The Rake's Redemption Read Online Free PDF Page B

happy…”
    “To assist Sophia in gathering herbs,” finished Dominic, a man famed for his sword play.
    Freddie shot him a withering look, which had no affect whatsoever. Dominic sat draped back in his chair, his long legs stretched in front of him.
    With a nearly inaudible sigh, Freddie offered Sophia his arm and swept her out of the room, casting a last exasperated look at Dominic before shutting the parlor door with a bit more force than absolutely necessary.
    Finding himself alone with Juliana, a situation no chaperon in London would have allowed for an instant, especially given his reputation, Dominic was surprised to see her square her shoulders and look straight into his eyes. She looked proud, resentful, and begrudgingly grateful. She looked like a ruffled kitten.
    “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, my lord, for your assistance yesterday,” she said properly.
    “It was my pleasure.” He deliberately kept his face and voice utterly innocent, but still a rush of color stained her lovely cheeks. He thought perhaps she recalled how she had snuggled against him, apparently enjoying being carried so intimately by a stranger.
    Nodding, she stood and moved quickly away from the table, but in one fluid motion he was in front of her. He could not allow her to leave him so quickly. Smiling, he took her hand leading her through the door, down the hall, and out into the sunlight before she quite realized what was happening.
    Mrs. Forbes’s garden was one of the loveliest spots Juliana had ever seen. Pink, white, and yellow roses climbed the low rosy brick wall of the courtyard. A burst of blue and white asters bordered the kitchen garden, so the scent of flowering trees, roses, and herbs mingled warmly.
    Goodness, Juliana, what are you doing! she scolded herself and hastily withdrew her fingers from his firm grasp where she had allowed them to rest. She seated herself on the cool stone bench, clasped her hands in her lap, and raised her eyes calmly to his face. “Thank you, my lord marquis.”
    He gave her another slow—Juliana blushed to even think it—beckoning smile. “Will you object to my sitting with you for a moment?” he asked. She moved slightly to make room when he sat crowding the bench. He half turned toward her. “I trust you are feeling no more ill effects from your accident.”
    “No, indeed! Last night Mrs. Forbes sent me a sleeping draught so that when I awoke this morning I felt as good as new.” She looked solemnly back into his arresting face and tried not to let it affect her pulse. “And, of course, Aunt Sophia’s first bowl of gruel always has amazing restorative properties … for one lives in mortal fear of the second.”
    Cornflower blue eyes lit with amusement. He reached toward her. Unable to help herself, Juliana stiffened, but he appeared not to notice as he plucked a rose from the bush directly behind her right shoulder.
    The marquis smiled with luxurious charm, placing the pink rose, drops of dew still clinging to its petals, or her lap. “I prefer to deliver my flowers in person.” His deep, rich voice made her feel decidedly warm.
    “It is very lovely. Thank you,” she murmured, raising the bloom to her lips. She had no idea why she should find it so difficult to behave normally around this man. After all, she was no green miss. She had been married!
    Suddenly, from behind a clump of berry bushes, a tiny birdlike woman carrying an enormous garden basket appeared. The marquis rose to his feet giving the woman a smile that was, no doubt, famous throughout England. Although it had not been directed at Juliana, she felt its tug. Where was the arrogant, overbearing marquis? At the moment he looked very much like a sweet, slightly mischievous boy whom she wanted to hug. The woman with the garden basket obviously did not share her feelings.
    She gave a crack of laughter. “Don’t try your tricks with me, young lord. Won’t work.” Her mouth curved into a grin,