Temptation’s Darling by Lindsey Johanna

Author:Lindsey, Johanna
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781472264848
Publisher: Headline
Published: 2019-07-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-three

THE SISTERS RUSHED INTO the house laughing, having only just missed, by seconds, the downpour now pattering outside the front door. But having avoided getting wet, they all three composed themselves and comported themselves properly now, just in case Kathleen was nearby. But Vanessa was still grinning when she noticed that neither her mother nor any servants were in sight, although Monty was. He was coming down the grand staircase.

Once again, her breath caught for a moment. Fashion did not make this man. No matter what he wore, he was a feast for the eyes. Today his blue jacket was open, his dark auburn hair loose, a crop was in hand. He must not have noticed the rain approaching.

She whispered to Emily, “I’ll meet you in the parlor for tea. Give me a few moments to arrange for those dancing lessons.”

Emily followed her gaze and gave Monty a brilliant smile before she whispered back, “Only if you bring him with you for tea.”

“I’ll certainly try,” she replied, and removed her riding hat.

Monty had reached the bottom of the stairs but paused there as she walked toward him. He bowed in an exaggerated manner, then held his hand out to her, palm up. When she just stared, he said, “You’re supposed to offer your fingertips to be kissed.”

She tsked. “I’m aware of that, but you’re a houseguest. We can dispense with that amenity every time we cross paths here, and you know it.”

“Ah, but this is the first time I’m meeting the complete lady. Humor me—Lady Nestor.”

She burst out laughing. “I will not, and you’ll stop calling me that. You didn’t really want to kiss my gloves, anyway.” She raised her arm to wiggle her gloved fingers at him.

“I disagree,” he said, and snatched her hand to plant his lips on her knuckles. “I will take my kisses where I can get them.”

She snatched her hand back. “Don’t think you’ll get away with that again.”

“I can wait until you are . . . gloveless.”

Why the pause? It was such an innocuous word, and yet he somehow made it seem naughty. Or was it the sensual expression in his eyes? She still felt her breath catch, feeling a distinct rise in temperature, and she couldn’t even remember why she’d approached—Oh!

“How do you feel about dancing?” she blurted out, still a little breathless.

“An excuse to hold a pretty lady in my arms.”

“So you know how?”

“Of course,” he said indignantly.

“Then you wouldn’t mind teaching me?”

He grinned. “I’ll find us a secluded spot—”

She laughed before saying, “You won’t. We’ll need music, and my sisters have agreed to play their favorite instruments for us tonight after dinner.”

He sighed dramatically. “So we’ll have an audience? Not quite what I’d hoped for.”

“Then you’re declining?”

“Absolutely not!” he assured her. “Did I not just say any excuse?”

“Everything you say just proves you are incorrigible,” she rejoined. “I could have sworn you said you would behave once I donned the persona of lady.”

“Did I fail to mention ‘in public’?”

She rolled her eyes.

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