The Indomitable Miss Harris Read Online Free PDF Page B

across her charge’s face. “Somehow Dasha has managed to remain on good terms with Prinny as well as with the grand duchess, which says a good deal for her diplomatic skill, to my way of thinking.”
    And that was an understatement, thought Gillian, who had met the Countess de Lieven upon several occasions and liked her very much, despite having heard how haughty and cold she could be. She was definitely high in the instep, but her own relationship to the Russian royal family, as ward of the Empress, made others expect that sort of attitude from her. Gillian knew from firsthand experience, however, that she could also be charming and kind.
    Ellen soon arrived with her clothes, and as she prepared for the evening ahead, she tried to imagine what the grand duchess would be like. For a brief time, however, it seemed that she would never know, for when she and Mrs. Periwinkle descended the grand winged staircase on their way to the waiting carriage, they were met in the lower hall by Landover, who was just coming in.
    “Ah, Mrs. Periwinkle, I was hoping I might arrive before you had gone out. You look quite charming this evening,” he added smoothly, casting an appreciative glance at them both. His gaze caused Gillian to feel more than usually self-conscious, and she was glad she had chosen to wear the deceptively simple white silk gown that showed off her soft complexion and glowing color to such advantage. That it also clung seductively to her tip-tilted breasts and curving hips was another of its assets, and one of which she suddenly felt blushingly aware, as Landover’s gaze seemed to linger while his greeting was returned by both ladies.
    “Did you wish to speak to us?” inquired Mrs. Periwinkle, recalling his attention as well as his gaze to her pink-satin-draped and turbaned self.
    “Indeed,” he answered briskly. “His highness has requested that I bring you to Carlton House later this evening. Therefore, I thought we would have our dinner together here before setting out.”
    “But we can’t!” protested Gillian. Despite the thrill of an invitation to Carlton House, she was appalled by the prospect of Landover’s escort, certain he would keep a sharp eye on her every movement to be sure she behaved herself. The very thought was simply mortifying. “We are promised to the Countess de Lieven,” she added firmly when both of the others stared in disapproval of her tone.
    Landover raised a questioning brow, and Mrs. Periwinkle responded to it apologetically. “I’m afraid that’s true enough, my lord. Dasha has invited us both to meet the grand duchess. But it is only a rout, you know, and one need not remain above a half hour or so. I had thought to go on to the Bettencourt ball afterward, but there is no reason that we could not arrange to meet you at Carlton House instead, if that is what you desire.”
    He frowned heavily. “I cannot approve of Miss Harris’s being seen in such company. It will do no good and might do much harm.”
    Gillian opened her mouth to protest again, but she was forestalled by Mrs. Periwinkle’s gentle voice. “I collect that you refer to the grand duchess, my lord, but do you truly think it so dangerous? I myself had thought it would prove to be an excellent experience for her to meet someone of that sort in protective surroundings. For you must know that neither Dasha nor Monsieur de Lieven would allow the grand duchess to exert an adverse influence upon any of our young people.
    “There is much in what you say, ma’am,” agreed Landover, meeting Gillian’s resentful glare with a measuring look of his own. “I still cannot approve of such an association for Miss Harris, but one would not wish to offend the de Lievens, of course, and since you have accepted the invitation, I suppose what must be, must be. I shall expect you, however, to keep a strict eye upon your charge. I would not wish that woman to stir coals with anyone so