Wanted: One Scoundrel Read Online Free PDF Page B

and silks.
    “Another coffee, Mr. Reeve?” She joined his circle, offering tea to the Doctor and Mrs. Palmer.
    “I’m fine, Miss Esme.”
    She looked fine, herself. The deep sapphire blue of the gown emphasised the blue of her eyes and the close-fitting bodice emphasized, discreetly, the glories of her figure. She smelled deliciously of rosewater.
    “Mr. Reeve?”
    He realized he’d leaned closer to sniff her scent. He flushed and adjusted his collar.
    The doctor’s wife smiled. “Are you married, Mr. Reeve?”
    “No, ma’am.”
    “Excellent.”
    So perhaps there was one woman who didn’t label him a scoundrel on sight.
    “Then you’ll be attending our Governor’s Christmas Ball, tomorrow night?”
    He didn’t consult his political commander. Some decisions required no thought. “I look forward to it.” And to seeing Esme in a ball gown . “But did you say Christmas Ball?”
    These upside-down seasons were doing his mind in. At home in California, summer would be in full swing, with picnics and peaches, ice cream and sailing. June was a beautiful month of women in white muslin and flowery hats. But here in the Swan River Colony, June meant cold winds, rain and crackling wood fires.
    Esme laughed. “We’re not as crazy as we sound. It was Reverend Sherbrooke’s suggestion that the colony have a mid-winter celebration. The ball is the final element. The children celebrated last Sunday.”
    “And didn’t they enjoy the party? Such a good idea.” Mrs. Palmer approved. “It drew everyone together and lifted their spirits. How did Reverend Sherbrooke phrase it when he gave the sermon?”
    “Christmas is the promise that in the coldest, most desolate times, there is light, hope and warmth,” Esme quoted.
    “Admirable sentiments.” Jed smiled at her. “You’re rather like a Christmas candle yourself, burning bright with hope and spirit.”
    She blushed. Mrs. Palmer beamed. Dr. Palmer harrumphed.
    “As for the ball, it is mainly for the ladies,” he said. “But I’ll see you meet the right fellows.”
    “We’re launched,” Esme whispered triumphantly as the Palmers wandered off to renew acquaintance with a newly arrived couple. “Dr. Palmer is highly respected. I’ll send you briefing papers on the people you’ll meet, their political opinions and influence.”
    He recalled his sister’s lengthy preparations for any dance and decided Esme wouldn’t have time to brief him in person.
    “It would be much easier to simply talk it through with you,” she continued. “But I have a prior commitment. I always inspect Uncle Henry’s skimmer-boat when he’s in port. Left to him, passengers would sleep in hammocks and the crew would never clean their quarters.”
    “Miss Esme, you never cease to surprise me.” She ran her world with ruthless, loving bossiness—and everyone let her. He’d bet the skimmer-boat crew adored her.
    He raised her gloved hand to his lips. “Until tomorrow night.”
    The buzz of excited speculation followed him out the door.
     
    Widow Bryant had bullied Esme into the deep mulberry red satin gown. Its wide, square neckline, boned bodice and sweeping skirts were certainly impressive. Her shoulders rose creamy white against the foil of the satin and her hair gleamed golden fire in the candle light. Esme studied her reflection in the hotel mirror.
    “Is it too much?”
    “Heavens above.” Jane Bryant rolled her eyes. “Esme, you look like a goddess. Fashionable beauties in London would kill to look like you.”
    “It is too much.”
    “No, it’s not,” Jane said firmly. “It’s exactly as you should look. Your father is the wealthiest man in the colony, possibly in all of Australia, and you’re his only daughter. If you’re serious about your political plans, you need to remind everyone of those facts.”
    “Hmm.”
    Maud had traveled up from Fremantle with them and was staying in the hotel. The drive from Fremantle to Government House in Perth, where the