The Rules of Seduction Read Online Free PDF Page B

simmering liveliness more shocking and embarrassing.
    “
For now
it is my room.”
    He ignored the barb. He examined the bonnet, turning it this way and that. It was the one she had begun remaking in the garden three days ago. No one would recognize it now. She had reshaped the brim, covered it all in finely worked cream muslin, and trimmed it with azure ribbons. She still debated whether to add some small muslin puffing near the crown.
    “You do have a talent at it.”
    “As I said, being a milliner is only choice number three. If a lady works in such a shop, she can no longer claim to be a lady at all, can she?”
    He set the hat down carefully. “No, she cannot. However, it is more respectable than being a soiled dove or thief, although far less lucrative. Your list is in the correct order if respectability is your goal.”
    She still hated him by the time they were finished with the tour. She could not deny he was less a stranger, however. Entering the private rooms together, seeing the artifacts of the family’s everyday lives, being so close—
too
close—on the upper levels had created an unwelcome familiarity.
    Her susceptibility to his presence had placed her at a disadvantage. She wanted to believe she was above such reactions, especially with this man, who probably thought it his due from all women. She resented the entire, irritating hour with him.
    They returned to the reception hall, and he retrieved his hat. She broached the reason she had agreed to receive him at all. “Lord Hayden, Timothy is distracted. He is not conveying the details to his sisters. If I may be so bold—”
    “You have been plenty bold without asking permission, Miss Welbourne. There is no need to stand on ceremony now.”
    She
had
been bold and outspoken. She had allowed her vexation to get the better of her good sense. In truth, she had not been very practical in a situation where she badly needed that virtue.
    “What is your question?”
    “Have you told Timothy when the Longworths must vacate the house?”
    “I have not said yet.” He leveled a disconcertingly frank gaze at her. “When do you think is reasonable?”
    “Never.”
    “That is not reasonable.”
    “A fortnight. Please give them two weeks more.”
    “A fortnight it is. The Longworths may remain until then.” He narrowed his eyes on her. “You, however…”
    Oh, dear heavens. She had raised the devil with her free tongue. He was going to throw her out at once.
    “My aunt has a passion for hats.”
    She blinked. “Hats? Your aunt?”
    “She loves them. She buys far too many, at exorbitant prices. As her trustee, I pay the bills, so I know.”
    It was an odd topic to start on the way out the door. He sounded a little stupid.
    “Well, they often are very expensive.”
    “The ones she buys are also very ugly.”
    She smiled and nodded and wished he would leave. She wanted to tell Roselyn about the fortnight’s reprieve.
    “A governess, you said. Your first choice. Do you have the education to be a finishing governess?”
    “I have been helping prepare my young cousin for her season. I have the requisite skills and abilities.”
    “Music? Do you play?”
    “I am well suited to be a governess for young ladies. My own education was superior. I was not always as you see me now.”
    “That is clear. If you had always been as you are now, you would have never dared be as rude and outspoken with me as you have been today.”
    Her face warmed furiously. Not because she had been rude and he knew it but because his attention started that foolish excitement again.
    “Miss Welbourne, my aunt, Lady Wallingford, will be taking possession of this house because she is launching her daughter in society this season. My cousin Caroline will require a governess, and my aunt a companion. Aunt Henrietta is…well, a sobering influence in the household is advisable.”
    “One that would keep her from buying too many ugly hats?”
    “Exactly. Since the situation matches