said sagely, “then that much has not changed.” He sank back on the settee spreading his arms like a falcon. “My mother is not unhappy I’ve decided to pursue the arts. In fact, she’s intrigued.”
    “I’m sure she is,” Josette said.
    “As for my father,” he said with a reluctant look, “I’m certain it would have not been his first choice of occupation for me.” He glanced heavenward as if his father was glaring down in disapproval.
    “Well I hope you don’t expect Papa to congratulate you.” Amy turned about with an impertinent look on her face. “He’d rather see you at sea than near the theater.”
    “Like George, you mean? There was no reason at all for George to go.”
    At Edward’s reminder of why he was there, Josette frowned darkly, but at her sister. “There’s no need for insults. George joined because he felt it was his calling. I’m sure he would have wanted Edward to follow his own heart.”
    Amy and Edward stared at one another until he had to scratch his ear. He crossed a leg in Josette’s direction and gave a telling grin.
    “Speaking of naval matters, I met your Captain Carter at the opera house not a fortnight ago. He was with some younger woman in a becoming blue gown.”
    For some reason this was not exactly what Josette expected to hear. “He was with us, you know,” Josette explained. “He brought us the news.”
    “I know.” Edward patted her hand as tears glimmered in her eyes.
    “I thought he had relatives in the country. I suppose the lure of the city drew him back again.”
    “I’m sorry I could not be here,” said Edward.
    “George would have understood,” Josette reassured him.
    From the window, Amy scowled. “We found Captain Carter to be a remarkable gentleman and a great comfort.”
    “And you a great comfort to him, I understand.” Edward turned back to Josette. “We have a common friend,” he explained, “who introduced me to his lovely companion. When I mentioned I was shortly to leave for Beddingfield Park, he seemed taken by surprise, and should I say it?” His eyes twinkled, “Envy?”
    Josette bristled. She would have preferred to know Carter’s companion was old, not pretty. Why? asked a little voice. Because he deserved it , she assured herself. “I don’t know what he could possibly envy here,” she said aloud. “Here, Mama will smother you with affection, and you will have to go shooting with Papa every day.”
    “With no time for monologues or dramatic discourses,” was Amy’s sugary addition.
    “I’m sure I shall survive it all.” Edward glanced at Amy. “He did ask me to give his regards. Especially to you.”
    Amy did not mask the smile of satisfaction.
    “I don’t suppose he had anything to say about me,” said Josette.
    “Why would he?” asked Amy, taking her seat again. “You were hateful and snobbish.”
    “He was pompous and cold.”
    “Most of them are,” Edward interjected. “Officers, you know. All formality and propriety.”
    “There’s certainly nothing wrong with propriety,” snapped Amy. Seeing Josette’s disgruntled look, she added, “And you have never liked anyone without George’s approval. And Captain Carter so handsome.”
    “Handsome?” repeated Josette. It was she that scrunched her face up this time. Not her kind of handsome. He was too tanned, too serious. He walked stiff and probably danced like a wooden puppet.
    “Captain Carter is not nearly as handsome as he fancies himself to be,” said Josette. “I find George’s summation of him to be spot on.”
    “And what was that?” asked Edward, leaning forward.
    “Prone to far too much