The Engagement - Regency Brides 02 by Kimberley Comeaux Read Free Book Online

ungentlemanly?” he interrupted this time.

    Katherine rolled her eyes as she threw her arms up in frustration.
    Are you mad? Why would I want that?”

    Thomas opened and closed his mouth twice before any words came out. “I donʼt think I am the mad one!” he finally answered, his deep voice calm though highly strained.

    Katherine knew she was sounding like a lunatic, but like a cart rolling down a hill, she could not seem to stop! “Ha!
    There, you see! You have insulted me!” She folded her arms and smiled smugly, glad finally to find some nibble of ammunition she could use against him. “You do not always do or say the right thing after all!”

    Thomas surprised her by letting out a wry chuckle. “My lady, are you always this conflicting? First you are dropping gloves at my feet and crashing into vases; next yeu are cuddling my son as if he were your own.” He paused. “A sight, I might add, that took my breath away and gave me great hopes for the future.” He smiled and reached for her gloved hand. “Then finally you are berating me for being a gentleman and smile when you think I am not one. All this makes no sense to me, but I must say I find it quite enjoyable!”

    Katherine took a swift breath as he bent his head over her hand, kissing her knuckles gently, sending a wave of excitement to her heart.

    Then a loud voice, which could only belong to her bratty sister, broke their moment. “I see Mamaʼs fears are to be realized!”

    Lucy declared as she stood there with her arms folded and her eyes narrowed suspiciously upon their clasped hands.

    Katherine quickly stepped back, snatching her hand away and holding it behind her as if she were hiding it. “Lucy!
    Why arenʼt you in church?” she demanded, chagrined to find her voice slightly breathy. She could only hope she wasnʼt visibly blushing!

    “Why arenʼt you?” her sister shot back.

    “I had to, well, I”-she stumbled for an excuse-“I had to get a bit of fresh air!” She lifted her chin and gave her sister equal measure on her stare.

    She should have known better than to get into a verbal challenge with her sister. Lucy, though only twelve, could outsmart and outtalk most of the Montbatten family when she chose to.

    “And I suppose you needed Mr. Thornton to help you find the fresh air?” she questioned smoothly while shifting her sharp gaze to Thomas.

    Katherine now knew she was blushing. Her cheeks were practically on fire! “Lucy! Can you please go back to the abbey-“

    “If I go, you must go with me,” she interrupted. “Mama and Papa sent me to be your chaperone.”

    Katherine groaned and looked over at Thomas, who grinned. “There is a very fine incline over there that is shaded and grassy. Why donʼt we wait over there until your parents can join us?” Thomas suggested.

    Katherine was surprised when he extended his arm, not only to her but to Lucy as well. For the first time, Katherine saw Lucy blush as she took his arm, gazing up at him with adoring eyes. Even Lucy, apparently, was not immune to Thomasʼs charm.

    Fine, Katherine thought. Not only would she have to deal with her parents after the whole ordeal was over with, but sheʼd also have to contend with her sisterʼs feelings.

    Once they were seated, Lucy stated, “You do know our parents are all quite giddy about your interest in my sister.”

    “Indeed!” Thomas sputtered with a shocked laugh.

    Katherine was behind him, dismayed as well, but she was not laughing! “Lucinda Ann Montbatten! Ladies do not say such-“

    “Weʼd all thought her as ʻon the shelf,ʼ an old maid, forever without a hus---“

    “I think he understands your meaning, Lucy. Now, please-“

    Katherine tried to silence her again, even attempting to reach across Thomas to give her a pinch of warning, but it did no good. Thomas merely plucked her hand and folded it into his own and encouraged Lucy to continue.

    Ignoring Katherineʼs outraged gasp, Lucy did as he