The Scarlet Kimono (Choc Lit) Read Online Free PDF

usually found in imbeciles. Instead, he had a sharp gaze that was taking everything in. Hannah was suddenly convinced young Mr Forrester was a great deal cannier than he’d led Kate to believe.
    In her eagerness to see, Hannah leaned forward a bit further and too late she noticed Henry Forrester catch sight of her out of the corner of his eyes. To her great relief he didn’t give her away, but turned and gave her a small smile and a nod. It was almost as if they were co-conspirators. Hannah grinned back and, while their parents were busy, he sidled over to greet her.
    ‘Hiding yourself away, Mistress Hannah?’ he said in a low voice. ‘That won’t do, you know, if you want to find yourself a husband too.’
    ‘Oh, I’m in no hurry on that score, Mr Forrester.’
    ‘Perhaps you’re wise. Matrimony isn’t something to be rushed into lightly.’
    This was the first time Hannah had ever spoken to Kate’s betrothed privately and she found she quite liked him. Since she wouldn’t wish Kate on her worst enemy, she was therefore in a quandary. Should she warn him what was in store for him if he married Kate or would it be better to keep quiet? Before she had time to come to a decision, however, he had turned to greet his betrothed, who was at that moment coming down the stairs, a vision of loveliness in pink and white. Hannah stared at the pair of them and bit her lip when she saw Henry take Kate’s hand and draw it through the crook of his arm. But when Kate tried to pull away, his hand remained firmly closed over hers and Hannah blinked in surprise.
    Perhaps Kate wouldn’t find him as easy to manipulate as she imagined, Hannah thought. She prayed that she was right, for Henry’s sake if nothing else. He seemed much too nice for her sister.
    ‘Hannah? Hannah! ’ Her mother’s annoyed hiss dragged her back to the present. ‘Why are you skulking back there? I thought I told you to go to the kitchen?’
    ‘Yes, Mother.’ With a sigh she turned to do as she was bid.
    The meal dragged on, interminable to the restless Hannah, despite the various treats on offer.
    After the main courses of mouth-watering roast meats, fish, pies and other savoury dishes, the desserts were brought out. Crystallised fruits, tarts, cakes and jellies vied with each other to tempt the guests. To Hannah’s delight, there was also her favourite sweet – marchpane. Like everyone else, she drank a glass or two of the fine wine provided for the occasion, but she was still bored and fidgeted in her seat. She had elderly aunts either side of her, both of whom were as deaf as a post, and she wished her mother had allowed her to sit with Edward instead. At least then she’d have had someone to talk to.
    They were in the parlour, which was the biggest room in the house. Large oriel windows made up of small leaded panes of glass overlooked the street outside and allowed the sunshine to stream in. The beams of light fell on the finely carved oak panelling, making it gleam and seem less dark and austere. A few tapestries added a splash of colour.
    Although the parlour was so vast, it was still a crush when everyone was seated at the trestle tables erected specially for this feast. Once the meal was over, however, the furniture was cleared away and a couple of musicians came in to start the dancing.
    ‘Come, dance with me, Hannah.’ Jacob pulled her out of her seat at last and dragged her into the circle that was forming for the Branle . Hannah had no trouble performing the sideways steps, but going round and round eventually made her dizzy. When it was over she retreated to a corner and held on to her head until it stopped spinning. That wine must have been stronger than usual , she thought . Ordinarily she would drink it slightly watered down. She decided to just watch the others from then onwards. It seemed safer.
    ‘So this is where you’re hiding yourself, young lady.’
    The voice of Captain Rydon startled her out of her contemplation of the