Teach Me Under the Mistletoe Read Online Free PDF Page B

I’m just rushing the yule season.” She edged toward the door. “If you’ve no need of me…”
    Her mother chuckled. “No, no. Do enjoy your chilly stroll, dear.”
    Only with the utmost effort did Kitty affect a leisurely walk away from the house. She was only a few moments late, so perhaps he hadn’t left the follies yet. The brilliant idea had come to her as she’d washed her face. The sloshing water in the basin had reminded her of the geese at the reflecting pool. She risked Henrietta’s gossip with the other maids, of course, but for the moment, the young girl seemed to find the idea of clandestine trysts of which she was a part quite romantic.
    The folly ruins rose in the distance. Kitty squinted at the terrace but saw no sign of movement. No one stood near the pillars awaiting her arrival. Would he be there? Would he be there still? Had he come at all? Would he show her another kiss? Perhaps tell her what she could do to capture and hold Lord Strathern’s interest at her parents’ upcoming gathering should the opportunity arise? Unexpectedly, her lips began to tingle. Just that soft brush of lips had felt like Hugh had somehow reached inside of her and set fire to every nerve.
    She lifted a hand and touched her lips. The silk glove didn’t come close to the feel of Hugh’s warm, soft lips. She tugged at the glove until she removed it and then stared at her left hand. Her steps slowed as she reached up and grazed her lips with her knuckles. Not quite the same but closer. Tiny flutters of anticipation started in her middle and radiated outward, speeding her steps. The rushes swished. Recalling the greylag, she gave the windswept plants a wide berth, but nothing emerged. Perhaps the disagreeable bird had migrated away. It seemed terribly late in the season for a wild goose to remain about, even with the still-mild weather.
    Holding her breath, she stepped onto the terrace, prepared for disappointment if Hugh had chosen not to show up.
    But he was there, seated on the bench on the far side of the stones. A green wool carriage blanket lay beside him, neatly folded. His expression was shuttered as he rose and crossed to her. Something blazed in his eyes — hunger or annoyance? Heat snaked through her, a writhing, living creature that left a dull burning ache in its place.
    “I wasn’t certain you would come,” she greeted him, irritated that her breathlessness made her seem too excited. She took a deep breath. “And then I feared you’d come but would leave before I arrived.”
    He stopped several feet away and glanced at the ground before he lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Lady Caroline, I’ve given yer request some… consideration. I think this is a very bad idea.”
    She felt as though the air had been squeezed from her lungs. “But then… how will I learn how to kiss?”
    His lips twitched then lifted into a tight smile. “The usual way, I expect. Do ye think young wives take lessons in the romantic arts before they’re married?”
    Heat flooded her face and she turned away, wrapping her arms around her middle. Of course he didn’t understand. How could he? Hot tears welled, and she blinked hard but it did no good and a sob slipped out as the tears burst free. The late autumn air quickly cooled the moisture on her cheeks.
    “Here now, what’s this?”
    When Hugh laid a gentle hand on her arm, a shock stormed through Kitty and she jumped. She stared at the strong hand, dark-skinned and work-roughened, so obviously out of place against the fine crimson wool. And yet somehow the light touch had a steadying effect.
    “What’s all this about?” he asked again, stepping in front of her and stooping to catch her gaze.
    Unable to bear the kindness offered by the man — a servant no less — Kitty shook her head and turned away. Misery swelled then just as rapidly vanished, leaving nothing but emptiness. She heaved a shuddering sigh and stood up straight.
    “You are absolutely correct, Mr.