Miss Merton's Last Hope by Heather Boyd Read Free Book Online Page B

many times she’d longed for someone to talk to. She leaned toward him, hoping she hadn’t misunderstood his kindness. “This morning, I happened upon her before she’d left her bedchamber and had to insist she change her appearance. She’d pulled all her hair back and wore the most modest gown she owned. I am sure my brother would not have liked to see her that way.”
    He glanced toward the door. “She believes she must imitate you?”
    “I had hoped I had imagined it, but after this morning, I do not doubt.” Melanie pressed her hands together at her waist. “I don’t know how to reassure her that the way she has always appeared is best. Perhaps your sister could visit more often and lend her voice as well. Since the marriage, Julia has not been herself. I fear my father’s criticisms have been taken too much to heart.”
    “Keep doing what you’re doing, but I will have a quiet word to Imogen about your fears.” He smiled. “I am glad she listened to you this morning. She did look lovely, as do you.”
    “Thank you,” she said, but her heart fluttered. She’d been complimented for her looks all her life, but this was the first time in a very long time she felt certain the compliment was offered with no hidden motive. “You’re very kind.”
    “As are you. You stepped aside very graciously when your brother married.”
    “It was only right. Julia is his wife and this is her home now.”
    “It cannot be easy.” He turned and leaned his shoulder against the wall, facing her. “You must be very frustrated.”
    She stared at him. “How could you suggest that?”
    “I have been acquainted with you for over fifteen years, and you do like to be busy and do things your way.” He smiled. “That was a compliment, in case you were not certain of my intent. I have a high regard for women who know their own minds.”
    His gaze dropped and her breath caught. Why was he looking at her mouth? “Thank you,” she managed to choke out.
    “Dance with me again,” he whispered.
    He held out one hand and even as she slipped her palm over his instinctively, she wondered why she would do it. There was no music. Her hand rose to his shoulder as he wrapped one arm around her waist. Her breath caught as he tugged her closer, forcing her to look at him.
    He held her gaze a moment longer than comfortable—and when he bent his head and brushed his lips across hers, Melanie was utterly surprised. And not just by the kiss, but by the fact that it was Walter George delivering it.
    He’d tricked her!
    Unfortunately, she couldn’t make herself move away from him.
    She stood frozen in place, her feet rooted to the spot, her lips molding to his.
    His kiss deepened to one of gentle exploration. Their lips clung and she couldn’t stop the sound that escaped her control.
    He drew back, searching her face. A question lingering in his gaze that she had no answer to. She didn’t know what he was doing; she didn’t know what she was thinking to allow it either.
    He cupped her face and brushed his thumb over her cheekbone. His touch was soothing, unhurried, reminding her of his gentleness of the day before.
    His other hand firmed across the curve of her back and he sighed softly.
    She blushed and glanced down at his chest. She’d rarely allowed a suitor such liberties, for good reason, and Walter was not one of those—never a suitor. In fact, she should stop him before he regretted his actions. She lifted her face to ask for release just as he pulled her against his body and sought her lips again for another kiss.
    The kiss was deeper, overpowering, and Melanie clung to him for balance, swept away by an experience unlike any other.
    She had allowed a kiss or two from one prior suitor but hadn’t particularly cared for the experience of being pawed at. But with Walter, she felt no fear, only familiarity. His tongue danced across her parted lips and she whimpered at the unexpected sensation.
    She pushed at his chest firmly, at