Love Birds of Regent's Park Read Online Free PDF

fine. I’m not attending a ball.”
    “ You must be presentable at all times. You never know when you might come in contact with someone who will one day be of importance to you.”
    Lucy rolled her eyes. It was always the same. Anna was sure the right man was waiting just around the next corner, ready to profess undying love and hopes of marriage.
    If that were true, Anna herself would have been married many, many years ago. Instead, she was a spinster of fifty and five. And if the older woman had hopes that Lucy would soon find a match, it would be so much easier if Lucy were given some freedom. Having her maid nearly attached to her at the hip when away from the house made it rather unlikely that a man would have a chance to strike up a conversation, much less make mad passionate love to her.
    Hence her reason for sneaking away to the Bird Sanctuary the day before without Anna’s knowledge. Anna’s predictable morning nap made it possible. Now, though, Lucy’s father was on the scent, and would make sure Anna went everywhere that Lucy did.
    Bother .
    A green hat was th rust at her. Lucy tugged it from Anna’s hand. “I’m already wearing a hat.”
    “ But this one has pretty feathers.”
    “ Yes, that is a true statement. However, I’m wearing a blue dress. Hence, the blue hat on my head.”
    “ But…” Anna frowned. “Your dress appears green to me.”
    Lucy smiled and patted Anna on the shoulder. Her maid seemed to have a problem with colors. Perhaps that was why she was dressed in a pink dress, blue shawl, and lavender hat. “Anna, I think we are both quite fetching. And I’m looking forward to sketching some more birds. Are we ready to proceed?”
    Ann a shrugged. “As you wish. I’m only trying to help you appear your best.”
    “ And I appreciate it. I certainly do.” She put her arm around Anna’s pudgy shoulders as she steered her toward the door and out to the carriage.
    What Lucy’s father had said was true. Anna would protect her as a lioness with her cubs. The woman’s parasol could transform into a weapon in a snap. If only she’d let Lucy out of her sight every now and again. Perhaps then she’d have an opportunity to converse with some interesting fellow.
    Or perhaps one particular interesting fellow.
    One who went after a hat-stealing goose who’d taken to the water.
    Lucy bit her lip. Would Mr. Barrow be at the Bird Sanctuary again? And would they have another chance to chat? She glanced at her maid, beside her on the carriage seat. There must be a way to entice Anna to find an interest other than constantly protecting her.
    A large brown bird darted past the window and in front of the carriage, causing Carlton to swear and the horses to whinny.
    “My goodness. Someone should teach that man some manners. Such language!” Anna leaned toward the window as another brown bird flew past. “Lucy, do you happen to know what type of bird that is?”
    “ No, I don’t.”
    “ But you seem so interested in birds. And you’ve been visiting the Sanctuary.”
    “True, but I don’t know what all of them are yet.”
    “ Perhaps there is someone there you could ask.”
    “ Well, Mr. Barrow—” Oh no.
    “ Yes, dear? And who might that be?”
    “ Ah… just someone who… works there.”
    “ Really? I don’t recall meeting anyone by that name at the Sanctuary.”
    Lucy twisted her hands together in her lap. “Well…”
    “ When did you meet this man?”
    “ I…”
    “Lucy?”
    “Yes?”
    “ Have you been sneaking out of the house again?”
    “ Anna, please don’t lecture me. Father already did that.”
    “ Very well. I’m only looking out for you, since you don’t have your mother here to guide you.” She sighed. “But if you don’t stop this unruly behavior, no man will have you.”
    And if you don’t stop clinging to me like a summer vine, I’ll not have a chance to meet a man. But Lucy had no wish to hurt Anna’s feelings. She patted her hand. “Yes, I’m