Charming a Spy by Elizabeth Chance Read Free Book Online

called out to some passersby, not so subtly creating a distraction to answering Geoff’s question. He followed the direction of her wave to see whom she was calling.
    Dammit. It was Katherine Dubois and her aunt. What were the chances his other conquest would be out strolling at the same time he and Jessica went for a carriage ride? Fine, perhaps the chances weren’t so slim since all of London seemed to be riding through this bloody park.
    After last night though, Katherine Dubois would not be happy about seeing him with another woman. He should have prepared for this. Geoff knew from the start he would somehow have to balance courting both of them at once, but hadn’t expected it would be a problem so soon.
    “Good afternoon, ladies. Isn’t it a lovely day?” Jessica asked the women now approaching the carriage. “Have you met the Duke of Stamwell? Your Grace, this is Ms. Katherine Dubois and her aunt, Mrs. Ellie Seymour.”
    Both women curtsied. He descended from the carriage to greet them, starting with Ms. Dubois. He took her gloved hand and pressed it to his lips, trying to impart words he couldn’t say aloud with his movements. It’s nothing. I’m just on a ride with Jessica. Last night still meant something. You look lovely.
    Katherine snatched her hand away and sniped, “We’ve been introduced.” His wordless communication was not received. Or at least had no impact. She was definitely angry with him.
    “How wonderful to see you again, Your Grace,” Mrs. Seymour said. “The ball was incredible. Your home, the orchestra, the dancing… it was all like a dream,” she said.
    “And what did you think, Ms. Dubois? Was it dreamlike for you, as well?” He couldn’t resist asking.
    “If you mean not real at all, then yes. I can see very clearly now that last night was illusory,” she said, an icy expression crossing her lovely face. He would have to figure out a way to make amends with Katherine if he were going to get any further with her. Luckily, smoothing over ladies’ ruffled feathers was one of his best talents.
    Mrs. Seymour stood, watching the banter and turning her head left and right with each volley.
    “I found it trancelike myself,” he said. “Sometimes dreams seem so real you can almost taste them,” he said, hoping to evoke the memory of their kiss. By the blush of her cheeks, she obviously understood his meaning.
    “Yes, yes, very dreamlike,” Jessica said loudly, bringing the attention back to her. “After all, I only met your Lordship for mere moments last night and now here we are riding in your fashionable carriage.” She was really enjoying this. Perhaps she and Katherine had some rivalry, maybe even connected to their brothers. It was also possible Jessica was the kind of woman who delighted in making others jealous to boost her own standing. He certainly wouldn’t put it past her.
    “Yes, the Duke of Stamwell does seem to be fast when he sees something he wants,” Katherine said, daring him with her eyes to take up the bait.
    “I can be speedy when the situation necessitates it. Although I much prefer to take my time,” he said slowly and holding her gaze. Katherine blushed again, obviously understanding his double meaning. He loved the delicious pink in her cheeks and was struck with an urgent desire to see where else he could make her blush.
    “Unfortunately, time is altogether fleeting, like so many other intangibles. Take affection, for example,” Katherine answered. Despite her obvious reaction to his inuendos, she was not going to make this easy.
    “True affection never fades,” Jessica said in a loud, obnoxious voice, anxiously pulling the attention back to her. “Don’t you agree, Your Grace?” This was a conversational trap he would rather not get stuck in.
    “Have you been enjoying your stroll?” he asked Mrs. Seymour, hoping to draw a referee into the conversation.
    Her aunt was about to answer when Katherine interrupted, “It was perfectly lovely