Miss Frazer's Adventure by Alexandra Ivy Read Free Book Online Page B

as his brows rose in disbelief, she gave a small shrug. “I am pleasantly giddy.”
    â€œYou are pleasantly cast to the wind,” Luce retorted, rising to his feet so he could scoop her from the paisley rug and carry her to the adjoining chamber complete with a wide bed. Concentrating his anger toward the letch that had obviously seduced Kate into indulging far too freely, he somehow managed to pretend the feel of her soft feminine form pressed against his body was not stirring to life things better left unstirred. He laid her upon the mattress, then perched on the edge of the bed, careful to keep his gaze upon her flushed face. “What the devil was that idiot thinking to allow you to get in this condition?”
    â€œMy condition has nothing to do with Lord Thorpe.”
    â€œFah. I do not doubt that he did this on purpose. Gentlemen such as your precious Lord Thorpe will do whatever is necessary to take advantage of a woman. Thank God you had enough sense to send him on his way.”
    â€œBut I did not.”
    Luce stilled at her stunning confession. “What?”
    â€œI did not send him on his way. I asked him to escort me to my door.” Sinking deeper into the pillows, Kate allowed her heavy lashes to lower to her cheeks. “He walked me to the stairs, but he would not come a step further. He said that he could not take advantage of me. I wonder if he was just lying to protect my pride?”
    Luce flinched as if he had just been kicked in the stomach by a very large, very angry mule.
    â€œYou asked him to escort you to your door?”
    â€œMmm.”
    â€œAre you in love with him?” he demanded harshly.
    She gave a small giggle, clearly unaware of what she was saying or doing.
    â€œOf course not. Although he is very, very charming. And beautiful. And a perfect gentleman.”
    Luce studied the relaxed features, wondering where his timid, biddable bride had disappeared to. Despite his undoubted male approval of her transformation, he discovered that he missed the maiden who had stirred his heart with her sweet innocence.
    â€œKate, tell me why you are in London,” he prompted softly.
    â€œI wish to enjoy myself,” she muttered. “And why should I not? Other ladies do.”
    â€œYou are not other ladies. You are an innocent maiden who should be in the care of your father. Or preferably, your husband. This foolishness might very well destroy your future.”
    â€œWhat future? Married to a gentleman who desires me only for my wealth? Or better yet, the dutiful daughter growing into a bitter old spinster? Quite something to envy, is it not?”
    He frowned at her sharp tone. “Is that what you believe?”
    â€œWhat else could I believe?” she demanded. “For four and twenty years I have been tedious, starchy Miss Frazer. The woman who always followed the rules of others, who never took a risk, who never had an adventure in her entire dull life. Well, no more. I am going to do all the things I have ever wanted to do.”
    â€œAnd what is it you want to do?”
    â€œI am going to be just like my mother. Well, perhaps not precisely like her,” she amended. “But at least I intend to do more than watch the mold grow in the country.”
    â€œYour mother?” Luce frowned at the absurd words. “What the devil does that mean?”
    â€œYou know . . .” She lowered her voice to a husky whisper. “The Jezebel.”
    â€œJezebel?”
    â€œThat is what Father calls her. You see, she ran off with a handsome Frenchman. A terrible scandal, of course, although no one is allowed to discuss it. And I have her blood. Bad blood. Wicked blood that must not be tempted. Oh no. No temptation for Miss Frazer.”
    Luce’s heart came to a halt. He had heard the old gossip. But somehow he had not fully realized how such an ancient scandal would have affected Kate. Certainly, he could never have suspected that she