The Demure Debutante - a Regency Novella by Caylen McQueen Read Free Book Online Page A

it away.
    “My hat!” she gasped. She started to chase after it, but the hat went too far too quickly. The wind carried it a great distance before finally depositing it on a red fern.
    “I'll retrieve it for you, Miss Harcourt. Wait here.”
    Emilia stood beside her mother as Arthur rushed away. When she looked down at Augusta, her mother was grimacing and biting her knuckle, as if in pain.
    “What's wrong, Mama? Are you hurt?”
    “No. But that man is painstakingly handsome!” Augusta exclaimed. “It almost hurts to look at him. Do you think you could marry him? I bet you would have beautiful offspring.”
    “Mama! You're terrible!”
    “If he looks that good in his inexpressibles, imagine what he might look like in his unmentionables!”
    Despite the biting wind, Emilia could feel her cheeks getting warm. She could not believe her mother was sharing her thought about Arthur and his amazing breeches. “Mama, have you no scruples whatsoever?! I cannot believe you would have this discussion with your daughter!”
    “Oh, pish tosh,” her mother said dismissively. “You mean to say your eyes haven't wandered to his hindquarters? You shouldn't lie, dear.”
    When Arthur returned with her hat, he was smiling innocently, which could only mean he had no knowledge of the ladies' scandalous conversation. If he happened to hear any of their discussion, Emilia thought she might die from embarrassment.
    Arthur handed Emilia her hat and returned to Augusta's Bath chair. He steered her into the shade of a large tree, where they would have shelter from the wind. Augusta had three books in her lap, which she passed to her young companions. Augusta kept one of the books, donned her spectacles, and started to read. After scanning the first sentence, she declared, “Well, this is pleasant!”
    Emilia sunk to the ground and opened her book. “What, Mama?”
    “This is pleasant !” her mother raised her voice as she repeated her statement. “The breeze, the shade, the company. I couldn't ask for a better day!”
    Arthur sat next to Emilia—perhaps a bit too close, because their knees were nearly touching. “I am glad you're enjoying yourself, Mrs. Harcourt.”
    Augusta reached for Arthur and patted his head. “Please, dear, call me Augusta.”
    “Very well, Augusta,” Arthur said, displaying a smile that secretly melted both ladies' hearts.
    Emilia started to read, but for the first several minutes, she could barely concentrate on the words. As always, Arthur's close proximity had a muddling effect on her. She could see him in the corner of her eye, and he was close. Too close. She could feel her pulse quickening every time she glanced in his direction. However, his attention was fully focused on his book. If only he knew what effect he had on her!
    After gathering her wits, Emilia finally started reading. Her mother was right; it was a remarkably pleasant day. From chapter to chapter, her eyes devoured the words. However, when she was several pages in, she came across a word that gave her pause.
    “Arthur?” Emilia held her book toward him.
    “Hmm?”
    “What is this word? I don't think I've ever seen it before.” Her finger prodded the page as she pointed out the troublesome word to Arthur.
    “Legerdemain,” he read aloud.
    “What does it mean?”
    “It's a trick,” Arthur explained. “A sleight of hand.”
    “Oh. Well... thank you.”
    “My pleasure.”
    Emilia turned her attention back to her book, but for the next few seconds, her mind was clouded by lustful thoughts. On top of everything, Arthur Rochefort was a man of intelligence. Emilia was starting to feel as if his perfection was ruining her life.
    After several more minutes elapsed, Augusta held out her book. “Arthur!” As she squealed his name, she wagged her book under his nose.
    “Did you need me to decipher a difficult word as well?” Arthur asked with a chuckle.
    “No. I want you to read to me... if you don't mind?” Augusta requested.