Miss Frazer's Adventure Read Online Free PDF Page B

security and children and social position. All the things he could offer.
    Something in his chest squeezed in a most disconcerting manner.
    â€œAnd . . . what do you intend to do with this freedom?”
    A hint of enchanting color touched her cheeks. “That is really my business, is it not?”
    â€œI am merely curious.” He gave a faint shrug. “Do you devote every day to lectures on mummies?”
    â€œOh no, tomorrow I am invited to a tea to discuss Byron’s latest poem and then a political dinner at Mrs. Roberts’. It should be quite fascinating.”
    Luce narrowed his gaze at the undisguised anticipation in her voice. “You really are enjoying yourself, are you not?”
    â€œYes, I am. Which is why it is pointless for you to remain.”
    Luce forced a smile, refusing to be goaded. Although he knew that he could force this woman into marriage by the simple means of calling for Sir Frazer, he was not willing to sink to such a desperate measure. At least not yet. He did not want her coming to him filled with anger and resentment.
    He was fully confident that her burning embarrassment at being left at the altar would fade in time. And that she would realize that she was being a fool to turn her back on a marriage that would elevate her to the rank of a countess.
    Until then, he intended to play his hand as any true gambler.
    Calm, cool, and collected, he reminded himself.
    â€œNow that I am here, I might as well enjoy a few days in London. My previous visits have usually entailed endless days upon the docks. It will be a pleasure to return to society.”
    Her lips thinned with annoyance. “You will not change my mind. I have no intention of wedding you.”
    â€œSo be it.”
    â€œLord Calfield . . .”
    â€œIt is Luce. And you have my word of honor that I will not attempt to bully you back to Kent,” he interrupted, raising his hand in a solemn promise.
    Kate regarded him with patent disbelief. “I do not trust you.”
    Luce could not prevent a rueful laugh. “That, I suppose, is our fundamental problem, is it not, my dear?”
    Her expression remained decidedly wary. “You will not tell my father I am here?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œAnd you will keep my true identity a secret?”
    â€œIf that is your desire.”
    â€œAnd no interfering in my life,” she continued in warning tones.
    â€œNo interfering.”
    â€œIf I wish to attend a boxing match, or visit a gambling hell, or wear daring gowns, you will not halt me.”
    Luce felt his heart come to a perfect halt as all sorts of delicious sensations whizzed through his body.
    â€œWhy would I desire to halt you?” he muttered, his gaze dropping to the tempting expanse of white skin. “Although I would prefer that you reserve such gowns for my pleasure alone.”
    She sucked in a sharp breath, making him uncomfortably aware that little more than sheer will kept the dress in place.
    â€œWe will never be alone.”
    â€œOh, we will be alone. Soon. And then I intend to tell you exactly how such a gown affects me,” he said before he could halt the words.
    â€œLuce.”
    â€œWhat?” Lifting his gaze, he met her stern frown with awry smile. “Sorry, I was rather distracted.”
    A delicate color stained her cheeks. “I do not think a gentleman who deliberately left me at the altar should be regarding me in such a manner.”
    Was she daft?
    He would have to be in his grave not to regard her in such a manner.
    Only with an effort did he halt the urge to reach out and discover if that pale skin was as silky smooth as it promised.
    â€œI did not deliberately leave you at the altar,” he reminded her. “And soon enough you will be willing to listen to sense. Until then, I am just another gentleman dazzled by your beauty and anxious to win your regard.”
    She appeared momentarily taken aback by his insinuating words, then