A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Choice by Reina M. Williams Read Free Book Online Page B

returned to the sofa.
    “Mr. Taylor,” her aunt said as she rose, “I have looked forward to a hand with you, sir.”
    “Capital,” Mr. Taylor replied.
    Aunt Higham gathered her guests for whist, save Mr. Thornhill, who for some reason ventured to appear before Cecilia.
    “May I say I found your performance most pleasing?” he said, standing next to the sofa. “I do not hear music as often as I should like and yours is a voice I would like to hear again.”
    “Thank you,” Cecilia said. She motioned that he might sit down. He did, but not too close. “My playing is lacking, I’m afraid, for I do not practice as I should, except in inclement weather.”
    “You are of a more active nature? I understand you ride?”
    “Yes, since I was a small girl. I know you to be a capable, if reckless, rider yourself.” Cecilia met his eyes.
    “Indeed not. I remember you had no wish to be introduced to such a thoughtless man as myself, but it cannot be undone. I had important business and you ought keep your young friends from straying into the road.” He leaned back, a smug frown emphasizing the chastisement in his voice.
    Cecilia clasped her hands. She had thought he began with some hint of mirth, but his final statement proved her wrong. Horrid, humorless man. “I wonder you should wish to speak to me, sir, if I am so neglectful and ill-mannered.”
    He crossed his arms. “I have said no such things.”
    “Have you not?” She felt as though beset by fever, so hot and uncomfortable he made her. Mr. Cateret never induced such feelings, he was entertaining and light, except when he annoyed her, but she could forgive such small irksomeness. Not like this infuriating man who sat staring at her in cold silence. “I care not, sir. Most likely I shan’t see you again beyond these few weeks I am in London.”
    “I wonder you are here at all.”
    “I am visiting my aunt and cousins.”
    A sly smile lit the corners of his lips. “Perhaps you would do well to discuss your purpose with your aunt. I believe we both know why young ladies and gentlemen converge on the town at this time of year.”
    He was not so polite after all. “Very well, have it that I am humoring my mama, then.”
    “Do you not wish to marry?” His smile broadened, as if he would laugh at her. Did he think no man would have her?
    “I shall marry the man I love.” She flushed as his smile disappeared. His eyes darkened, like the river before a storm.
    “You have a suitor, then,” he said, his voice tight.
    She fingered the sofa cushion and darted her eyes. Oh, why had she said such a thing? Yet why should he care? “No,” she said. Her stomach tightened.
    “A true love, perhaps,” he said. His shoulders relaxed again, his eyes sparkling once more.
    “No.” Her cheeks burned. If she loved ‘Ret, she ought have said yes, but she could not. But she did love him, truly. Mr. Thornhill had no right to know her private affairs, that was all.
    He studied her and she forced herself to remain steady, though she could not keep heat from spreading over her being.
    “I apologize, Miss Wilcox. Perhaps I have been improper in my questions.”
    “Thank you. I hope you have not found me too impertinent.” The falsity of their words made her palms itch. She wished to run outside, peel off her gloves, and let the cool night air clear her mind.
    “Will you attend the Mainmounts’ ball on the morrow?” he asked as he stood.
    She shrank back, he was too near. “Yes.”
    “Would you honor me with a dance or two?”
    “Yes, thank you,” she said. She clenched her teeth. He bowed and she inclined her head. Now he took politeness too far. Surely he did not wish to dance with her. She could not believe he would want to be in the same room with her, unless he enjoyed angering and tormenting women. Perhaps his gentlemanly appearance hid a churlish boor. Leaning forward, she gripped the cushion in her fingers. Hateful man.
    Mr. Thornhill took his leave of the