The Tempestuous Debutante: Book 4 in the Cotillion Ball Series (Crimson Romance) by Becky Lower Read Free Book Online

she adjusted her parasol to shield herself.
I don’t want to look old before my time. Before I can snatch Alistair from the clutches of Lydia Smith
.
    She was already behind in her goal, since she had never left the paddock on Saturday, much to her mother’s chagrin. Instead, she spent the time with Parr. He showed her the saddle he proposed for her to use and hide under her skirts. Then, he led her to the horse he had picked for her to ride when she came to visit Alistair and helped her begin to become friends with the filly. She appreciated the fact that he didn’t make fun of her overwhelming terror of being on horseback. He understood her. Hopefully, today, Parr O’Shaughnessy could continue to help her conquer her fear of horses.
    “I swear, I don’t know what Alistair is thinking of, showering his attentions on the despicable Lydia Smith.” Jasmine continued the conversation she was having with Colleen about her quest for the eye of Alistair Wickersham.
    Colleen grinned. “Oh, I fancy I know exactly what he’s thinking of. After all, she’s a seasoned woman and he’s been married before, so they have many things in common.”
    Jasmine turned in her seat. “Are you suggesting they’re having an affair?”
    Colleen flicked on the reins running along the single horse’s back. “Oh, perhaps not yet. After all, they have only just met. But any fool can see that’s the way things are headed.”
    “This is not fair! Lydia Smith can entice him with the lure of sex, but I cannot. Her reputation will not be marred if she and Alistair spend time in bed with each other, but mine would be ruined beyond repair. Well, I’m younger and prettier than Mrs. Smith. I will have my way. It’s imperative that I act with haste, though, if I’m to steal him away.”
    “My darlin’ child, while I’m happy that your pursuit of Mr. Wickersham is finally forcing you to face your fear of riding, are you so certain that this man is who you want?”
    Jasmine stamped a foot against the bottom of the carriage. “I do not want to be one of the ‘poor unfortunates’ in April, who weren’t able to find a partner last season. If I walk into the debutante ball as an engaged woman, with a titled English nobleman by my side, I’ll certainly not be lumped into the same category as the rest of them. I’ll do anything to avoid that situation.”
    “Aye, I agree that would be a hard fate. But wouldn’t you rather find love, a lasting, abiding love such as what your sisters have?”
    “Love will come with Alistair, Colleen. Or it won’t. I really don’t care. I’d much rather have enough money in my husband’s accounts to never have to worry about how I’m going to dress myself. Unlike Papa’s accounts. I’m still infuriated over not getting new clothes for the season.”
    “But you’re enjoying changing your old dresses into this year’s styles. I’ve never seen you so focused before.”
    “Well, yes, that much is true. It’s a fun pastime. But it’s strictly a means to an end. And that end will be when Alistair Wickersham gets to one knee and proposes to me.”
    With a sigh, Colleen pulled on the reins as the carriage came alongside the stable.
    “Top o’ the morning to you cailíns,” Parr called out from the stable entrance.
    “Why does he keep saying that? And, how does he know your name, Colleen?”
    Colleen turned at the sound of a fellow countryman. “He’s not calling me by my name, he’s calling us ‘girls.’” With tears in her eyes, Colleen walked up and wrapped her arms around Parr. “’Tis so refreshing to hear a true Irish brogue again, laddie.”
    Parr laughed and returned the hug. “I hail from County Kildare. How about you?”
    “Ah, but I’m from the city. Dublin, it’d be. Me husband and I came to America years ago. He’s gone now, and I’ve so missed hearing him talk.”
    “Am I hearing just a bit of a Scottish accent as well from you?” Parr asked.
    “Aye, me dear ol’ Da