The Wanton Widow - A Regency Novella Read Online Free PDF Page A

in proper discourse right now?”
    “ You kn-know what I mean.” Edward's head fell between his shoulders again. “I c-c-can't even say her name without s-s-stumbling over my words.”
    By the time dessert arrived, he was utterly ashamed of himself.

    * * *

    “ So what do you think of Wilomena?”
    Immediately after supper, the men retired to the parlor, where they smoked and sipped port. In other words, Philip smoke and drank port. Edward, as innocent as he was, did not engage in either activity.
    “ I think she is very beautiful,” Edward said, watching his friend puff a ring of smoke into the air.
    “ Is that all?”
    “ She is very kind, caring, and thoughtful. She seems like a genuine lady, and I'm n-n-ot quite sure I approve.”
    “ And what's that supposed to mean? You think she is too good for me?!” Though he had prompted his friend's assessment, his ire was mounting.
    “ N-no. I think y-y-you should marry her.” Edward had to force the words out of his mouth, because he knew they would make Philip cross. Recognizing the anger in his friend's eyes, he sank into a chair and started fidgeting with his hands.
    “ Wonderful. As if I hadn't heard this before!” Philip groaned. “Earlier, Willow mentioned the word marriage. Twice . She said it was in jest, but I am seriously starting to doubt that. What if a proposal is her ultimate goal?!”
    “ Would that be so terrible?”
    “ Yes! Yes, it would!” Philip downed his spirits and poured himself another glass. “Believe me, marriage is the furthest thing from my mind. I'm not like you, Ed. I'm not looking for a wife.”
    “ M-maybe you should,” Edward suggested. “Maybe the marital state isn't as awful as you think it is. I think it would be nice to have a p-permanent com-companion.”
    “ Permanent!” Philip's voice squeaked as he repeated the word. “Your choice of word terrifies me, friend. Permanent !” He crashed in a chair and jabbed his cigar in Edward's direction. “I'm perfectly content with having her as my mistress!”
    “ You wanted my opinion, you got my opinion,” Edward said. “She is a fine lady, and she deserves something more.”
    “ Well, maybe you can marry her when I'm done with her,” Philip said with a chuckle. “That's not to say I intend to tire of her any time soon. I'm rather enjoying her company... and her supple body.”
    A few seconds later, the door opened, and Wilomena joined them in the parlor. Her pale blue frock swished around her ankles as she drifted into the room. “Are you trying to abandon me, gentlemen?” she accused them.
    “ Not at all, my dear. Would you care for a drink?”
    “ Indeed.” Willow went to the table and poured herself a glass. When she looked over at the men, they were looking a bit sheepish, which prompted her to ask, “You gentlemen weren't talking about me, I hope?”
    “ N-n-no!”
    “ Not at all, Willow, my dear. Not in the least.”
    Her incredulity was written on her face in the form of a hooked eyebrow. “So you say.”
    And with that, she downed her liquor in a single swig, not unlike a raucous sailor.

Chapter Five

    “ Get back here, minx!”
    Philip reached out to grab her, but Willow was too fast. She darted through the doorway, never mind the fact that she was wearing her bodice and petticoat. In an attempt to evade his tickling hands, she rushed down the hallway. Philip gave chase, flexing his fingers, which were prepared to tickle her again and again. Their horseplay led them past a footman, who was scratching his head—and secretly marveling at the sight of the widow in her underclothes.
    “ Did you consume some turtle tincture, Phil?” she taunted him. “You are, after all, terribly slow!”
    “ I'll punish you for that, Willow!” he promised her. Philip chased her down the stairs and into the foyer, where a familiar face was waiting.
    Edward Harcourt had just arrived. He was standing next to the butler, and he had a puppy in his hands.
    As soon as