Let Love Find You by Johanna Lindsey Read Free Book Online Page A

asked when she came downstairs to join Ophelia and her maid, Sadie O’Donald, in the parlor, where they’d been waiting for her. “Am I dressed appropriately?”
    Both women stood up to put their coats back on. Amanda had brought a fur-trimmed pelisse with her, but kept it over her arm, not sure if she needed it. It was late autumn, but not quite cold enough yet for more than the heavier clothing and extra petticoats favored at that time of year. Amanda’s pale blue–and-white walking dress was made out of thick brocade, and the matching jacket that ended at her waist was likely all she’d need to keep warm.
    “You look perfect, m’dear, as always.” Ophelia hooked her arm through Amanda’s to lead her back to the foyer. “We’re going shopping. I thought you might like to get out of the house, and I need to pick out your brother’s birthday present.”
    “And you need my advice on what he might like?”
    “Actually, no. But come along, I’ll explain on the way.”
    Ophelia wasn’t quite sure how to broach the subject, or even if she should yet. She’d made a bold decision to hire Devin Baldwin to help Amanda, despite Rafe’s initial distrust of the man. In fact, she was acting against his wishes. She’d spoken to Rafe about it last night after the party, teasingly suggesting that Cupid might be able to figure out Amanda’s problem. Rafe had rejected the idea out of hand, said he wasn’t quite sure what to make of the man after talking to him, but until he could put his finger on why he still had misgivings, he’d rather Amanda not become acquainted with the chap for any reason.
    Ophelia didn’t always agree with her husband. This was definitely one of those times. After being intrigued by Cupid’s more modern approach to matchmaking last night, and having spoken with the couple he’d already helped and heard from them about some of his other successes, she’d been convinced that Cupid was just what Amanda needed.
    She’d never gone against Rafe’s wishes, though. But if this worked out as she hoped, then everyone would be happy, and Rafe didn’t even have to know that she’d played a part in it. But that was if Devin would even take the job. He might already have too many clients. He might simply not have the time, since his horse farm was apparently his first priority. She had to find that out first. So there was no point in jumping the gun and telling Amanda about it until the man had actually committed to helping her.
    “Shopping outside of London?” Amanda said when she noticed they were on a country road.
    “Yes, your brother mentioned a few months ago that his stallion is getting old, so I thought a new one would be a nice surprise for his birthday. And an actual horse farm will have a good selection to choose from. But I invited you along because, honestly, m’dear, I know you don’t like to ride and why, but don’t you think it’s time you gave it a try again? We could get you a mount today, too.”
    “No,” Amanda said immediately.
    “But it’s such fun and a very social activity, too, you know. And riding in one of the parks while you’re staying in town, there’s no telling who you might meet. It will also give you something to do during the day, since you discourage your young beaus from calling on you at Julie’s—do you still discourage them? Or was that just last year?”
    Amanda rolled her eyes. “I see too much of them as it is, when none of them really interest me.” Then she grinned. “And Aunt Julie is such a perfect excuse to use. Once they’ve met her, they readily believe that she doesn’t like men cluttering up her parlor. The ladies still call, of course, but that doesn’t take up all morning and afternoon.”
    “No, of course not,” Ophelia agreed. “Which is why I thought you might want to try riding again. It would be a good way to fill in some of those idle hours.”
    Amanda actually bit her lip for a moment. “I am hoping to find something