Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden Read Free Book Online Page B

compliment, Mr. Peterbrook,” Persephone observed in a tone that was not at all complimentary.
    “I have often been told so,” Mr. Peterbrook replied, his smile never slipping.
    “Knowing your penchant for maintaining a flawless appearance,” Harry entered the conversation for the first time in some minutes, “I feel it imperative that I inform you that you seem to have acquired a small dollop of some sauce or another on your cuff.”
    A look of horror passed over Mr. Peterbrook’s face as he searched his cuff and found the offending spot. With speed that bordered on incivility, Mr. Peterbrook rose, offered the expected bows, and excused himself.
    After a moment of stunned silence had passed, Persephone spoke. “Adam will be so pleased to know he is considered ‘well-togged.’”
    Her tone was perfectly serious, but Athena and Harry both laughed out loud. Adam could care less what any person thought of his clothing.
    “Come to think of it, though, I had best not mention the rest of Mr. Peterbrook’s evaluation to my tempestuous husband,” Persephone added. “He is not likely to appreciate being told he could never be considered handsome, however untrue such an evaluation might be.”
    “It is, apparently, entirely true in Mr. Peterbrook’s estimable opinion,” Harry replied.
    “Estimable?” Athena objected, though she kept her voice too low to carry beyond their small group. “I do not care how well his tailor turns him out, I do not place any confidence in that man’s evaluation of any person. Mr. Peterbrook is without a doubt the most shallow, self-absorbed individual I have ever had the misfortune to meet.”
    “Am I to assume he will not be in the running for your hand, Athena?” Harry asked, leaning closer to her and speaking so softly she could barely make out his words.
    “How could you think otherwise?” Athena replied, matching his volume.
    “He is a gentleman, I assure you, and entirely eligible. And, you must admit, has the ability to hold up his end of a conversation. He is also not overly somber.” Harry shrugged slightly. “Those were, I understood, your only specific requirements in a suitor.”
    “Well, you may add ‘some depth of character’ and ‘a healthy dose of humility’ to that list, Mr. Windover,” Athena answered, pursing her lips. Drat the man, he was practically forcing an unromantic list-making on her.
    “Mr. Windover?” Harry repeated. “Are you upset with me?”
    She sighed. “No. I simply find I do not very much care for your friends,” Athena answered, thinking of Mr. Howard as well as Mr. Peterbrook.
    “Howard and Peterbrook are more acquaintances than friends,” Harry said as if reading her thoughts. “Of course, if you would prefer I not introduce you to the gentlemen I know . . .”
    “No,” Athena reassured him. How was she ever to find the man of her dreams if she never met anyone? “I appreciate your helping Adam and Persephone with my Season, truly I do.”
    “It is my pleasure,” he replied, but something in his tone sounded almost regretful.
    “Dare I hope you will eventually introduce me to a gentleman who doesn’t have a glaringly lacking character?”
    His reply sounded almost like “Don’t hold your breath.” But such a response would not make sense, so Athena dismissed the possibility.
    A gentleman who is eligible, conversant, lighthearted, possessing some depth of character, and who is not self-absorbed and conceited. Surely that was not too much to ask for. The romantic in her still objected to the cold and calculating nature of a list, but Athena’s logical side was finding it remarkably beneficial.

Chapter 6
    Harry was whistling as he walked into Adam’s book room. Adam hated when Harry whistled. And though it was difficult to do so while fighting a grin, Harry took the opportunity to whistle a jaunty tune once in a while when Adam was certain to overhear.
    Adam was rolling his eyes as Harry dropped into his usual wingback