Jacquie D'Alessandro - [Regency Historical 04] by Not Quite A Gentleman Read Free Book Online Page A

worked its way into her heart before she’d squashed it like a bug. If he had hurts, he no doubt deserved them. And as for secrets, well, that was fine. She had some secrets of her own.
    She looked up and was once again treated to the sight of Dr. Oliver’s backside. Left, right, left, right, flex, flex…heavens, how many steps were there? She yanked her gaze away from his far too fascinating bottom and noted with relief that only five steps remained. When he reached the top, Dr. Oliver turned and paused, clearly waiting for Aunt Delia, who was maneuvering the stairs at a slower pace. Victoria stopped as well, and was disconcerted to find herself standing no more than three feet away from him. And the fact that she was disconcerted only added to her irritation. How was it that despite his dishevelment she couldn’t seem to pull her gaze from him? Certainly if she were dirty, rumpled, and smelled like she’d cavorted in the barn no one would mistake her for attractive.
    “Are you all right, Lady Victoria?” he asked. “You look flushed.”
    She gifted him with one of the cool, detached looks she’d diligently practiced in the cheval glass for just this occasion. “I’m fine, Dr. Oliver.”
    “I hope climbing the stairs wasn’t too taxing for you.” The corner of his mouth twitched, and she realized he was making sport of her. Obviously believed she was nothing more than a hothouse flower. Arrogant beast.
    “Certainly not. I’m perfectly fit. Indeed, I daresay I could sprint up these steps without losing my breath.” Shefought the urge to clap her hand over her mouth. Damnation, she’d meant to say nothing more than certainly not .
    He cocked a single dark brow and appeared wholly amused. “A feat I look forward to witnessing, my lady.”
    “I was speaking metaphorically, Dr. Oliver. As I cannot imagine a scenario that would lead me to sprint anywhere, let alone up the stairs, I fear you shall witness no such thing.”
    “You might sprint if you were being pursued.”
    “By whom? The devil himself?”
    “Perhaps. Or perhaps an ardent admirer.”
    She laughed, and mentally applauded the carefree sound. “None of my admirers would act in such an undignified, ungentlemanly manner. But even if, for some bizarre reason, they should, I’m confident I could outrun them, as I’m very agile and fleet of foot.”
    “What if you didn’t wish to?”
    “Didn’t wish to what?”
    “Outrun him?”
    “Well, then, I suppose I would be—”
    “Caught?”
    Victoria stilled at the intense expression in his eyes, which was at complete odds with his lighthearted tone. She pressed her lips together to stem the torrent of nervous words that pooled in her throat and noted how his gaze flicked to her mouth. Heat snaked through her and she had to swallow to find her voice. “Caught,” she agreed, thankful her voice was steady. “But not captured.”
    “Indeed? That almost sounds like a challenge.”
    Triumph rippled through her. Tantalize him with a challenge …Excellent! The first step of her plan was already in motion, and she’d only just arrived. At this rate she would accomplish her goal in record time. Why, she mighteven make it back to London before the Little Season ended.
    Lifting her chin a notch, she said, “You may take it however you wish, Dr. Oliver.”
    Whatever he might have replied was silenced by Aunt Delia’s arrival. “This way, ladies,” he murmured, leading them to the door.
    You may lead me into the house, Dr. Oliver, but rest assured, ’tis I who intend to lead you on a merry chase. Then blithely walk away, as you did three years ago .

Four
    Today’s Modern Woman must rebel against the notion that a lady should conceal her intelligence from men. Embrace knowledge and strive to learn something new every day. Rejoice in your intelligence, do not keep it a secret. Only a foolish man would desire a foolish woman .
    A Ladies’ Guide to the Pursuit of
Personal Happiness and Intimate