Jacquie D'Alessandro Read Free Page A

shook his head. “The name is not familiar to me.”
    “He was introduced to me by Mrs. Warrenfield, the wealthy American widow.” Philip lowered his voice. “If you happen to speak with her, be prepared to listen to her describe, in detail, her plethora of aches and pains.”
    “Thank you for the warning. If only you’d told me an hour ago.”
    “Ah. Something struck me as rather odd about the lady, but I cannot put my finger on it,” Philip said, frowning. “Did you notice anything?”
    Andrew considered a moment. “I admit I was preoccupied when I spoke to her, but now that you mention it, yes.I think it’s her voice. It’s unusually deep and raspy for a lady. Combined with the veiled, black hat she wears, which obscures half her face, it’s a bit disconcerting to speak with her.”
    “Yes, that must be it. Well, back to Mr. Carmichael. He’s interested in making a very sizable investment in the museum.”
    “How sizable?”
    “Five thousand pounds.”
    Andrew’s brows shot upward. “Impressive.”
    “Yes. He was most anxious to meet my American partner as he spent a number of years living in your country. I’m certain he’ll seek you out before the evening is over.”
    “I suppose for five thousand pounds I can work up a bit of enthusiasm.”
    “Excellent. Your tone, however, and the fact that you keep looking about indicates a decided lack of curiosity about my other conversation, which was with Catherine.” Philip heaved a long sigh and flicked a bit of lint from his dark blue jacket sleeve. “Pity, as the conversation concerned you.”
    “And naturally you’ll tell me, in recompense for saving your life.”
    Philip’s face screwed up into a confused scowl. “If you’re referring to that incident in Egypt, I thought I’d saved your life. When did you save mine?”
    “Just now. By not tossing you out headfirst through the French doors into the thorny hedges. What did Lady Catherine say?”
    Philip cast a surreptitious glance around. Once assured that they weren’t in danger of being overheard, he said, “It appears you have competition.”
    Andrew blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
    “You’re not the only man attempting to win my sister’s favor. Apparently other men are showing interest in her.”
    Andrew stared, feeling as if he’d just been slapped. Then a humorless sound pushed past his lips at his own conceit. Why hadn’t he anticipated this turn of events? Of course other men would cast their lures in Lady Catherine’s direction. He cleared his throat to locate his voice. “What sort of interest?”
    “Surely an expert such as yourself should know. The usual romantic gestures. Flowers, invitations, trinkets. That sort of thing.”
    Annoyance, along with a hefty dose of jealousy, smacked Andrew. “Did she indicate that she enjoyed these attentions?”
    “On the contrary, she indicated that she found these gentlemen bothersome, for she has, and I quote, ‘no intention of ever compromising my independence by leg-shackling myself to another man.’ I must say, my sister has become startlingly blunt of late. That, added to the headstrong streak I’ve detected in her manner lately and these other suitors…” A sympathy-filled wince pinched Philip’s features. “Not a stellar start to your wooing campaign, my friend, although I did try to warn you of that.”
    Andrew brushed aside the vaguely uncomplimentary description of Lady Catherine as being blunt and headstrong. Didn’t sisters always seem that way to their brothers? However, there was no ignoring the rest, and his eyes narrowed to slits. “Who are these men?”
    “Egad, Andrew, that frigid tone doesn’t bode well for the fellows, and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that particular glare in your eyes before. Hope I’m never on the receiving end of it.” He considered for several seconds, then said, “She mentioned some village doctor. Then ofcourse there’s the Duke of Kelby whose country estate is near her