Bachelor List by Jane Feather

Author:Jane Feather [Feather, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cookie429, Kat, Extratorrents
ISBN: 9780739440551
Publisher: Bantam Dell
Published: 2004-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“Oh, I think I'm too scared, Lord Lucan. The lake's so deep and cold.” Hester stood on the little jetty at the side of the ornamental lake clutching her parasol. “What if the boat overturns? I can't swim.” She gazed up at him, her eyes round and large as platters beneath an enchanting straw bonnet festooned with flowers.

“There's nothing to be afraid of,” he said, patting her shoulder. “I'll row you safely across to the island, I promise you.” He offered her a smile that managed to be both protective and slightly patronizing as he held the little rowboat against the side of the jetty. “It's very pretty over there,” he added in a cajoling tone.

Hester looked doubtfully across the expanse of smooth green water to the little island adorned with a Grecian temple. Two other rowboats with a full complement of passengers were already approaching the island, and no one so far had managed to get their feet wet.

“Come, Hester, David will take care of you,” Chastity said from her position in the rowboat. “He's a very good oarsman, I can vouch for it, and we'll have the most beautiful view of the sunset from the temple.”

“Oh, I do so wish to see it, but . . . oh, dear.” Hester bit her lip and fixed her eyes once more upon Lord Lucan, who unconsciously straightened his shoulders.

“I rowed for Harrow, Hester,” he offered, and it seemed to Chastity that his voice had somehow become deeper as his posture became more commanding. Her lips twitched. Little Hester certainly seemed to arouse the man in David Lucan.

Chastity exchanged a glance with Constance, whose own eyes were alight with amusement as she stood on the jetty with Max, who was tapping his foot with ill-concealed impatience at this shilly-shallying.

Max stepped around Constance and twitched the painter out of David's hand, murmuring into his ear, “For God's sake, man. Just pick her up and put her in the boat while I hold it steady.”

The tips of David's ears burned crimson. He stared at Max, then cleared his throat, and without further ado took the advice. Hester gave a little scream as he lifted her off the jetty and deposited her rather unceremoniously into the rowboat. She sat on the thwart with a gasp, clutching her parasol, and gazed at David in awe as he jumped down into the boat beside her.

He was still blushing as he stammered, “F-forgive me, Hester. I thought it best to help you make up your mind.”

“Oh, yes, David,” she breathed, her eyes shining. “I won't be at all frightened now. I know it's quite safe.”

Max tossed the painter down to David. “Give me strength!” he muttered to Constance. “How the hell deep is this damn lake?”

“No more than three feet,” Constance returned with a chuckle. “Don't be such a curmudgeon. It's young love we're promoting here.”

He gave her a look to curdle milk and declared, “We'll take that other boat.” He gestured to a skiff, the last remaining craft at the jetty.

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