Five Wicked Kisses - A Tasty Regency Tidbit by Anthea Lawson

Author:Anthea Lawson [Lawson, Anthea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: regency romance, regency short story, enemies to lovers, sexy regency
Published: 2015-09-10T16:00:00+00:00

~CHAPTER SIX~

“You dance quite well, Miss Tate.” Viscount Wrenforth smiled at her as he guided her off the Caswell’s dance floor.

“Thank you, my lord. I’ve always enjoyed the quadrille.”

A pity the viscount was not lighter on his feet - she had narrowly avoided having her toes crushed. It seemed he attributed her quickstepping out of his way to skill and grace, rather than self-preservation.

“Would you…” the viscount cleared his throat. “Would you like to see the conservatory? Lord Caswell was telling me about a new orchid he has acquired.”

Juliana studied Viscount Wrenforth from beneath her lashes. Was he hoping to snatch a moment alone, or were his intentions more of a scientific nature?

“Are you botanically inclined, my lord?”

The tip of his large nose turned pink. “No, no. I simply thought ladies enjoyed flowers… but no matter, if you aren’t interested - ”

“Oh, I am! I would be delighted to view the orchid with you.”

This was a very good sign. If she managed the next half-hour correctly, she’d be well on her way to securing a proposal from the viscount. And, truly, there was nothing objectionable about the fellow. Scores of young women would be pleased to trade places with her.

She took the viscount’s arm and let him lead her to the side door of the ballroom. Across the way, Henrietta widened her eyes and gave Juliana a significant look. She then caught her aunt’s elbow, turning their chaperone away from the sight of Juliana and Viscount Wrenforth departing the ballroom.

It was quieter in the hallway, the length of carpeting muffling their footsteps. Juliana shot a sideways glance at the viscount. Had she misjudged him - was her virtue in any danger? He didn’t seem the type to whisk a young lady into an unoccupied room and have his way with her, and there was no gossip to suggest he was a scoundrel.

Not like other gentlemen of her acquaintance.

“You’re frowning, Miss Tate. Is everything well?”

“Certainly.” She pasted a smile on her face. “Do tell me more about Lord Caswell’s orchid.”

Oh, that was foolish. She should be asking questions about him, drawing him out, making him feel as though he was the most pleasant of company. That was how one managed a gentleman.

“I don’t know much about the orchid,” he said. “Only that it is new. And white, apparently. He could talk of nothing else at the Club today, and encouraged everyone to come admire it at the ball. Ah, here we are.”

He opened a door decorated with a large cut-glass panel and ushered her inside. Warm, moist air enfolded her, and Juliana sighed. Warmth was becoming a luxury, now that they were being so careful with the coals at home.

If she were a clever girl, all that was about to change.

“Tell me, Lord Wrenforth.” She squeezed his arm slightly. “What are your interests? I find myself fascinated to know.”

“You do?”

The tip of his nose turned pink again, either with pleased embarrassment or because of the heat. It was too bad - the viscount needed nothing that drew attention to his overlarge proboscis.

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