The Fifth Kiss Read Free Page B

was a thirty-year-old bachelor and so promising a scholar that it was expected he would some day surpass his famous father. But although his head was crammed with learning, his feet were planted firmly in reality. She should really talk to him . But something made her hesitate.
    It was Charles’ unfailing, uncompromising honesty that caused her to pause. What if she revealed the story of Strickland’s infidelity to Charles, and then they decided not to tell Clara? Charles would not be able to hide the truth. He was so straightforward that whatever was on his mind would be reflected in his face. He would try to say nothing to his departing sister but a simple goodbye, but Clara would immediately sense that there was something wrong. Charles was as transparent as glass. Olivia could not afford to chance it. It would be better to speak to her brother James.
    Dear, pleasure-loving Jamie! He was not the sort to whom one would ordinarily turn for advice. Although he was the complete antithesis of his father in that he was all gregariousness, he was the most superficial and selfish creature in the family. He was so completely occupied with his cronies and the relentless pursuit of pleasure that he came home only to sleep. He had realized early that he had little interest in the subjects that absorbed the rest of the family, and he’d left school as soon as he could. A substantial inheritance from his mother made it possible for him to live a life of dissipation: sporting and gaming with his friends. However, it occurred to Olivia that he might be just the one to help her now. Perhaps his dissipated life had given him the sophistication in worldly matters that Olivia now needed.
    She hurried up the stairs to his bedroom and knocked at the door. Of course he didn’t answer; he’d probably been up quite late the night before and was undoubtedly still deeply asleep. She pushed open the door and went in. The room was still dark, for the drapes were closely drawn against the light, but through the darkness came the sound of gentle snoring. She went to the bed and shook his shoulder firmly. “Jamie, wake up,” she said loudly. “I must talk to you.”
    Jamie shuddered, turned his head toward her and opened one eye. “Go ’way,” he muttered thickly.
    â€œBut I need your advice. Urgently. It’s about Strickland.”
    â€œDon’t care if it’s ’bout the Prince Regent! Go ’way!”
    â€œOh, Jamie, don’t be such an indolent slugabed. I need you!” And she ruthlessly tore the comforter from around him, exposing him to the cool air.
    He shivered and groaned. “Give that back at once!” he demanded, huddling into a quivering ball. “I’m freezing!”
    â€œI’ll give it back to you if you sit up and talk to me,” Olivia bargained, throwing open the heavy draperies and letting in a stream of bleak, grayish light.
    Jamie groaned again, heaved himself into a sitting position and reached eagerly for his comforter. As soon as he’d pulled it about him, he cast a bleary eye at the window. “What an odious start for an odious day,” he muttered. “By whose leave do you come barging into a fellow’s bedroom?”
    â€œBy my own leave,” his sister declared, perching on the bed. “I think I’ve stumbled upon a family crisis, and I have no one to turn to but you.”
    He raised a suspicious eyebrow. “Since when have I been considered useful in a family crisis?”
    â€œNever, as far as I know. But this is as good a time to begin as any. Please, Jamie, don’t be so sullen. I’ve never come to you this way before, have I?”
    â€œNo, you haven’t. I must say that for you.” He looked at her with a sudden frown. “What sort of scrape have you got yourself into, Livie?”
    â€œNot I. It’s Clara I’m worried about.”
    â€œ Clara? I don’t believe it!