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

“My eyes are going a bit fuzzy.”
    “I don't mind at all.” Arthur took the book from Augusta and held it in his lap. “Do you mind, Miss Harcourt?”
    Emilia closed her book and shook her head. When she saw her mother's grin, Emilia understood the reason for her request. Augusta's eyes weren't going fuzzy, she just wanted an excuse to listen to Arthur's deep voice. Emilia rolled her eyes at her mother's blatant idolization of Arthur.
    Of course, Emilia wasn't going to complain. When she closed her eyes and listened to Arthur's silky voice, a chill rippled down her spine. A sad realization dawned on her. Through Willow and Edward, she and Arthur Rochefort would forever be linked—and he would never be hers. For the rest of her life, she would admire him from afar.
    Dreaming of him was all she could ever do.
    Her mother's voice interrupted Arthur's reading. “I might be catching a chill. Will you take me back inside?”
    “Of course.” Arthur leapt to his feet and smacked a few blades of grass from his breeches. He tightened Augusta's shawl around her shoulders, and the brief contact with his hand made the older woman's eyelids flutter dreamily. Emilia had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing. At least her mother would understand her suffering! Emilia wondered how many women Arthur had inflicted with the pain of unrequited love. “Are you coming, Emilia?”
    “I think I'll stay here awhile longer.”
    Arthur gave her a nod, then steered her mother's Bath chair toward the house. Emilia turned her attention back to her book, pleased that her concentration improved upon Arthur's absence. As much as she enjoyed his company, the distraction he provided was not always a welcome one.
    Emilia was alone, but not for long. Shortly after Arthur and her mother disappeared, she heard someone whisper, “ Miss Harcourt ...”
    Emilia's eyes leapt from the book and scanned her surroundings. When she saw Brittley Christian's face peering at her from behind the tree, her shoulders tensed. “Mr. Christian?!” she exclaimed. “What are you--?!”
    Brittley swept forward and grabbed her hand. “I needed to see you. Ever since we parted ways, you're all I've been able to think about.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it several times. She might have pulled her hand away, but she was in a daze.
    He sat right next to her, so she scooted away from him. “Mr. Christian, I'm not sure it's proper for you to accost me like this!”
    “But I needed to see you.”
    Emilia glanced around nervously, fearing that Arthur might return and catch them together. “We should not be alone!” she whispered.
    “Your hair is like spun gold.” As he sang her praises, he stroked a lock of her hair.
    “My hair is drab,” she countered.
    “Your eyes are like emeralds, two precious gems behind a curtain of adorable eyelashes.”
    Emilia had such a low opinion of herself, she did not believe a word he said. “You're really going to pour the butter boat that thick, Mr. Christian?”
    “I speak the truth!” He saw her look down at her book, so he snatched it from her lap and snapped it shut. “You need to know how beautiful you are, Miss Harcourt.”
    Emilia looked down at her hands, which were fidgeting in her lap. “But I'm plain.”
    “You're not! You're a very pretty girl, Emilia. Emilia .” When he repeated her name, he sounded a bit sinister. “I brought a gift for you. I hope that's alright?”
    “I suppose it would depend on the gift, Mr. Christian.”
    Brittley pulled a diamond bracelet from the pocket of his greatcoat. As he held it against her wrist, he grinned. “I think it will look beautiful on you.”
    Emilia nervously chewed her lip. “I think your choice of gift might be slightly inappropriate.”
    “No. It isn't.” He fastened the bracelet to her wrist.
    “I believe it is.” As she stared at the jewelry, Emilia was slack-jawed. She had never owned something so expensive. “I can't accept