Rhyme and Reason Read Online Free PDF Page A

is an unexpected pleasure, my lord,” she said.
    “I had hoped you would think so.” He took off his hat and handed it to Johnson.
    Her dismay deepened. Lord Wentworth was perfectly attired for the call. The gold buttons of his single-breasted, dark-green coat were undone to reveal his embroidered waistcoat and a ruffled shirt topped by his casually tied cravat. With his cream-colored trousers strapped beneath his low boots, he possessed an elegance that made her more aware of her dishevelment.
    “If you would be so good as to wait in the parlor, I will—”
    “There is no need for you to scurry off to change on my account, Miss Talcott.” He climbed the stairs until his eyes were even with hers. “You look as if you have spent the day in a more productive manner than I have.”
    “Yes. I mean …” She took a steadying breath. If only his eyes did not twinkle with that hint of devilment, words might come with more ease. His smile suggested he was a naughty lad, but she had heard enough of this viscount to know better.
    As Johnson returned to his post in the foyer, Emily led the way up the stairs to the parlor. Again, as in the early hours of this morning, she sensed Lord Wentworth’s gaze on her. Its feverish caress urged her to face him.
    And what then ? she asked herself. Will you stand toe-to-toe with him and demand that he stop looking at you? Do not be absurd! Just find out his business and put a quick end to this call .
    When they entered the parlor, she noted he held his right hand behind his back. She had no time to wonder about what he held, for he said, “Forgive the intrusion, Miss Talcott.”
    “’Tis no intrusion. Johnson should have told you that I always am at home on Thursday afternoons.”
    His smile broadened. “He enlightened me, but, as we have only the slimmest and shortest of acquaintances, I consider myself ill-mannered to arrive uninvited.”
    “I should ask you to forgive me , my lord.” Untying the ribbons on her bonnet, she said, “I took advantage of this splendid day to work in my garden, and I fear the time slipped away.”
    “I would very much like to see your garden.”
    “You would?” She put her fingers to her lips, then lowered them quickly. The childish motion was unsuitable for a woman of five-and-twenty years. “I had not guessed you would be interested in roses.”
    “Mayhap because you know nothing of me, but what rumor spouts.” Lord Wentworth’s smile was matched by the mirth in his gray eyes. “Allow me to complete the task that brought me here, then I will ask you to indulge me with a tour of your garden.” From behind his back, he pulled out a crumpled hat. “Your father’s, I assume. I found it in my carriage this morning.”
    She took the battered beaver and silenced her groan. This was Papa’s newest hat, and it would not be cheap to have this damage repaired. “Thank you for returning it, my lord. You continue to increase my debt to you.”
    He chuckled. “What a charming turn of events!”
    “My lord?”
    “To have a lovely brunette in debt to me.” He tapped her nose, and she pulled back, aghast, at his outrageous motion. Her astonishment became chagrin when he added, “The splotch of soil right there adds charming color to your face, Miss Talcott.”
    When she spun to peek into the pier glass over the mantel, she could not keep her eyes from straying from the bit of earth on her nose to the tall man behind her. His smile dared her to chide him for acting like an ill-mannered beef-head. He said nothing, simply handed her a handkerchief.
    Dabbing it against her nose and cheek, she murmured, “Thank you.”
    “Mayhap my small kindness will help mitigate some of your debt to me. I own that I find it most uncomfortable to have you believe that you owe me a duty.”
    Emily faced him, although she wished she could keep her back to him. Not that that would help, for his face was reflected in the glass. Making certain that her expression was as