One More Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page A

shrugged, unwilling to go into details while the countess was still within hearing. They both watched the countess, who had left her hauteur behind as she spoke with two other gentlemen.
    “I’ll mind my manners. The only reason I’m here is because Crenshaw is coming and I welcome any chance to best him at play.”
    “Crenshaw, here? Won’t that be a problem? I know you meet socially but this is a small group and for an extended period of time.”
    “We are quite civil to each other.”
    “Despite the fact that you cuckolded him and were named in his divorce.”
    “Ancient history, Destry.” Jess’s gambler’s ability to control his countenance came in handy at times like this.
    “Is he courting again?” Destry asked.
    “Crenshaw and I are not
that
civil, Des, and you can be sure that is one question it would be wiser for me not to ask.”
    “Er, yes, I can see where any interest on your part might be misconstrued.”
    “I want the land back. The land he won from me. That’s my only reason for being here.”
    “The loss still rankles, eh?”
    “Yes.” Which was all he was going to say on the subject, even to a friend of such long standing.
    “Indeed, the estrangement between you and the duke over that wager is a source of some distress for the duchess.”
    And there it was, no secret after all. “You gossip like an old lady, Destry. The next time you write to theduchess tell her that I am doing my best to rectify the error.”
    The countess spared him the need to discuss the subject any further by choosing that moment to address the assembled guests. “Welcome, welcome, dear friends. It seems that almost everyone has arrived at the same time.” She took a moment to nod and smile at her guests individually before she went on. “It will be a few minutes before we have you settled in your rooms,” she continued. “But if you would like to move into the Square Salon, we can begin the introductions, renew acquaintances, and have some food and drink as well.”
    “Excellent! I am off to say hello to the others,” Destry said, with a promise to find Jess in the game room later.
    A footman led the guests down the passage. Jess, the Wilsons, the countess, and two others brought up the rear of the party.
    “I beg your pardon, my lord.” Miss Wilson stood at his elbow and his first thought was to check if her mother was standing beside her. No, she was still on the other side of the hall, but was watching her daughter closely. And him.
    “Miss Wilson.” Jess bowed to her.
    “Can you identify the lady near the Earl of Belmont? Mama does not recognize her.” Miss Wilson stood with her back to Belmont and spoke very quietly.
    “That is Mrs. Kendrick. She is a widow who is only now back in society. Her husband was an admiral in His Majesty’s navy. He survived a life at sea during a war but died in an accident at home upwards of three years ago.”
    “How unfortunate.” Miss Wilson raised a hand toher mouth, her distress genuine. Jess wasn’t sure if that was because she understood the pain of losing someone or because Mrs. Kendrick’s presence added a note of sophistication with which she could not compete.
    Which was totally unfair to the girl.
    She was pretty and amiable, and this was her first house party. The only mark against her was that she was so very young. Seventeen, as her mother had said at least three times on the ride in. He recalled being seventeen and was rather happy that it was so far in his past.
    With a quiet “Thank you, my lord,” Miss Wilson turned to rejoin her mother. Mrs. Kendrick’s dog, which resembled nothing more than an armful of fur, jumped down from her arms, began barking, and raced toward the grand staircase where a young woman hastened down.
    The dog and the girl met at the bottom of the steps. She scooped up the animal, welcoming his very sloppy greeting even as Mrs. Kendrick hurried over to reclaim him.
    Jess ignored the mixed cries of concern and laughter as