A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano Read Free Book Online Page A

again when he didn’t budge, reluctantly admitting defeat after the third rattle. One would think, given his profession, that he would be a gentleman who slept lightly.
    She raised the newspaper and scanned the articles, her attention soon caught by an announcement pertaining to a suffrage rally that was to be held in Central Park the following week. Deciding that would be the perfect opportunity to return to something normal, she set the newspaper aside and pulled her reticule into her lap. She rooted around in the bag, pulled out the pistol Theodore had finally returned to her, pushed aside a few forgotten sweets, and finally located a small pad of paper.
    “You do realize it’s not exactly honorable to shoot a man while he’s sleeping, don’t you?”
    She lifted her head and found him watching her warily. “Since it would seem you are no longer asleep, it wouldn’t be exactly dishonorable.” She patted her gun, stuffed it back into the reticule, and narrowed her eyes when he surprised her with a laugh.
    He normally woke up surly.
    “May I dare hope we’re almost to New York?”
    Before she could answer, he stretched his arms over his head, the motion causing her to notice the muscles she’d been trying to ignore for days strain against his shirt.
    It was beyond irritating, the fact that the gentleman was so intriguingly put together. Not once had he failed to attract the attention of every lady in his vicinity, and now  she was gawking at him just like everyone else.
    The effects of the past week’s events must finally be catching up with her.
    She jerked her gaze away from his chest and looked out the window, trying to hide the fact her cheeks had taken to heating.
    What had he asked her again?
    Oh yes, something about New York.
    “It looks as if nasty weather is preceding our arrival into the city, but yes, we shouldn’t have much longer until we arrive.”
    “Ah, lovely, nasty weather. Just what I was hoping for, and quite a safe topic for us to discuss, I might add.”
    Annoyance slid over her. “Would you prefer I discuss something besides the weather?”
    “No, the weather is a fine topic of conversation, much more preferable than the suffrage movement.” He shuddered. “I must say I’ve heard enough about that to last me a lifetime.”
    He really was insufferable.
    “Do you think it will begin to snow before we reach our respective homes?” he asked.
    He really was going to continue discussing the weather.
    “Ah, well . . . perhaps” was all she could think to reply.
    “Well, that topic didn’t occupy us for long, did it?” Theodore gestured to her dress. “May I remark that the gown you’re wearing today is quite lovely? I must admit that purple certainly does seem to bring out the blue of your eyes, and your matching hat does wonders in hiding the deplorable state of your hair.”
    She blinked. Not once in the entire time they’d spent together had he ever given her a compliment. Granted, he hadn’t seemed able to resist pointing out the condition of her hair, but still . . .
    Maybe he was coming down with something.
    “I wore this gown two days ago.”
    “Did you? Then I must apologize for not speaking up then and telling you how delightful it looks on you.”
    “Two days ago, you barely spoke a word to me, except to tell me I was taking too long with the newspaper.”
    “I escorted you to that general store when the train made a stop.”
    “True, but you didn’t actually speak while you escorted me.”
    Theodore looked at her for a long moment and then leaned forward. “Miss Beckett, I do beg your pardon if you found me a less-than-pleasant traveling companion. I readily admit my mind has been occupied with other matters, namely what is transpiring in Gilman. Throw in the nasty business of fending off Miss James’s advances, and I probably have not been at my best. Allow me to make up for my disgraceful lack of attention toward you. I promise to discuss anything