Wicked by Cheryl Holt Read Free Book Online Page A

him?”
    “Briefly, but I didn’t catch his connection to the household.”
    “He doesn’t have one, I don’t think. Stanley rescued him from an orphanage in London when he was a baby.”
    “Mr. Oswald did that?” Miss Ralston sounded skeptical.
    “Yes.”
    “Why?”
    “To keep his wife company. I guess she was lonely.”
    “So…he’s not kin to Mr. Oswald?”
    “No.”
    They reached the verandah, but James had already come down and sneaked off into the garden, which was so aggravating.
    Since he and Lucas had arrived back from Spain, James hadn’t spent two seconds with Veronica. During her adolescence, he’d scarcely noticed her, but she was all grown up now and eager for an intimate relationship to commence.
    Oscar was sequestered in the library with Stanley, so it was the perfect time to have a few private minutes with James. But first, she had to be shed of Miss Ralston.
    “It was lovely to meet you,” she falsely said.
    “And to meet you.”
    “I hope we’ll be friends,” Veronica fibbed.
    “As do I. It will be wonderful to have a companion in the neighborhood. I’ll look forward to your visits.”
    Veronica escorted her up the stairs and into the parlor, nearly pushing her through the door in her haste to escape. Then she slipped out and raced into the garden. Off in the shadows she spotted the glowing tip of a cheroot, and she followed the scent of smoke to where James was lurking in the grass.
    “Hello, stranger,” she cooed as she sashayed up.
    “Veronica.”
    “Where have you been? I’ve hardly seen you since you returned.”
    “I’ve been busy.”
    “With what?”
    He stared at her, moonlight gleaming off his hair, making his blue eyes sparkle like diamonds.
    He didn’t answer her question, but asked instead, “Why are you out here by yourself? Oscar would have a fit if he knew you were with me.”
    “He won’t find out. Besides, I’m eighteen. It’s not his business if I talk to you.”
    The summer would be thrilling. She and James would flirt and tease, and ultimately, he would propose. Yet if she couldn’t get him to agree to be alone with her, how would they ever take matters to the next level?
    “I have a lot on my mind, Veronica,” he said. “I don’t want any trouble with you.”
    “Who’s stirring trouble? We’re just chatting.”
    “In the garden, in the dark. I’m not in the mood to tangle with Oscar.”
    “Let me have a puff of your cheroot.”
    “No.”
    “I can smoke. I’m not a child anymore.”
    “No, you’re not, and that is precisely the problem.”
    She beamed with mischief. “You’ve noticed that I’ve grown up, have you?”
    “Oh, I’ve definitely noticed.”
    Up on the verandah, a door opened, and suddenly, her stepfather called, “Veronica! Where are you? We’re leaving.”
    James motioned toward the stairs and mouthed, “Go.”
    She hesitated, pretending she might not, pretending she might linger and be caught with him, but his steely frown informed her that she’d pushed too far.
    “Goodbye,” she whispered. She flashed her most enticing grin, then flounced off, giving her hips an extra sway to emphasize her shapely backside.
    * * * *
    “I’m sorry no one bothered to introduce us.”
    “So am I.”
    Rose smiled at the handsome blond man she knew only as Lucas. He smiled in return, appearing much too charming, much too amiable.
    “You won’t swoon because I’m being forward, will you?”
    Rose chuckled. “I’ll try not to.”
    “A fellow can never be sure with females. I’ve spent enough time in London ballrooms to have learned many of the absurd rules of etiquette.”
    “And what are they?” Rose asked.
    “A man should never brazenly introduce himself. He must have someone else intervene—someone who knows the lady and can vouch for his stellar character.”
    “I’m told that’s important.”
    “It’s a great breach to forge ahead, but I figured you could stagger through.”
    “I would hope so.”
    “In