Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney Read Free Book Online

fortunate that it’s the little season. The social round is less frenetic than the spring season, but there are enough entertainments of different sorts for you to meet people easily,” Julia said. “If it becomes known that the Duchess of Ashton will accompany you, invitations will pour in.”
    â€œYou’re just as desirable a guest, Julia!” Mariah said. “We can attend as many events as you wish, Jessie. What kind might you particularly enjoy?”
    Jessie blinked, surprised at how simple this was. “Anything with music. Lectures. I prefer small gatherings with good conversation, not great crushes.”
    â€œThe sort that are acceptable for a woman in mourning,” Julia said with a nod. “Those are my preference also.”
    â€œI’ll need a suitable wardrobe,” Jessie said as she ruefully indicated the gown she wore, which had never been fashionable and had been hastily dyed black after Philip’s death. “Black mourning garments that are subtly alluring without being vulgar. Can you suggest a modiste?”
    â€œOh, yes!” Mariah chuckled. “This will be such fun. With your dark hair and fair skin, you look splendid in black. You will have your choice of kind, rich, older men with influence.”
    â€œOne will do!” Jessie said as she returned the smile. A knot of tension began to unwind inside her. She had allies, women with power as well as understanding.
    Even more, she thought, she now had friends.

Chapter 6
    D aniel’s brows arched as their carriage joined a line of coaches waiting to discharge passengers at the Mayfair townhouse. “Are you sure this rout is necessary?”
    His sister laughed. “An hour spent here will simplify your life later. You’ll have a chance to be seen and to meet others. Once it’s known that you’re an eligible lord, you’ll be receiving invitations to every fashionable function in town.”
    â€œKirkland warned me about that,” Daniel said dourly as their carriage stopped in front of the townhouse. A footman opened the door and flipped down the steps. “I’m beginning to wish I’d refused Kirkland’s excellent tailor and worn my unfashionable Bristol attire instead. Looking shabby might give some of the huntresses pause.”
    â€œSince you’re titled and eligible, you could wear untanned bear skins and be considered delightfully original rather than unsuitable,” Laurel said with amusement. “James and I will defend you if necessary, but I’ve seldom seen you lose your composure under any circumstances.”
    â€œYou don’t want to look shabby and provincial,” Kirkland remarked. “Superb tailoring is a kind of armor because people see your surface, not the real you. Better to appear worldly and formidable rather than vulnerable.”
    Intrigued, Daniel asked, “Is that why you’re always so impeccably turned out? Yes, of course it is. You’re hiding in plain sight.”
    â€œAnd very effective it is.” Kirkland climbed from the carriage, then turned to assist Laurel, who was graceful in a flowing green silk gown that only hinted at her pregnancy.
    â€œI’ve learned to do the same,” Laurel said seriously. “If I dress like a countess, few people will look more closely. Tonight you look intimidatingly grand and rather unapproachable. Not like easy prey.”
    Daniel’s mouth twisted ruefully as he joined them at the entrance to the house. “You’re making me feel like a sheep being tossed into the middle of a wolf pack.”
    â€œIf so, you’re a sheep with well-developed defenses,” his sister said with a smile. “But it won’t be that bad. You can eliminate the misses just out of the schoolroom right away since most would bore you senseless. But you’ll meet young women who are more mature. Or you might find a suitable widow who knows more of the