How to Woo... A Reluctant Bride Read Online Free Page B

might be because she’d evidently outlined them with kohl, giving her an even more exotic look. Gold bangles circled her wrists, drawing attention to her graceful hands, and she wore a yellow silk skirt with a cropped matching blouse that left a small part of her stomach bare. One end of the material was draped over one shoulder. The result was both elegant and provocative.
    She held out her arms. “There are my two handsome Englishmen.” Her voice was sultry, her accent musical in its intonations.
    Frederick bowed over her hand. “Miss Patel, thank you for inviting us.”
    Evan led Lydia forward and performed the introductions. Lydia felt large and awkward next to the miniature Hindu goddess, but she curtsied and murmured a greeting.
    Zahra Patel took both of her hands and smiled warmly at her. “I am so pleased to meet you, Miss Lydia. I hope you do not object to me calling you so. I have trouble saying your last name.”
    “No, of course not, Miss Patel,” Lydia replied. “Your home is lovely, as is your gown.”
    Zahra laughed. “Thank you, but you must call me Zahra. Now, come and eat. I have prepared it myself. I do hope you like curry, Miss Lydia.”
    “I do,” Lydia answered politely, though she had rarely eaten the dish and generally found it too spicy for her taste.
    Zahra’s dining room was tiny compared to Lydia’s home, with a small table set for four.
    “Zahra’s curry may be hotter than you are accustomed to,” Evan warned, as he held her chair.
    Lydia smiled and murmured, “I am sure I will manage.”
    When they were seated, Zahra picked up a small bell and rang it. “I have tried to be more English, but the food is so bland.”
    Evan exchanged an amused glance with his uncle as Lydia hid a smile. Zahra would never be remotely English.
    A maid appeared carrying a dish of delicious-smelling food and served each of them before disappearing again.
    Lydia took a small bite of the curried chicken and rice, letting the spicy flavors explode on her tongue. “Delicious.”
    Zahra clapped her hands in delight as Lydia smiled at her. But as the meal went on, her mouth grew hotter and hotter. After a few minutes, she stopped eating and just sipped wine to cool her tongue.
    While they ate, Zahra chatted about her attempts to adopt English customs, some more successful than others. “It is so cold here, I have tried to dress like your women, but the clothing is so uncomfortable. Restrictive. Once I tried to wear a corset,” she confided to Lydia confidentially. She rolled her eyes. “Why do you women allow yourselves to be tortured?”
    Lydia felt her face flaming at such frank talk. “We must follow the dictates of fashion.”
    “But why, when it is so inconvenient?”
    Lydia looked helplessly at Evan. His lips quirked but he smoothly changed the subject. She reminded herself to thank him later.
    After a dessert of fruit and nuts, Zahra turned to Lydia. “Shall we leave the men to their port? I believe it is the English custom.”
    “Certainly.” Lydia smiled and followed her out of the room. To her surprise, Zahra led the way through the parlor and up the stairs. “Come. I have something for you.”
    * * *
    Upstairs Zahra left Lydia in a sitting room and disappeared for a moment before returning with a box. She handed it to Lydia. “A wedding present for you.”
    Lydia looked at her in surprise. “What a lovely surprise.”
    “Open it.”
    She opened the box to find red silk with gold embroidery along three sides. Lifting it, she found a short sleeve blouse and realized it was a two-piece garment like the one Zahra wore. Her face warmed. “It is lovely, but I can hardly accept.”
    “Why not?” Zahra asked. “I understand you cannot wear the sari in public. But you will need something…enticing for your wedding night.”
    “Mama has already ordered a new nightgown.”
    Zahra smirked. “And is it as beautiful as my gift?”
    “No,” Lydia admitted, thinking about the heavy cotton