Lady Barbara's Dilemma Read Online Free PDF

speaking of it with you. The question for me,” he continued, “will never be one of passion. I am, as you once noted, every inch the English gentleman, and as such, I will choose my bride for practical reasons, not sentimental ones. And, of course, since I am also not the typical English gentleman, the process is a bit more complicated.”
    “Do you feel that you must marry a woman of your own faith?”
    “What faith is that? You are a woman of my own faith, Barbara. A woman who is educated and intelligent and who appreciates music with all her heart and soul, as I do. Although you are an artist, as I am not.”
    “But you have a splendid voice, David,” Barbara interjected.
    “Thank you. But to continue, you are a person of some wealth and position in your community, as I am in mine. And a woman with interest in the important questions of our time. Being Jewish has nothing to do with all that. You know, we are quite lucky we are only good friends,” said David, turning in his saddle to face her.
    “Why is that?”
    “Because were we romantically inclined we never could marry.”
    “But you told me your uncle married a Christian.”
    “Ah, yes, but a woman of lower rank than you, whose family was willing to sell her to the highest bidder, even though he was a Jew. I don’t want to buy a wife.”
    “There must be girls from other Jewish families to whom you are introduced?”
    “Yes. Our socializing works much like yours. But I haven’t met anyone I can talk to, much less one who has kindled any feeling of attraction. But this is all too serious to worry about further on such a glorious morning, my dear friend. Come, let’s have another gallop to clear our heads. And I hope that by next time we meet, we will have Wardour’s kiss to talk about!”
     

Chapter 6
     
    It was more than a week before Barbara had anything to report, and she was beginning to wonder if Wardour was planning to make his offer without attempting any kisses at all. She sincerely hoped not, for although she was almost sure she would accept him, she still wanted to know that she would enjoy kissing Wardour as much as she enjoyed dancing with him. Unfortunately, every time she had tried to find a few moments alone with him, someone had spoiled her plans by joining them in conversation. And if it weren’t someone joining their tête-à-tête, it was some pushing mama, introducing her daughter, and pulling Lady Barbara off for a coze. Some mothers never despair, even when a man has clearly indicated his interest, she would think as she was dragged off.
    Finally, on the night of the Langtons’ ball, when Barbara complained of being quite warm from their last waltz, Wardour solicitously asked if she wanted a breath of fresh air. Fortunately, all their friends seemed to be on the other side of the room, and they reached a window uninterrupted. And when they got there, Barbara, who was fully intending to pull Wardour out onto the balcony if she had to, was pleasantly surprised when he asked in a low voice if she would prefer moving outside. She nodded her head in assent and as they stepped out, Wardour pulled the French doors halfway closed behind him.
    “Ah, there is a breeze here,” Barbara said with a sigh.
    She had been hot after the last dance, for the weather was sultry for the end of May. Wardour brought the back of his hand up to her cheek.
    “You are quite warm, Lady Barbara. I hope our waltz was not too much for you?” He paused, and then continued, “And yet, I hope that we both feel some warmth that is not directly related to the weather or our exertion.”
    His hand was still against her cheek and Barbara reached up and, linking her fingers with his, moved both their hands to his cheek, a little surprised at her own boldness.
    “We do seem to be suffering from the same condition,” she said softly.
    Wardour leaned down and kissed her lightly on the mouth. “I hope that our condition has a similar cause,” he whispered.