Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas Read Free Book Online

her…she had read many of these, stories of privileged people that detailed their extravagant lifestyles, their romances, the clothes and jewels they wore. However, Amanda knew so little about the upper class that she couldn’t have written a silver-fork novel if her life depended on it. Instead, she wrote about country people, workingmen and clergy, officers and rural squires. Fortunately, her stories seemed to resonate with readers, and the sales of her books were brisk.
    A week after her birthday, Amanda accepted an invitation to attend a supper-party at the home of Mr. Thaddeus Talbot, a lawyer who handled negotiations and legal questions for authors. Amanda found him to be the most cheerfully self-indulgent person she had ever known. He spent, drank, and smoked to excess, gambled and went skirt-chasing, and generally seemed to have a wonderful time. His supper-parties were always heavily attended, as guests were always assured of huge platters of food, copiously flowing wine, and a jovial atmosphere.
    â€œI’m glad yer going out this fine night, Miss Amanda,” Sukey, her maid, commented as Amanda checked her appearance in the entrance hall looking glass. The middle-aged woman, with her small, elfin build and lively nature, had served in the employ of the Briars family for years. “‘Tis a wonder ye didn’t come down with the megrims after all the writing ye’ve done this week.”
    â€œI had to finish my novel,” Amanda replied with a slight smile. “I didn’t dare show my face anywhere, in case Mr. Sheffield should hear reports of my gallivanting about town while there was work to be done.”
    Sukey snorted in amusement at the mention of Amanda’s publisher, a dour and serious-minded man who constantly worried that his small stable of writers would get caught up in London’s social whirl and neglect their writing. Truth be told, it was a valid concern. With all the amusements the city offered, it would be quite easy to forget one’s obligations.
    Glancing at the long, narrow window by the doorway and noting the icy frost that clung to the glass panes, Amanda shivered and gazed forlornly toward her cozy parlor. Suddenly she longed to put on one of her comfortable old gowns and spend the evening reading by the fire. “It looks horribly cold outside,” she commented.
    Sukey hurried to fetch her mistress’s black velvet evening cloak, her animated chatter filling the tiny entrance hall. “Never ye mind the cold, Miss Amanda. There’s time enough for ye to spend yer days and nights before the hearth when ye’re too old and frail to stand the winter breeze. These are the days when ye must make merry with yer friends. What’s a bit of a chill?…I’ll have coals in the warming pan and a glass of hot brandy-milk waiting fer ye on yer return.”
    â€œYes, Sukey,” Amanda replied dutifully, smiling at the maid.
    â€œAnd, Miss Amanda,” the maid dared to instruct her, “ye might try to curb yer tongue a bit when ye’re around the gentlemen. Just flatter them, and smile, and mayhap look as though ye agree with all their gabbing about politics and such—”
    â€œSukey,” Amanda interrupted wryly, “you’re not still harboring hopes that I’ll marry someday, are you?”
    â€œIt could happen, sure enow,” the maid insisted.
    â€œI’m not going to the supper-party for any reason other than the need for companionship and conversation,” Amanda informed her. “Certainly not for husband-hunting!”
    â€œAye, but ye do look fine tonight.” Sukey’s approving glance swept over Amanda’s black evening dress, made of shimmering crinkled silk that had been cut very low across the bosom and fitted tightly to her voluptuous shape. Rows of glittering jet beads adorned the bodice and long sleeves, while her gloves and shoes were of soft black chamois leather. It