Undressed (Undone by Love) by Kristina Cook Read Free Book Online Page B

flattering things to say about you as well. I admit, my curiosity was piqued. I was so sorry to miss your introduction at Lady Brandon’s soiree, but I’m afraid it was unavoidable. My sister Susanna was hosting a ladies’ musicale, you see.”
    “And how is Mrs. Merrill?” Brenna’s mother asked politely.
    “Very well, my lady. Marriage suits her well.”  Miss Rosemoor returned to her seat on the sofa and clasped her gloved hands in her lap.
    “I’m glad to hear it,” Brenna’s mother continued . “Still, such a shame you missed Lady Brandon’s soiree. Why, you’ll never believe who made an appearance, albeit brief.”
    “Who ? Do tell,” Miss Rosemoor asked, leaning forward expectantly.
    “Would you believe Hayden, Lord Westfield ? Why, I could barely believe my eyes. Rich as Croesus, and single to boot. But one never sees him out in society, except in Ashbourne, near his estate in Derbyshire. A shame, I say.”
    “Lord Westfield ? I don’t believe I’m acquainted with him,” Miss Rosemoor said, shaking her head.
    “Westfield is an earl, and sinfully handsome at that . But with a tragic past, I’m afraid. Why, I remember when—”
         “Lady Danville,” Miss Rosemoor interrupted, “would you mind terribly if I stole your daughter away ? My dear friend Lady Mandeville planned to join me this afternoon on an outing to St. James’s Park, but alas, she’s feeling unwell. I’d be delighted if Lady Margaret accompanied me in her stead so we might get better acquainted.”
    “Of course, Miss Rosemoor . I’m sure Margaret would be delighted.”  Her mother looked to her entreatingly, but she needn’t have bothered. Brenna was eager to escape the confines of the house and her mother’s constant nagging that she study the etiquette books and lady’s fashion magazines. Truly, she had very little interest in them.
    Just that very morning her mother had brought her a well-worn copy of The Mirror of Graces , an etiquette primer penned by “A Lady of Distinction.”  Just which lady, no one seemed to know, but said lady was eager to impart her wisdom on the female form, personal decoration, and deportment. Heaven forbid Brenna should commit the crime of wearing red morocco slippers in the morning. And whatever would she have done without the advice that the well-rounded ankle was best displayed in a plain silk stocking without any clocking?
    She shrugged off the annoying thoughts of such frivolity and met Miss Rosemoor’s eager smile with her own . “I would be verra pleased to join ye, Miss Rosemoor,” Brenna said. “’Tis nothing better than due exercise on foot to aid in one’s shape and complexion,” she quoted with a wry grin, earning a nod of approval from her mother. She looked to Miss Rosemoor and saw her suppress a giggle.
    Brenna nodded to herself . Miss Rosemoor and I shall get on verra well, indeed . In minutes, Celeste had helped her change into an appropriate dress, and she followed Miss Rosemoor to the front hall. Retrieving her shawl from a peg on the wall, she stepped out into the bright sunshine with a light heart.
    A half hour later, they reached the park and made their way toward the gatehouse for some refreshment .
    “There’s Colin,” Jane said, motioning toward a table in the corner . “I hope you don’t mind, I asked him to join us.” 
    “Nay, not at all,” Brenna murmured . In fact, she was pleased to see him again. Much as she hated to admit it, something about him intrigued her, even if he was nothing more than an English gentleman of leisure.
    “There you are, dear sister,” Colin called out, rising .
    Brenna stepped out from behind Miss Rosemoor, and she saw his eyes instantly darken .
    “Where’s Lucy?” he asked.
    “Not feeling well, I’m afraid, but look who I’ve brought instead. Lady Margaret Danville.”
    “Lady Maclachlan,” he said, but did not take her proffered hand.
    “Lady Maclachlan?” Miss Rosemoor asked.
    “Brenna . You