Five Wicked Kisses - A Tasty Regency Tidbit Read Online Free Page A

hand.
    “Heavens! That certainly changes things. Let me think.” Henrietta leaned back, pursing her lips. “I presume Robert has paid you a visit?”
    Juliana nodded. How could she explain the knots of fear and desire twisting inside her?
    “He must still be in love with you!” Henrietta said. “Is that why you’ve abandoned the pursuit of a husband? Does he have intentions toward you?”
    “No. Not… in the way you mean.”
    Her friend sat up straight, shock widening her eyes. “Never say he’s forcing you to be his mistress! What a dreadful - ”
    “Hen, stop. I am redeeming father’s debts, yes. But it is only for five kisses.”
    “Five kisses? Are you quite certain he no longer cares for you?” Henrietta shook her head. “And five kisses may seem harmless, but look at where they could lead.”
    “I know it.” All too well. “So far, I have not kissed him - he has kissed me.”
    She tried to ignore the heat that flashed through her when she thought of his lips on her skin.
    “Besides,” she added, “I’m certain his only motive is revenge.”
    Although… there had been that look on his face, after she took her hairpins back. No. She must not torture herself by imagining he still cared for her.
    “Juliana. Just because of what happened in the past, doesn’t mean - ” Henrietta clearly was about to launch into a lecture, when the maid knocked at the door.
    “Tea, mistress.”
    “Come,” Juliana called.
    She engaged Henrietta in chitchat about the balls she had attended recently as the maid set the tea things out. Finally, the girl finished and left the room.
    “Tea?” Juliana moved to the small table and poured out a cup.
    Henrietta surveyed the table dubiously.
    “Whatever are these?” She poked at a plate of lumpy brown items.
    “Scones.” Juliana tried to smile. “I know, they look dreadful, but with plenty of jam they are edible. Sadly, the housekeeper is not the best cook.”
    Henrietta took a sip of tea, then regarded Juliana steadily over the rim of her cup. “Be sensible, Juliana. You may not have creditors turning you out on the streets, but you’re certainly not out of financial difficulty. It’s imperative you find a wealthy husband.”
    “I suppose.” She dropped a lump of sugar into her cup, and stirred.
    The swirl of liquid was like her own thoughts - going round and round, leading nowhere. But Henrietta was right. Staying at home would do no good. Her father was certainly not going to be of any help, either - it was up to her to restore the family’s fortunes.
    “The Caswell’s ball is Friday evening,” Henrietta said. “Viscount Wrenforth will be there, and he is your best hope. You must attend. Oh, and do leave off stirring your tea. I’m quite certain the sugar has dissolved, and the noise is making me peevish.”
    Putting Henrietta in a peevish mood was something to be avoided at all costs. Juliana quickly set her spoon down and took a sip.
    “As usual,” she said, “nothing but pearls of wisdom fall from your lips.”
    “Hmph.” Henrietta could not quite hide her smile. “A pity we can’t string them into a necklace for you to sell. That would nicely solve all your problems.”
    “A rich husband will have to suffice. Viscount Wrenforth is pleasant enough.”
    Henrietta nodded. “And his annual income is much larger than his nose. It’s all a question of comparison.”
    Indeed, that was part of the problem. Viscount Wrenforth did not compare at all well when measured up against Robert Pembroke. Juliana gave herself a mental shake, and forced herself to take a bit of scone as penance.
    “Very well,” she said. “I will attend the Caswell’s ball on Friday.”
    The memory of Robert might haunt her past, but she must look to the future.

~ CHAPTER FIVE ~
    The next Thursday, Juliana was again waiting for him in the parlor. She stood at the window, and despite the drab dress she wore, the light silhouetted her pert breasts. Robert smiled. He had