Engaged in Passion (A Bridal Favors Novella) by Jade Lee Read Free Book Online Page A

still thinking about this, desperately trying to find something to say when she shifted her hands. Instead of gripping her own fingers, she touched his, entwining their fingers together. And the heat of their connection nearly made him dizzy.
    "What did you mean, it's not my fault?" she asked. "What... why is it an impossible task?"
    He didn't speak at first, but the answers rolled by in his mind. It was an impossible task because everyone knew she was a cit trying to marry up. Because she had not the training that aristocratic girls did. And because her clothing was awful, making her appear shabby at best. But rather than address the first two, he took the coward's way out and focused on the easiest to change. "Who has the dressing of you?"
    She blinked, startled. "My mother. She has always picked my clothing. She says I have terrible taste."
    Anthony grimaced. How could normally intelligent people be so very blind? "I do the books for a shop. It's a small dressmaker's shop, but they are very, very good. The designer's name is Mrs. Mortimer. The shop is A Lady's Favor dress shop."
    "Mama says—"
    "Listen to me. Your current dresser is more interested in the money your mother spends. When was the last time she contradicted anything your mother suggested?"
    "Never. They are always of one mind."
    "Mrs. Mortimer will dress you as you should be dressed. Clothed to show your beauty, not hide it."
    "But Mama says this is the only way to—"
    He shook his head. "Francine, you must stop listening to what your parents say."
    She frowned at that. "I'm not sure—"
    "I am," he interrupted. "Buy a single dress from Mrs. Mortimer. Maybe two. See if you don't find a difference. Promise me."
    "Of course, but—"
    Whatever objection she had was drowned out by the sound of the mantel clock striking three. He looked up and cursed, then flushed. He should not have said that word in front of her. "I have to meet with your father. I am already late and—"
    "And he hates tardiness," she finished for him. Then she cursed with the exact same word he'd used. He gasped, then was oddly pleased. It took her a moment longer to understand his reaction, to realize what she had said.
    "Oh!" she gasped. "I beg—"
    "You cannot apologize now! Not after I said the exact same thing and didn't—"
    "And you didn't apologize!" she said, finishing his sentence. Then she giggled. It was a sweet chime of sound and he loved it. But then he saw the clock again and had to push to his feet.
    "I must go," he said.
    "I'll visit Mrs. Mortimer."
    "Good—"
    "And will I see you there?"
    He froze, thinking hard, wondering if he could arrange it. "I spend my days at your father's shop. I only work at A Lady's Favor after hours."
    "Oh. But you will be back on Friday, won't you? Back here?"
    He nodded." But with my father. And he is very strict."
    She nodded. "It doesn't matter. You'll find a way. And... and I shall have apple tarts for you!"
    He grinned. "Make plenty for my father. He can't resist your tarts."
    She nodded. And then she glanced at the clock. "Go! Go! You cannot afford to anger Papa."
    No, he really couldn't. But for a moment longer with her, he would risk it. He glanced behind him. The hallway was clear. If he was going to do it, it needed to be done now.
    He rushed forward, framed her face in his hands, and he kissed her. Swift. Deep. And not nearly long enough. Then he forced himself to pull back, inordinately pleased that her face was flushed and her eyes dazed.
    "Don't forget the tarts," he whispered.
    "I won't."
    "Apple tarts are my father's favorite," he said. "But I like cherries."
    "Cherry tarts," she said. "I'll remember."
    "Remember Mrs. Mortimer—"
    "A Lady's Favor. I know. Now go!"
    With a last final look, he left.

 
     
     
    Chapter 6

     
    "Papa? I brought you some biscuits. They're lemon. Your favorite, right?"
    Francine's father looked up and groaned in appreciation. He picked up the treat and bit into it, his eyes dropping to half-mast as he