My Lady Mischief by Kathy Carmichael Read Free Book Online Page B

gentleman dropped her hand to tick points off on his fingers, Hart could see Thea's shocked expression. "Emma is a most suitable girl. She is sweet and compliant. Our match is all I could wish for. Her portion coupled with my own will set us up in comfort, though not luxury. She will be a good and useful farmer's wife. I am fortunate she will have me."
    Hart grinned. She'd expected lovemaking and instead was getting a lesson. Whatever could she see in such a dolt?
    Thea grabbed the dolt's arms and shook them. "Oh, Charles, I'm so unhappy. Papa said I would be a dreadful farmer's wife but there is nothing I wish more to be. I've always believed we had an understanding."
    "I hope you can forgive me, Thea. I never meant to lead you on. My heart lies heavy in my bosom over my actions this day. My decision was forced upon me and I hope that someday you'll find it in your too-generous heart to forgive me. It is not within my power to support you in the proper manner, in the comfort and consequence you now enjoy. Therefore, I cannot ask that you be my wife."
    "Comfort, luxury, consequence!" Thea stormed. "I've heard enough of those words from you and Papa. Can't you see that I have such regard for you?" She threw her arms about his neck and it was all Hart could do to keep himself from separating them. He was surprised by his reaction but Fossbinder had no business being out here with Lady Althea, not since his betrothal had been announced just this evening.
    Fossbinder stepped out of her embrace, saving his hide, for Hart would have happily injured him otherwise.
    "Wish me happy. And accept my sincerest apologies, Thea. Though it breaks my heart, we must behave with honor," commanded Fossbinder. Hart clenched his fists.
    "I wish you happy, Charles," Thea whispered. "You and Emma."
    As the object of Thea's affection silently slipped through the large glass doors back into the house, Hart saw a single tear waver at the corner of her eye. Perhaps he would damage the bounder after all.
    He stepped forward to join her, wanting to offer sympathy. The clouds lifted and clear moonlight illuminated her features.
    She dabbed at her eyes. "Have I to add eavesdropping to the list of misdeeds of the dastardly marquess?"
    "It's possible. However, the list is quite extensive already." He intently examined her face. "Is that what you call me? The dastardly marquess?"
    Thea's only answer was a shrug and a languorous smile.
    "Why am I not surprised?" Hart asked and shook his head. "I thought you might be needing some tea." He indicated the cups in his hands, then gave her one and watched with raised brows as she drained the glass. "Do you mind my company, Thea?"
    The beverage seemed to lift her mood somewhat, but she appeared either unable or disinclined to speak. Hart emptied his own cup then took hers and placed it upon a stone balustrade.
    The spinet's soft refrains could be heard but Miss Rawlings was no longer singing. The night was balmy and a gentle wind nipped at the hem of Lady Althea's gown. Stars twinkled mysteriously and the beautiful three-quarter moon shone down upon them. The chirp of crickets accentuated the melodies of Miss Mimms' waltz. Thea swayed softly to the music.
    Taking this as a cue, Hart took her hand in his and settled his other hand against her back. She shivered at his touch but allowed him to draw her into the dance.
    Thea's skin glowed with a pearl-like hue. Hart felt his mouth go dry. He dampened his lips and swallowed. Her hand was petal-soft against his own. A desire to kiss her seized him.
    He stopped dancing and pulled her a step closer, completely into his arms. Framing her face with his hands, he used his thumbs to tilt her chin upwards. He slowly lowered his lips to meet hers. "Now, Thea, my reward."
    He was astounded. When he'd seen Thea in Fossbinder's arms, he'd felt angry and disillusioned. Yet now, he felt possessive of her, as if she was his responsibility to look after. The fact was, she confused him.