Secret Valentine by Katy Madison Read Free Book Online Page B

these done,
too?"
    Cecelia swallowed hard. She noticed the
heart-in-hands theme seemed especially popular. Her heart started
to flutter. "They won't be exactly alike."
    "I tell 'em no two are zactly alike."
The shopkeeper's serious mien broke and he gave her a wicked smile
and a wink. Was he the one sending her valentines back to her?
    She hadn't considered him before. He was,
well, not old, perhaps in his thirties with dark hair styled like a
gentleman's. He was attractive in a slick, dark way. But she could
only see him being romantic when it served to gain him something.
She blinked.
    "You can do it, can't you?"
    It was as much a goad as a challenge. She
wasn't sure if she could do it, but, oh, she wanted to try. The
idea left her breathless with fear and tingling with nervous
excitement. "I may have a footman make my deliveries over the next
few days, then."
    "And the money, miss?"
    "I'll be round for it, eventually."
    "Good 'nuf, Miss." He touched his forehead.
"Never thought when you first came round, things could be so
good."
    "Me either." A shadow passed over her
excitement. She had done so well that there wasn't any doubt she
had raised enough money to live modestly on her own. Her dependence
on Devin would end soon. In spite of his recent bearishness, that
thought made her sad.
     
     

Chapter Five
    Cecelia returned home to find a calling card
with the corner turned down waiting for her. She checked the name.
Her spotty friend from last year. How odd. He had never called on
her last season.
    Of course, he had been young, younger than
her and as green to town as she was. But they had grown friendly.
Yet, his calling on her at her guardian's house would signify a
seriousness turn in their friendship. Was he now looking for a
wife? Could he possibly be considering her?
    Cecelia tapped the card against her lips.
Really, he was a nice boy, but he hadn't stirred more than fondness
in her. With Devin around how could any suitable man compare
favorably?
    Still if her spotty friend had such a keen
romantic streak, perhaps she should at least stop thinking of him
as spotty.
    * * *
    "How much of this would one need for a lady's
riding habit?" Devin asked the shop girl.
    "Would depend on how large the lady is,
milord."
    "Slender like you. Give me what you think you
would need plus a couple of yards in case I'm wrong."
    The shop girl gave him an amused smile.
Without thinking much, he grinned back. But if she was hoping he
would be back come closing time, she was mistaken. There was only
one woman's favors he wanted these days, and she was oblivious to
him. Well not quite oblivious, but so naive she didn't understand
his frustration.
    The shop girl handed him the brown velvet
tied in tissue. Chocolate brown they had called it. He had picked
it because it reminded him of Cecelia's eyes. Dark, rich,
velvety—damn he wanted her. The valentine cards here weren't as
nice as at the other shop, but he was running late. And he still
needed to compose a message on the back.
    He returned to the quarters his solicitor had
found for him just off Bond Street.
    "I need a pen and ink, if you would be so
kind," he said to his valet, who had to double as a footman in his
rented rooms. At least he didn't have to cook as they both returned
to his town house for meals.
    Devin shrugged out of his coat and rolled
back his sleeves.
    His valet set the requested items down on the
writing desk. "That's not one of..."
    Devin looked at his man. "Not what?"
    "Not like the others, milord." He picked up
Devin's jacket and brushed the sleeves as if the care of his
master's clothes were the most engrossing task in the world. Of
course he was well paid to care about Devin's clothing.
    "I know it's not as nice, but I didn't have
time to go to the other shop." Devin picked up the pen, dipped it
in the ink and hesitated. Hell, he had to get it done. Just write
something, he told himself. He could only hope the cards and gifts
were working, because he wasn't making