Just Perfect Read Free Page B

set the cup in its saucer. “What did you wish him to do? Debauch me on the dance floor?”
    Her mother’s jaw dropped. “Constance! How can you say such a thing? I daresay you’ve been keeping company with Diane Plymouth for too long.”
    Constance hid her smile. That was something that Diane would say, only the girl would probably add that she wanted to be the one doing the debauching.
    “Nevertheless, the earl comported himself as he always does.”
    “Yes, yes. The man is perfect.”
    Constance recalled his lips on hers, his fingers on her skin, and silently agreed.
    “So where does that leave you, dear?”
    “Leave me?”
    “You must have some inkling of the gentlemen who have paid calls and asked for dances,” her mother said. “Is there any one of them you can see coming up to snuff?”
    Constance’s mouth dropped open. “You mean, ask me to marry them?”
    “It’s high time you were settled. Decide which man you want and set your cap on him.”
    Constance’s throat tightened. “Mother, I could never be so forward.”
    “Then be prepared to be left behind as Sarah and Diane and all your other friends find husbands. You’re far too sweet and beautiful to spend your life on the shelf.”
    Her mother rose and left the breakfast room, no doubt leaving her daughter to consider her parting words. And Constance did so.
    She went cold. The shelf. The spinster’s fate, the place a woman languishes as she watches the rest of society live life. She felt her spine stiffen as resolve cloaked her.
    “I won’t end up on the shelf, Mother,” she said to herself. “Believe me.”
    She wanted a real life with a real man. That real man was none other than William. Her body trembled as she thought of the tenderness she’d seen in his eyes. What did he feel for her, aside from his obvious desire? Did he want to take his pleasure and leave her with nothing? No. Even as she contemplated that awful prospect, she knew he wasn’t that kind of rake. He was noble and good, perfect in every way. If she indulged in everything she wished he would do to her, he would do the right thing. The expected thing. He would marry her.
    The sad fact was that, as much as she would love to spend her days with such a wonderful man, she didn’t want those days colored with regret.
     
    *    *    *
     
    William stood on another bloody dance floor, at another bloody ton party, doing his best to keep his feet rooted on the floor. He’d seen her already, that girl he couldn’t get out of his mind. She was the reason he was at this party and, even though he couldn’t stand the sight of Waltham since he’d thrown over his best friend’s sister for another, he was now married to one of Constance’s good friends. Even a trip to his favorite pub, and a prospective romp with his favorite serving girl, couldn’t rouse either interest or desire. Instead he’d stayed home for the past few nights, missing Constance.
    “Are you satisfied, Lord Chester?” he heard a woman say beside him.
    He found Lady Brookdale sliding a hot look at him. “Excuse me?” he asked.
    “Are you satisfied,” she said, “with the evening of course.”
    “Oh, of course,” he repeated. “Yes, Lady Brookdale it is quite satisfactory.”
    “Pity, that.” She sighed. “I was just thinking that perhaps you and I could find something to entertain ourselves at this crushingly dull party.”
    “I daresay Lady Joan might take offense to your words,” he said, letting his disinterest chill his voice.
    She pulled back, her brows arched. “As you do, evidently.”
    He shrugged one shoulder. “Your opinion, voiced or otherwise, is of no interest to me.”
    He watched as she grasped his meaning. She meant nothing to him and her words even less. She stiffened, lifted her chin, and strolled away from him.
    “Good riddance,” he muttered.
    “Talking to yourself, Lord Chester?” that familiar husky voice asked.
    His body flushed with heat and he turned to see