Kissing Cousins Read Online Free PDF

Cousin. No one would know the difference if you ’ d only get them patched up. ”
    It seemed pointless to inform her that the Greek originals, even when damaged by time, were preferable to Roman copies. “ Surely Sir Geoffrey hasn ’ t the poor taste to call his cottage the Parthenon, or the Temple of Diana, or some such thing? ”
    “ No, it wasn ’ t that. I have it! The Laurels. ” Salverton blinked, wondering at such a modest name, when she had been speaking of classical antiquities. “ Like the crowns of leaves they used to wear in those ancient times. Or was that bay leaves? In any case, the cottage is called The Laurels, so it should be easy to find. But before we leave, I fear I must ask you to stop somewhere for a moment. ”
    “ It has been a longish trip. A cup of coffee or a glass of wine would not go amiss. Perhaps a bite, as we missed dinner. ”
    “ That would be nice, but what I mean is I have to relieve myself, ” she replied bluntly.
    Salverton stared. “ I shall ask John Groom to stop at an inn for refreshment, ” he said in a damping voice. Really! These country girls!
    “ I ’ m sure it is nothing to be ashamed of, Cousin, ” she said. “ Don ’ t you have to go, too? If God hadn ’ t wanted us to —”
    He raised a hand to interrupt her latest solecism.
    “ I take your meaning. It is not necessary to draw me a picture. ” Hoyden! his glare said.
    Her answering glare said, Prig!
    In this unpromising mood they went to an inn to refresh and relieve themselves. Salverton chose a modest establishment where he was unlikely to meet anyone he knew. He hustled his guest into a private parlor and ordered dinner while she attended to necessities.
    Samantha returned to find the table set with a raised partridge pie, cold ham, a roasted fowl, potatoes, and a plentiful array of vegetables. Her appetite had been in abeyance, but when she saw the food she realized she was hungry and they both enjoyed an excellent dinner. They finished a bottle of wine between them.
    At the meal ’ s end, Salverton was in a much better mood. They would be at The Laurels within the half hour. He ’ d ring a peal over Darren, hustle him back to London — probably have to give Wanda some money to keep her quiet — and call on Lady Louise early in the morning to make his peace with her. He ’ d have the morning to finish his report for Liverpool.
    The evening had been unusual, but not without some pleasure. A rescue mission of this sort seldom fell in Salverton ’ s way. He usually helped his relatives by procuring them positions or arranging a desirable match, without much personal inconvenience. He was aware of a pleasant sense of excitement, almost of daring as he offered Samantha his arm to lead her out to the carriage. He was even beginning to think the coquelicot ribbons were not so very gaudy.
    He had a change of heart when he saw Mr. Herbert, another political colleague, entering a private parlor with a young lady not his wife. Mr. Herbert! He was fifty years old if he was a day, and the chit not a day over twenty. What was the world coming to? Fortunately Herbert didn ’ t spot him, but it made Salverton aware of the apparent impropriety of this mission, and urged him to keep his guard up.
    He was happy to reach the safety of his carriage without seeing anyone else he knew.
     

Chapter Four
     
    As Salverton looked at his groom standing by the hired carriage, it occurred to him that the ton would recognize Foley on sight. To see him on the perch of this somewhat dilapidated rig would cause curiosity as to the occupant. Those with the true evangelical spirit for gossip would peer inside, see himself and his cousin, and assume the worst. He must be rid of his coachman and hire a driver from Winkler ’ s stable.
    Salverton explained the matter in quite different terms when he spoke to his groom.
    “ The carriage was making a rattling sound all the way from London, ” he invented. "I ’ d like you to go