One More Kiss Read Free

number of times over the next weeks.
    Beatrice raised her hand, not quite waving, in a gesture of greeting.
    The nameless man swept off his hat and bowed extravagantly without taking his eyes from hers.
    Beatrice’s smile froze. That was not what she’d intended at all. She had only wanted to make a small sign of friendship. His outlandish bow acknowledged her tiny wave as if she had invited him into her life or even into her bed. She answered his gesture by abruptly pulling the drapes closed.
    Still standing in front of the velvet panel, Beatrice concentrated on the elaborate fringe as she instantly banished the mental picture of him naked in the pose of Michelangelo’s
David
.
    “Why did you do that?” Cecilia asked.
    “Why must some men think every gesture is an invitation to a flirtation? Every man except Roger.”
    “He is a perfect gentleman,” Cecilia agreed.
    She wished Roger were one of their party. She would have much more fun with him nearby to discuss ideas and her current readings. But no, he and Papa
had
to go to London this week. Papa insisted it could notwait. Now she would have no escape from unwanted flirtation. Best not to dwell on it at all, she decided.
    “That dress will look awful on you,” Beatrice said with as straight a face as she could manage.
    Ceci turned to her, panic in her eyes, and then relaxed. “Oh, stop teasing me. It’s lovely. But is it too much for the first night?”
    “Perhaps we should let the maid the countess hired give us her opinion. She has served the ton for years and I’m sure we can depend on her.”
    Ceci’s long silence gave Beatrice hope.
    “Yes, that’s a very good idea.”
    It was as much enthusiasm as her sister had shown all day.
    Beatrice kept her expression solemn but mentally clapped her hands and wished she could jump up and down. If Cecilia kept on being this reasonable and listening to her suggestions, this house party would be as much fun as she insisted it could be. Beatrice relaxed for the first time since their arrival.
    There was a tap at the sitting room door and a footman came in at her “Enter.”
    “I beg your pardon, miss, but Mr. Brent would like to see you and your sister before he leaves. He is in the front hall salon if you would like me to escort you there.”
    The twins exchanged a look and then Cecilia stopped at the looking glass to check her appearance, and Beatrice gathered her spectacles. She could only hope that whatever Papa had to say would not ruin all her efforts at cheering Ceci.

Chapter Two

 
    “I’ VE SENT FOR Beatrice and Cecilia so I can give them the written guest list as you asked, but before they arrive I want to know why in the world Lord Jessup Pennistan has been added to the list.” Abel Brent set the paper down. Still standing, he folded his arms and waited for the countess’s answer.
    “Because it is impossible to say no to him.” The dowager Countess of Haven folded her arms, imitating him, ready for an argument. When Abel stayed silent, a shocked look on his face, the countess laughed instead.
    “Not in that way, dearest. At least not for me. I am almost old enough to be his mother.” An outright lie. Her own son was two years older than Lord Jessup. “Jess is a charming rogue whom I’ve known since he was in swaddling clothes.”
    “But his reputation, Jasmine. He was involved in a divorce.”
    “Yes, he was, and Jess is so charming that the man who brought the suit still sees him socially. And as you well know, the baron will be a guest at this very house party.”
    “I don’t know.” His hesitation was all she needed.
    “But I do, Abel, and I would never do anything that would endanger Beatrice and Cecilia. I think having Lord Jess to flirt with will be excellent practice for the Season.”
    “Then you think they will have a Season? That the guests here will approve? I am not worried about Lord Crenshaw. I do believe he has a slight
tendre
for Beatrice. There is Mrs. Wilson and the