The Bartered Virgin by Chevon Gael Read Free Book Online

the insult well, but considered it a step in the right direction.
    “Lord Wolshingham, would you care to accompany me through the garden? We have the loveliest display of Chinese paper lanterns. They are all the rage here.” She couldn’t resist adding her own barb. “Such a change, I’m sure, from the dreary countryside.”
    He rose and extended his arm to help her to her feet. “My dear Miss Percy, nothing would give me more pleasure.”
    Winn looked into that implacable face. For the first time she saw a glint of some emotion in his eyes. A lump began to form between her breasts, a slight tremor in her hands as she took his elbow. Touching him so close for the first time, she noticed how warm his clothes were, how strong he felt. A pleasant scent of spice radiated from him. She swallowed hard past her dry throat.
    He did have a striking profile, his chin jutting confidently—or was it arrogantly? His nose was straight and not too large. His black hair was brushed neatly off his high forehead and not too long at the collar. And, tonight at least, he was lacking the sallow complexion she vaguely remembered. For all his stiff, genteel manners, there was an air of earthiness about David that was absent in most of the city men of her acquaintance. Perhaps life in the English countryside had improved his constitution, if not his personality.
    Winn led him to the morning room and through the double doors with their multiple panes of frosted glass. The housemaids had already lit the lanterns and placed them strategically to show off the statues and arbors.
    “Mother has the loveliest wisteria at the back of the garden. We can sit on the marble bench and admire it.”
    He said nothing, regarding her with a bland smile and a curt nod.
    Once seated, Winn tried to compose herself while smiling pleasantly and absently conversing about the weather. David sat across from her and stared hard. It was most disconcerting. Finally, she had run out of things to say. It was time to act improper.
    “Hey, fella. How ’bout a cig?”
    David scowled, creating neat lines on his forehead. “The game is afoot, Miss Percy. I’ve no time to watch you act like a pretentious, spoiled brat.”
    Winn leaned back on her bench. “I beg your pardon, sir?”
    “No, you shall not.” He stood and began to pace in front of her. He blocked what little light the lanterns cast, making him appear menacing. “Just what the hell were you trying to do in there?” he demanded.
    “You swore at me!”
    “I’m quite sure you can come back with a few choice words of your own.”
    “Bastard!” she blurted out without thinking.
    “Very nearly. Come, my darling bride-to-be, a bit of your true nature, please. Anything else I should know of besides your penchant for erotic literature?”
    Winn stood up now, thoroughly riled yet thrilled to finally have the opportunity to show him up. She lifted the hem of her gown and placed her slippered foot on the bench. Raising both gown and slips to her knee she retrieved two cigarettes and a book of matches from her garter. She boldly lit one and paraded in front of him, sashaying from side to side and blowing smoke in his face.
    She had forgotten her chewing gum but decided that a chorus or two of a raucous tune she’d heard at the Coney Island beer parlor was a suitable substitute.
    “Have you seen Bessie in a Bustle? She’s got a figure like Lillian Russell…”
    “Winnifred, stop that and sit down!”
    His tone was officious and she ignored it. She puckered her lips and tilted her head back. “How ’bout a kiss, fella? I’m a red-hot tomato ready to be picked.” Winn hoped she’d said it the way Kitty taught her. When no kiss was forthcoming, she tried again.
    “Watcha’ say, mac?” she snapped, trying to sound like a streetcar driver. “My virtue is easy, just say the word.”
    David planted himself in front of her, barricading her path and effectively cornering her.
    “The word is that you have a