Andrea Kane Read Free

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    “My books.” Sammy scooted past him, holding Rascal against her with one hand and gathering the novels with the other. “I must take them with me.”
    “Do you plan to read them all tonight?”
    “No, but I don’t know which ones I will read. So I cannot leave any behind. We can forfeit my clothing and other personal items. I’ll make due with whatever Aunt Gertrude has at the Town house. But I must have my books.”
    Gresham shook his head. “You are astonishing. All right, imp. The books go with you.” He began to gather them. “Who is Aunt Gertrude?”
    “She’s actually my great-aunt on my father’s side,” Sammy told him, stroking a volume of her newest Gothic romance. “Aunt Gertie is quite old, entirely deaf, and, if you ask me, a bit eccentric. However, given that Alexandria is very much with child, Aunt Gertrude will be my official chaperon this Season.”
    “Alexandria. Yes, I’ve met your brother’s wife at several house parties. She’s a beautiful woman.”
    “She’s wonderful,” Sammy answered fervently. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to Drake. But then, love always is.”
    “ Quite the romantic.” Gresham regarded Samantha soberly, an odd light in his eyes. “I envy you, imp. For you, the world is still a resplendent place, beckoning you forward to experience all its wonder.” A fleeting sadness grazed his handsome features, vanishing as quickly as it had come. “Revel in it, little innocent … but be cautious. Disenchantment is inevitable, and ofttimes painful.”
    “You’ll protect me.” The words were out before Sammy could censor them, and a bright flush stained her cheeks as the earl reacted with a start.
    “I?” He looked astounded, his heartstopping gaze sweeping over her. His smile, though faint, clearly revealed that he’d missed none of her untutored reaction. Leaning forward, he brushed his knuckles across her hot cheek. “That’s the loveliest compliment I’ve ever received. But I’m hardly the one to ensure your safety. As you yourself pointed out, I’m less than reputable when it comes to women.”
    “Will you be staying in London for the Season?”
    “Now and again, yes.”
    “Good.” Relief flowed through her in a rush. “Then I—and Aunt Gertrude, of course—can expect to see you at an occasional ball?”
    He chuckled. “You can. You can also expect to see me tomorrow when I come to collect my carriage and to return yours.”
    “Our Town house is number Fifteen Abingdon Street,” Sammy replied swiftly. “I’ll be home settling in most of the day. Sometime after lunch I hope to convince Aunt Gertie to accompany me to Hatchard’s so that I might purchase a few new titles.”
    Gresham gestured at the piles of books surrounding them. “These aren’t enough?”
    “Oh, no, I’ll have read and reread these in a fortnight. Besides, I’ve heard glowing praise for Mansfield Park and I must have it.”
    “Of course.” The earl leaned back, folding his arms across his broad chest. “Very well, my persistent lady. I’ll make certain to arrive prior to four o’clock. How would that be?”
    “That would be perfect.” Sammy’s eyes sparkled.
    “Good. Now that we’ve settled on a time, do you think we might collect your treasures so that you, Smithers, and your regal pet can be on your way?”
    Sammy nodded, silently berating herself for sounding too eager. She had to learn to be coy, sophisticated. After all, Remington Worth was a worldly man, one who had known countless women.
    Lowering her eyes, Samantha carefully gathered a pile of books together, rearranged her wriggling pup within Gresham’s thick coat, and slid gracefully over to the carriage door just as a magnificent coach and four rounded the corner and pulled alongside them.
    “Excellent timing,” Gresham proclaimed with great satisfaction, signaling his approval to the waiting driver. Seemingly unaware of Sammy’s newly enacted savoir faire, he helped her