Snowbound With the Notorious Rake Read Online Free PDF

be no false airs when one was licking butter from one’s fingers. SirLawrence was watching her over the rim of his coffee cup. She smiled.
    ‘Oh dear, have I made a terrible mess? There is no dainty way to eat these things!’ She picked up her napkin and wiped her lips.
    He put down his cup.
    ‘You have butter on your cheek. Here—let me.’ He took the napkin from her fingers and leaned closer.
    Rose held her breath. His hand was on her cheek, but his face was just inches from hers, so close she could see the tiny laughter lines around his eyes, follow the curl of each dark lash, study in detail those incredibly blue eyes. When she breathed in she was aware of the clean, fresh scent of him. She had heard that the Prince Regent used a perfume water scented with roses. Whatever fragrance Lawrence favoured it was not roses, but a much more subtle blend of herbs—lavender, perhaps. His hand stilled on her cheek and he looked down, exposing her to the full force of his gaze. Rose knew she must say something, and quickly.
    ‘Wh-what is that fragrance you are wearing, sir?’
    The blue eyes never wavered from her face.
    ‘It is from France. Eau de cologne.’ The corners of his mouth twitched. ‘I am sorry to say Bonaparte’s endorsement has made it rather unpopular in England. Do you not approve?’
    Oh, yes , she thought, her senses swimming as she breathed in the heady fragrance.
    She cleared her throat.
    ‘It is not for me to approve or disapprove, sir.’
    He was still hovering over her, tantalisingly close.
    ‘Most ladies seem to like it.’
    The words were provocative. She should give him a set-down, but it was impossible. He was still staring at her and she could not tear herself away. But then, she did not wish to. All her virtuous resolutions had deserted her. She was drowning in a pair of blue eyes.
    ‘By gum, ’tis a cold ’un.’
    A blast of icy air enveloped them as Evans came in, knocking the snow from his boots before shutting the door. The groom’s entrance had freed Rose from her inertia. Heavens, how close she had come to disaster! She rose quickly and began to gather up the dishes, clattering them angrily together.
    ‘Bad, is it?’ Sir Lawrence asked him, unperturbed.
    ‘Aye, sir. Nothin’s travelling today, that’s for sure. Miss Rose asked me to go down as far as where I guessed the main track should be, but the drifts are terrible deep. Once the packhorses have pushed through, then we can follow their trail, but I don’t expect to see ’em today. ’Tis Christmas Day, after all.’
    ‘So it is!’ Sir Lawrence turned back to Rose. ‘Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas, madam.’
    ‘Do you mean to say we will be stranded here for another day?’ she demanded.
    Sir Lawrence grinned.
    ‘At least.’
    It occurred to Rose that her host was not at all upset by the news.
    ‘When do you expect your staff to return?’
    He shrugged.
    ‘I had told them to come back tomorrow. However,if it snows again that may change. If we cannot get out, they will not be able to get in.’
    ‘You do not seem very put out by the prospect.’
    ‘Why should I be? Mrs Brendon has left the larder well stocked with ham and cheese, probably biscuits, too.’
    ‘Enough for you alone, perhaps. But…cold meats on Christmas Day?’ She rose, brushing down her apron. He had accused her of being a managing female—she would prove him right! She said briskly, ‘Very well, then, we must get to work. Evans, have you checked the stables yet?’
    ‘No, ma’am. There’s a gert snowdrift across the door.’
    ‘Well, I think you should dig it away and look after the horses.’
    Sir Lawrence stood up.
    ‘I’ll give you a hand—’
    ‘No, sir, I have another job for you.’ Rose gave him her sweetest smile. ‘I am afraid, Sir Lawrence, that the occasion calls for a sacrifice.’
    Sir Lawrence scowled. ‘This is a damned unusual Christmas!’
    Rose chuckled.
    ‘I know, Sir Lawrence, but needs must,