It Happened One Christmas by Kaitlin O'Riley Read Free Book Online Page A

the government and politics and the new reform act. Schooling is not compulsory and these children will choose earning a living to sitting in a schoolroom any day. I’d like to have schooling in this neighborhood because it is of the utmost importance. This undertaking requires a great deal of influence and money. However, I hope to make some changes in that arena someday as well. That is the second stage of my plan, to take on a role in the government. But first we have to get the houses financed before we can move forward.”
    â€œAre you having any success with your venture?” she asked.
    â€œWell, that’s taking some time. Most people feel that the poor don’t deserve new houses. As you so eloquently said, most people believe being poor is their own fault. At the moment I’m looking for investors to help finance the actual building of the houses. Which is why I was visiting your brother-in-law when I ran into you yesterday.”
    This was most interesting. Lisette had not had an opportunity to ask Lucien about Mr. Roxbury before she left for the station that day. She would make a point to inquire about him as soon as she returned. “What did Lord Waverly say about your idea? Did he agree to contribute?”
    â€œYou know your brother-in-law better than I do,” Quinton countered with a charming grin that sent another wild thrill through her. “What do you think he said?”
    Lisette pondered for a moment, thinking of the man who was now more or less the head of her family. When Lucien Sinclair married Colette, he had welcomed all four of her sisters into his home without a moment’s hesitation. Lisette had grown to love him as her true brother. “Lucien is a fair man, a good man, but he is not one to rush into matters. Did he tell you he would have to think it over for a few days?”
    â€œThat was exactly what he said!” Quinton exclaimed with a laugh. “You do know him well.”
    A crazy feeling of delight that she had pleased him washed over her.
    â€œSo, Miss Hamilton, when I see Lord Waverly again next week, what do you think his answer will be?”
    She did not hesitate. “I think he will want to help your cause, Mr. Roxbury.”
    â€œThat reassures me greatly.” He leaned closer to her. “Could I also presume to count on your sweet nature to whisper a good word in his ear for me and my cause?”
    Her heart raced at his proximity. The masculinity that emanated from him threatened to overwhelm her. She fought against a strong desire to reach out and touch his face, to run her fingertips along the edge of his clean-shaven jaw, wondering what it would feel like. “Well, since it is for a good cause, and not simply for your personal gain”—she paused for dramatic effect—“I might be persuaded to assist you.”
    He raised his brows, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Might?”
    â€œYes, I might. I shall have to think about it.” She was flirting with the man. Lisette was not a flirt! Yet she could not help herself. Indeed, she did not feel like herself at all.
    â€œAh . . .” Quinton tilted his head toward her. “So you leave me to wonder . . . How might I best persuade the lovely Miss Hamilton to do my bidding?”
    He was flirting back and her heart leapt to her mouth. “Well, Mr. Roxbury, you should know that I am not a woman who is easily persuaded.”
    â€œIs that a challenge?” He leaned even closer to her, his blue eyes gleaming.
    â€œPerhaps,” she whispered, slightly breathless.
    He inched a bit closer to her. “Then I suppose I have no recourse but to wait upon your good favor then.”
    Close enough to touch him now, she could not help smiling at his response. “Yes, you shall.”
    He regarded her with a steady gaze as if considering whether to continue their flirtatious conversation. “How long will you be staying in