Just a Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page A

how a dog had gained access to the ballroom, she followed him through a maze of exceptionally inobservant people and managed to scoop him up just before someone trampled him.
    “Do be careful, my dear,” said a male voice from behind her. “That one will remove your hand without so much as the civility of a by-your-leave.”
    Charlotte turned to the tall, handsome gentleman who had spoken. “You wouldn’t happen to know to whom he belongs?” she asked hopefully.
    “Of course.” He reached over, as if intending to grasp her arm, but the little dog growled and snapped at him. He cringed away slightly and pointed toward an elderly lady sitting in a large chair at the edge of the ballroom. She wore a deep green velvet gown, her gray hair dressed in a style that had gone out of fashion many years ago.
    Charlotte strode toward her, and the lady’s eyes widened when she saw Charlotte holding her dog. “Oscar, you naughty boy. Where did you wander off to?”
    Charlotte placed him on her lap.
    “I suspect he was helping himself to the refreshment table,” the gentleman who aided Charlotte said dryly.
    The lady narrowed her eyes. “You may leave us, Ashdown.”
    He stiffened momentarily before bowing. “My lady.” He winked at Charlotte before turning to leave. She wasn’t certain whether he meant to fortify her, or if it was simply an acknowledgement that he had escaped and she hadn’t.
    The lady turned back to Charlotte. “You are Miss Lightwood, the half sister of Sir Richard Lightwood.”
    Information certainly traveled quickly in a London ballroom. Since the lady hadn’t introduced herself, Charlotte didn’t know how to address her, so she smiled and remained silent.
    Perhaps realizing the reason for Charlotte’s silence, she said, “I am the Dowager Countess of Marley.”
    Charlotte quickly deduced she was Lord Marley’s grandmother. “I’m very pleased to meet you, my lady.” She dropped into a curtsy.
    Lady Marley’s brows rose. “How did you manage to catch my dog?”
    “I saw him crossing the dance floor and feared he would be trampled by the dancers, so I simply picked him up.”
    “And he didn’t attempt to bite you?” she asked incredulously. Lady Marley gestured to a footman who placed a chair for Charlotte next to her.
    “Oh no, my lady. In fact, he licked my chin.” Charlotte scratched Oscar behind the ear. “What is his pedigree? He has the coloring of a beagle, but more closely resembles a spaniel.”
    “His ancestry is unknown. He came to me in my garden the very day after my dear Marley passed away. Fate brought us together.”
    Charlotte locked gazes with the countess. “But…you don’t think he is your Lord Marley?”
    She raised one brow. “You certainly don’t mince words, do you?”
    Charlotte turned away. “So I’ve been told. I meant no offense, my lady.”
    “And I have taken no offense.” She stroked Oscar’s back. “I am not yet old and foolish enough to think my husband has returned to me in the form of a dog, but I do believe my dear Marley sent him to keep me company.”
    Lord and Lady Marley must have loved one another very much. Charlotte liked the idea that he’d sent his wife a companion. She smiled at the dowager.
    “You know something, Miss Lightwood? I can see why Oscar decided not to bite you.”
    Considering her abrupt dismissal of poor Lord Ashdown, Charlotte rather thought that was the highest compliment Lady Marley could have bestowed on her. “I am exceedingly fond of dogs, and they generally take to me. I was devastated when my guardian forbade me to bring my dog to London.”
    “Lady Lightwood,” she muttered, rapidly fanning herself. “I have yet to form an opinion of her.” The venom in her voice was evidence enough of her assessment thus far.
    Charlotte bit back a smile.
    “Have you set your cap at a particular gentleman?” Lady Marley asked, her gaze fixed on the dance floor.
    Lord Marley passed in front of them, dancing with