The Lady’s Torn Heart (Faces of Love Series #2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

about three days before returning.”
    “It sounds lovely. I couldn’t imagine seeing all those fine steeds.”
    “Well, that is the reason for my visit. I know I asked you to come along. I am a man of my word and would be happy to bring you with me.”
    “That is very kind of you, Colonel, but I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.”
    “It would be no inconvenience at all. I have a younger sister who has just come into town, named Scarlett. She is about your age. I have convinced her to come along. That way, you would be able to come and of course, save propriety.”
    My thoughts floated back to last night’s ball. James and I had gone alone, ridden in his gig alone, and stayed out until the early morning hours. Heat rose to my cheeks just thinking about it. Yes, he was an in-the-moment kind of man, not at all thinking about propriety.
    “I understand if you do not wish to come, or if you have other engagements. I just wanted you to know that the offer was still there should you wish it.”
    I thought about it, “We will be gone for five days?”
    “Yes,” he said, watching me with those blue eyes.
    “I would want to make sure with Mary that she could do without me for that time span. I couldn’t say for sure right at this moment. I would be happy to send a letter to you tonight with my response. I am sure she will be alright with my itinerary, but I want to make sure first.”
    “Of course. I completely understand.”
    “Tel me more about your sister?” I asked, not wanting him to leave yet.
    “Scarlett is,” he gave a little laugh. “Well, she isn’t at all like me. She is very rambunctious and hasn’t a lot of patience. Her character also makes her very exciting and loved by most anyone who meets her. She has a very contagious energy around her. People seem to like that in a companion.”
    By the way he phrased his words at the end, I had a feeling that we were no longer talking about his sister. He had been around for several dinners that James was also invited to. I had spent most of my time enamored by James. I am sure it didn’t go unnoticed by the colonel.
    “Yes, it can be very exciting to have a companion like that, as long as you don't get into trouble,” I replied.
    “Well, some mischief is fine, I think. Natural even. Sometimes you can just get caught up in the moment, not realizing the consequences.”
    “Yes, I do know about that,” I said, a little ashamed.
    I knew we were talking about my escapades last night. I should have known that going to a town ball probably wasn’t the most prudent thing to do when breaking society’s rules. Like Fitzwilliam said, I was caught up in the moment and didn’t stop to think about the results.
    “It’s the joys of youth,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. “We all get into a little trouble while we are still young and allowed to make mistakes.”
    “You talk as if you are a hundred years old,” I teased. “I can’t imagine you are that much older than me.”
    “Sometimes, I feel as if I have already lived a lifetime,” he said, looking past me to something much more sobering. He gave a small laugh again to release himself from the trance of distant memories.
    “If you will forgive my boldness, how old are you?”
    He gave me a broad smile at this, his blue eyes twinkling. “I fear that if I tell you; you will think I am too old to be your friend.”
    “Nonsense.”
    “Thirty and eight,” he replied frankly.
    He was about the age I’d expected. “And your sister?”
    “Nineteen, just as you are.” It didn’t miss that he knew my age. “So you see, I will be an old bag of bones escorting two very exceptional young ladies,” he added with a little laugh.
    “Well, my birthday is only three months away and then I will be twenty, so I’m not as young as you thought.”

CHAPTER 9

    FINDING LOVE IN FRIENDSHIP

“Astonishment, that would have been as painful as it was strong, had not an immediate disbelief of the assertion