A Stolen Kiss (Victorian Love Book 1) by M.A. Nichols

Author:M.A. Nichols [Nichols, M.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-04-20T23:00:00+00:00

*

Jack was an intelligent fellow. Though he had a reputation for being gruff, brusque, and unwavering, there was not an investor in England who was not aware of his quick wits and ability to conquer problems and find the solution. Yet all those brains were for naught as he watched another man flirt and flatter his Lily.

Surely, there was some word he could speak to end this ridiculous display, but DeVere lavished compliments on Lily, making her beam like a midsummer’s day, which was a far cry from so many of the huffy frowns she’d bestowed on Jack during their acquaintance. Though he’d mended the rift between them, it was a far cry from the warmth she exuded with each of DeVere’s words.

Then there were the quick flashes of triumph that DeVere shot at Jack whenever Miss Kingsley’s gaze was turned away. Jack had seen such looks enough times to recognize it for the gloat it was. Of course, in those situations, it was generally followed by a tragic fall from grace as the fool who thought he had the upper hand was quickly put back in his place. But Jack didn’t know what DeVere was trying to accomplish nor how to keep him from turning Miss Kingsley’s head.

“And how are your preparations for the concert?” asked DeVere. “I am certain you will be the star of the night.”

Lily gave a huff and a hint of a frown, but there was too much of a pleased twinkle in her eye for those tokens of displeasure to be believed. “Things are well underway, Mr. DeVere. I only hope that all will go well.”

“You needn’t worry. I am certain it will be a raging success.”

“What concert?” asked Jack. It was the inanest question he could ask at the moment, but it was the only thing that came to mind.

“Our Miss Kingsley—”

Jack’s teeth creaked as he glowered at DeVere’s impertinence, but the lad was unfazed. He’d always thought DeVere was sensible, but his behavior was proving him a fool; Jack had never wished to knock the boy’s perfect teeth askew before, but he did in that moment, and if DeVere did not tread lightly, Jack was liable to do just that.

“—has organized a charity concert,” said Mr. DeVere.

“I am working with a group of ladies from the Gilliford Music Society. I am hardly doing it alone,” said Lily, with a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “We are organizing a charity concert for the Women’s Aid Fund, which assists widows and their children.”

“And she is performing in it,” said DeVere.

Jack glanced between the pair as he tried to understand why it hurt to receive that news from a secondhand source and not the lady beside him. She had an abundance of conversation yet had not mentioned a word about it.

“Along with several others,” said Lily.

Jack’s wretched mind moved as though soaked in molasses. Though he struggled for some semblance of intelligence, he stood there, mute, while DeVere finally gave his farewells. Lily chattered on as they made their way, seemingly unaware or unmoved by Jack’s stunned silence.

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