The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

seem distracted.”
    “No. I just don’t care for these events. All the young ladies are trying to determine which man they would like to try and trap into marriage, all the older matrons pointing out the men with titles and listing their assets. Then next year there will be another fresh batch of ladies off their country estates brought to London for the Season in search for ‘the one.’ I find each Season monotonous.”
    “Stop!” Cole was laughing. “You sound ridiculous. Do you ever listen to yourself? What you have described happens to be part of the fun and excitement. It’s what the Season is all about. Besides, your sister happens to fit into the young lady in search of ‘the one’ category.” Cole watched as Lydia twirled by on the dance floor with a handsome young man, her face aglow with happiness.
    “See there, your sister is enjoying herself. Ladies love these functions. You cannot expect women to want to sit in Gentleman Jackson’s and watch two men beating each other’s brains out. You need to try to understand women.”
    “I understand women perfectly,” Paxton growled defensively.
    “In the bedroom perhaps, for like me you are known for your prowess, but certainly not in the ballroom. Behold the young girl over there, the one sitting with the matron I assume to be her grandmother. I expect she would be flattered if you asked her to dance. It would make the young girl’s night. How about it?”
    “Do you think that I cannot be as charming as you if I try?” Paxton looked at the scared little creature twisting her handkerchief nervously between her fingers.
    “Of course not. You ooze charm when you wish. At least all the ladies seem to think so.” Cole nudged him. “Go on. Ask her.”
    “Are you out of your mind? That girl will take one look at the length and girth of me and hide under her grandmother’s skirts.”
    Cole nodded. “Perhaps you are right. She may be too timid for a man with your, uh, stature. However, we are both handsome men, which is most fortunate.”
    “How so?”
    “We don’t have to try so hard to be charming, which is lucky for you because you definitely need practice.”
    Paxton shook his head and laughed. “Would you clam up. You are conceited. Even the beautiful ones get hurt.”
    “Back to that again.” Cole sighed. “You really need to move past her. She was nothing but a harlot, and besides, that was over two years ago. She is miserable and married to some old prune now. You’d think that would make you happy. Divine retribution, I would say.”
    “Lydia seems to think I should marry for convenience sake.”
    “What in the world is convenient about marriage?”
    “Nothing. I’ve found, after careful consideration, the only thing marriage has to offer is more free time.”
    “I agree that a wife would shoulder some of the household responsibilities, but marriage isn’t the remedy for too little time to pursue one’s leisure. Find a good housekeeper or estate manager. I was only trying to tell you to have a little fun. Join in the chase. You may find it amusing.”
    “We’ll see.”
    Two more ladies walked by and Cole gave him a sly smile. “Watch a master at work.” Cole bowed, addressing the ladies. “How would you two lovely ladies like to join my friend and myself for some stimulating and invigorating conversation?”
    Paxton shook his head at Cole’s purposeful double entendre. He knew the ladies didn’t catch it.
    Cole continued. “We were wondering if women preferred to receive flowers or chocolates after a romantic picnic in the park.”
    The ladies giggled and the small brunette spoke first. “Personally, I would prefer another invitation to the park over flowers or candy.”
    “I wouldn’t,” said the tall blond eyeing Paxton. “I would prefer the flowers to be hand delivered.”
    Cole smiled. “Those are both wonderful answers.” He then made the point of introducing everyone. “Would you ladies care to walk in the