His Mistress By Christmas Read Free Page B

But if anyone can lure him to the altar, I would wager it would be you.”
    “That may well be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. And don’t think your confidence in me is not appreciated, as is your offer of assistance, but”—she laid her hand on Portia’s arm—”do try not to be shocked. I want a man, darling, not a husband. I’ve had a husband, and while I have no regrets on that score, I have no desire to have another. I want adventure, not routine. I think I have already made that clear.”
    “But—”
    “However, I do want a man in my life for longer than the usual length of an
affaire de coeur.
I am not interested in a casual encounter.”
    Portia winced.
    “I would be an excellent mistress. I am unfailingly loyal, you know.”
    Portia stared.
    “I do plan to be faithful and would expect faithfulness in return.”
    Portia’s mouth opened in stunned silence.
    “I am an accomplished hostess, well spoken, and would certainly be a benefit to any man of ambition.” Veronica’s gaze strayed back to Sebastian.
    Shock glazed Portia’s eyes.
    “I am something of a catch, Portia. I can’t imagine any intelligent gentleman not realizing that. I should add that when it comes to more
intimate
concerns, well, I do not shock easily. Charles could be most . . . creative.”
    Portia emitted a sort of strangled sound.
    “And I don’t mind confessing that I find the idea of becoming a man’s mistress most, well . . .” Veronica adopted an innocent tone. “Seductive.”
    Portia’s eyes widened. “What you want, Veronica Smithson, is all the trappings of marriage without the restrictions.”
    Veronica considered her friend for a moment. “Why, yes, I suppose in many ways I do. What an excellent idea.”
    “It’s not the least bit excellent. It’s deplorable. It’s depraved. It’s—”
    “Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.” Veronica beamed at her friend. “And so clever of you to think of it.”
    “I didn’t think of it! I would never think of such a thing.”
    “You deserve all the credit.”
    “I don’t want it!” She narrowed her eyes. “You’re teasing me.”
    Veronica grinned. “Only because it’s so much fun to do so.”
    “I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Portia snapped, then drew a steadying breath. “Is there nothing I can do to dissuade you?”
    “Goodness, Portia, you needn’t look so distraught. It’s not as if your cousin has placed an advertisement for a mistress and I am applying for the position.”
    Portia scoffed. “That would be absurd.”
    “I’m simply saying this is my intention. Why, nothing might happen between us at all. One never really knows. And we haven’t even met yet.”
    “True.” Portia nodded. “And he might not like you.”
    “I do wish you would stop saying that.” Veronica sighed. “More to the point,
I
might not like
him
.”
    The likelihood of that was minimal. She had chosen Sir Sebastian carefully. Not only had Veronica read his books, but she’d had discreet inquiries made as to his financial stability and character. She might well sound flippant with Portia, but she was quite serious.
    This was the man she wanted. This was the man she intended to have. If all went well.
    “One more thing.”
    Portia shook her head in a stubborn manner. “I have agreed to introduce you, but I refuse to lend any further assistance.”
    “Oh, but you will.” She met the other woman’s gaze firmly. “I want your word that you won’t tell Sebastian, or anyone, for that matter, what we have discussed. Furthermore, should Sebastian and I, well . . .”
    Portia raised a brow. “Yes?”
    “Enter into any sort of an arrangement, I would prefer to keep it confidential.”
    “A secret, you mean?”
    Veronica shrugged. “It seems wise.”
    “Why, Veronica Smithson, you are concerned with scandal, after all.”
    “I would be selfish if I were not,” she said in a dry tone.
    “I have never been good at secrets.”
    “Then you shall have to