Her Perfect Rogue by Amanda Mariel

Author:Amanda Mariel
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-11-23T17:58:07.684072+00:00

8

CHARLES COULD SCARCELY BELIEVE he’d allowed himself to be forced into assisting his mother with training Miss Julia. The past sennight had been spent in bouts of etiquette training and practice. Mother had forced him to role-play with Miss Julia and Celia as she instructed Miss Julia in all areas of deportment, manners, and society rules. Everything from introductions to dancing and wardrobe had been covered.

He’d had enough, but Mother was not yet satisfied. It mattered not that Miss Julia had passed all of her tests—the woman could recite the rules better than Celia could—yet Mother still insisted on pushing her. Now they were to have a luncheon that would mock a formal dinner. Charles tugged at his cravat as he entered the family parlor. Tonight he would put an end to Mother’s teaching, despite her protests.

Miss Julia smiled as he entered the room, her eyes twinkling. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

Standing there in a pink evening gown, she seemed no worse for the wear from Mother's constant instruction and testing. Nonetheless, she had to be weary of it. He returned her smile. "Good afternoon, Miss Julia." Turning toward his mother, who stood between Julia and Celia, he offered his greetings. With all pleasantries out of the way, he took a moment to study Miss Julia.

One would be hard pressed to prove she had not always been amongst the gentry. She stood with perfect posture, back straight and shoulders squared, her gloved hands resting at her side. Her manners were impeccable, from what he had observed, and her appearance in line with the rest of the ladies of his acquaintance. Furthermore, Celia adored her.

As did he. Since she’d come under his protection, he’d had many occasions to spend time in her company. Miss Julia charmed and amused him, to say the least. Her company, like a breath of fresh air, never failed to improve his mood. Moreover, she worked hard to please Mother—no easy task—and with a smile more often than not.

He slid his glance back to his mother. Truly, he felt sorry for Miss Julia having to continue with Mother’s lessons day in and day out. He would speak to Mother without delay after the meal.

“Shall we?” Mother tapped her fan on her hip.

“Not just yet. I have invited a guest to dine with us.” Charles leaned back on his heels. “He should be arriving any time now.”

“How splendid,” Celia said.

Mother arched an eyebrow. “Who is this mystery guest?”

The family butler appeared in the parlor door frame before Charles could reply. He grinned at Mama. “I believe you are about to find out.”

“Your Grace, Lord Gulliver is here to see you.” The butler bowed, then exited, allowing Gulliver to enter.

Glancing at Mother, Charles smoothed his cravat, rather pleased with himself for having the foresight to invite Gulliver. Mother adored his wastrel of a friend, and Gulliver never missed the opportunity to flatter and tease a woman. He would take Mother’s focus off of Miss Julia at least some of the time.

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