The Spinster and the Rake by Anne Stuart Read Free Book Online

suggestion of a pout on Felicity’s pretty face. Being the pampered eldest daughter of doting parents, and an acknowledged toast, she wasn’t used to being ignored by handsome men. Especially not for her beloved aunt, who, though Felicity adored her, was seen by her niece more in the light of a useful appendage for her own comfort, rather than another female and a possible rival for attention. The thought was obviously not a comfortable one.
    “We will both be enchanted to accompany you, Miss Redfern,” Marlowe said in that smooth, deep voice. “Lead the way.”
    It would have been too much to hope for Marlowe to behave himself in the jeweler’s shop. He did stay reasonably in the background while Felicity pored over what seemed to Gillian’s weary eyes every single piece of jewelry in the shop. It took all the tact Gillian possessed to steer her attention away from several inordinately gaudy pieces that Felicity had taken a fancy to. Likewise the flawed emerald ring, the pearls made of fish-paste, the ruby and sapphire earbobs that would have pulled down her ear lobes, and the gold bracelet that accompanied every move of Felicity’s graceful arm with an annoying jangle.
    “If you must buy some new jewelry,” Gillian said wearily, “and I fail to see why you must, then why don’t you consider that delightful little enamel locket over there? It has a delicacy and charm totally lacking in the brooch you’re holding, as I’m sure you’ve already decided.”
    Felicity had been about to purchase the offending brooch, but immediately laid it down on the glass-topped counter. She knew far too well that her aunt’s taste was unerring. “I already have several lockets,” she stated. “Not that that’s not pretty, though a trifle on the small side.”
    “Well, I like it,” Gillian said strongly. “And if I weren’t too old to be wearing lockets, I would buy it for myself. What about the diamond earbobs? They’re small also, but quite lovely, and I don’t believe you have any diamond earrings.”
    “I prefer colored stones.” Felicity dismissed them, and Gillian allowed herself one last longing look at the earbobs.
    “GUNTERS NEXT!” Felicity announced brightly as they stepped back out into the sunshine. “I declare I am famished.”
    Gillian looked toward Marlowe with a sinking expression, and he finally took pity on her. “I think your aunt wishes you to return home, Miss Redfern. These jaunts can be rather strenuous for someone of her advanced years. Perhaps another time.”
    The pout reappeared, less enchantingly this time. With practiced charm that positively enflamed Gillian with fury he reached down and pinched her niece’s chin. “Now don’t be difficult, child,” he said gently. “Your aunt’s had enough of me for one day.”
    “Well, I haven’t,” Felicity announced with unbecoming pertness.
    Marlowe smiled his slow, delightful smile. “But I care more for your aunt’s good opinion than I do for yours,” he said, and led them inexorably down the street to the Redfern mansion, with Felicity fuming and Gillian completely bewildered. She stopped a few feet away from the imposing gray edifice that had housed Redferns in London for over a hundred years.
    “I suppose you’d best leave us here,” she said breathlessly. “Thank you for accompanying us. I do appreciate it.”
    “What a bouncer! You’ve been wishing me at the devil the entire time,” he replied, looking down into those vulnerable blue eyes. “You want shaking up, Gillian. You’re too complacent at too young an age.”
    A bitter little smile twisted her soft lips. “You’re not as astute as I thought you were, Lord Marlowe, if you think I’m complacent. And I didn’t give you leave to address me by my Christian name.”
    “No, you didn’t,” he agreed, taking her gloved hand in his and bringing it swiftly to his lips before she could pull away. “I’ll let you escape this time, my love. I suppose I shouldn’t