Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness by Deb Marlowe Read Free Book Online

She knew something had passed between them as they danced.  It wasn’t the picture of bliss and utter contentment that those two made.
    “I don’t know how you can look at that and see anything but beauty.”  It emerged as a whisper.
    What she felt in his arms, standing next to him, it was different.  Tense and heated, full of energy and potential. 
    “I do see the beauty,” he answered, low.  “I only fear that it will not last.  And the consequences might be greater than mere heartbreak.”
    She looked up at him, drank in the soft lines around his eyes that did not match the hard set of his mouth.  “What will you do?”
    She waited, her heart full of fear and hope, while he considered his answer.
    At last he turned to her.  “You are convinced you’ve set them on the path to happiness.  I shall see if they can stay the course.”
     

 
    Chapter Five
     
    Felicity Carmichael tripped lightly down the stairs of her aunt’s lovely townhome.  Her heart took up a beat as lively as her feet as she caught sight of her suitor awaiting her in the entry hall.
    Her suitor .  The words had her flushing with happiness.  Her mother would call her forward, no doubt, but she knew.  With every fiber of her being, she knew.  There had been no doubt for either of them, not since the moment that he’d chased her tormentors away and turned to comfort her.
    But Peter looked worried.  She could scarcely bear to see him frown.  With a quick glance about to be sure that they were alone, she slipped close, took his hand and squeezed.
    Some of the worry smoothed from his brow and he squeezed her back.  “Are you ready for this?” he asked.  “The day is fine, which means the crowds will be large.”
    She nodded.  “What’s bothering you, Peter?” 
    He shrugged.
    “Is it Brodham?  Are you worried that he’ll interfere again?”
    He blew out a long sigh.  “He may.  Perhaps not.  He’s taken a step back since the ball.”  He reached for her other hand.  “Mostly, I just don’t wish for you to resent him, my sweet.  He only means to look out for me.”
    She smiled up at him.  “It hasn’t been so bad, has it?  Oh, my aunt has grumbled and I’m sure my mother won’t be happy.  But it’s nothing to us.  We both know that.  And in any case, how can I regard the viscount as anything as a friend when we both only wish for what’s best with you?”
    “You’re a darling,” he murmured.  “And Simon will see it soon enough.”
    A door slammed above and Felicity took a step back.  “Charlotte will be right down.”
    Peter straightened.  “Just in time.  The landeau is just pulling up.”  He offered her his arm.  “Shall we go out?”
     
    It had been easy to do.  Brodham had known it would take only minutes to throw Miss Baylis and her plans off course.
    It was her nape that had had him hesitating.  That long, slender column that he’d stared at as they danced.  It held a pulse that had fluttered in time to the beat of his own desire.
    And her mouth—it had given him pause too.  A font of wit and sass and defiance, but it had changed as the dance continued.  Softened.  Formed a perfect pink bow that begged to be kissed.
    The ball had ceased to be tedious or boring as soon as she’d appeared.
    It was a problem.
    As was his very physical reaction to her—and hers to him.
    But he owed Peter his first allegiance and attention.
    So he’d done it.  He’d bowed and taken his leave of Miss Baylis.  He’d crossed the ballroom as Peter led Miss Carmichael out to dance, and was waiting in her family group when they returned.  He’d spoken with her.  Laughed at something she said, and then begged her to dance with him as well.  When the set had finished he’d moved on, but only far enough to drop a few words of praise in just a few ears—the right ears.
    Before the hour had been through, the girl’s every dance had been claimed.  Between Peter’s interest and his