A Lot Like a Lady by Kim Bowman, Kay Springsteen Read Free Book Online Page A

continuing to fall out of her clothing.
    Lady Harmony’s eyes sharpened and Grey suppressed a shiver. “Yes, your grace?”
    “When I was speaking with Lady Annabella, she seemed to be… er, not attired… appropriately.”
    The older woman stiffened. “My niece was inappropriate?”
    “Well… that is… perhaps country ways are a bit different than I recall.” He sighed. “Here in Town… a lady’s gown.” He fluttered his hand at his chest. “During the day, a lady doesn’t—” He sighed in frustration.
    “Perhaps you’ve noticed how lovely my niece is and feel she needs to show a bit of modesty while in your company, your grace?”
    Grey nearly choked on his next breath. Was that a twinkle of merriment glinting in her eyes? “That is not precisely how I would phrase it, Lady Harmony, but, er…”
    She shot out of the chair and headed for the door. “I shall see to it immediately, your grace. Right away. There is much to do. Much to do, indeed.”
    A mixture of relief and perplexity swirled through Grey and he tried to shake the feeling that he hadn’t exactly been in control of that interview. He shook his head as he watched the woman leave his study, then jotted down the information Petry would need to compose invitations for the dinner. Having diminished some of his guilt, he concentrated on the work he needed to finish.
    Now if I can just get through the next few weeks…

Chapter Four
     
    Juliet’s stomach fluttered in time to the lilting rise and fall of the conversation around her. Thank goodness the duke was having only a small dinner party. It was all just a bit overwhelming as it was. Unable to remain on her injured foot for long, Lady Charity remained seated on a Grecian couch, and Juliet hovered nearby. Keeping her eyes cast downward, she idly toyed with the clawed foot of the green velvet couch with the tip of her shoe.
    “Gracious sakes, dear,” said Lady Charity through a tight smile. “Nothing interesting on the floor. Try to keep your eyes lifted.”
    With a sigh, Juliet did as she was told, and not a moment too soon. A stout handsome lady approached amid the rustle of her satin gown in sapphire blue. Fiery rubies and icy diamonds glittered from overlarge eardrops that danced as she walked. What was her name? Lady… something-more?
    Hrmph, should be penny-more with all those jewels y’ve got dangling. That was it! Lady Fenimore.
    “My dear Annabella,” she murmured, her smile reminiscent of a cat’s that had gotten into the cream. “What a lovely name.” She glanced across the room before turning her attention back to the conversation. “Wherever has your brother been hiding you?”
    From the corner of her eye, Juliet caught the movement and turned in time to see the duke’s lips thin briefly as he met her gaze. Her breath hung in her throat and she tore her eyes away from him to smile at Lady Fenimore.
    “I-I’ve been staying at Wyndham Green with the — my mother,” managed Juliet, her voice barely above a whisper.
    “Your mother did not accompany you, dear?” asked Lady Fenimore. Her tone was pleasant but her eyes contained heated interest.
    Juliet’s knees took up a fine trembling. “I…”
    “My niece, the Duchess of Wyndham, has had a difficult time mourning her husband,” said Lady Charity in a firm voice.
    “Maude! It is you. Why, it’s been ages since I’ve seen you.” Harmony hurried over, her plump lips stretched into a pleased smile.
    Lady Fenimore jerked and her mouth fell open. Then she smiled as well. “Lady Harmony. I haven’t seen you since Bath when I was there with Mother… why, it must be five years gone now.”
    Juliet’s eyes widened as she realized the two women were acquainted with one another. Would that complicate matters? Did Lady Fenimore somehow know Annabella as well? Her heart slammed against her chest and she held her breath. The room began to fade into a plum-colored mist.
    “Oh,” moaned Lady Charity, shifting in her