La Petite Four Read Online Free Page B

sneaking behind people’s backs would not meet with his approval.”
    “Well, it isn’t as if it were totally unexpected,” Emily hedged, crossing her ankles under her heavy skirts. The spruce-colored wool gown had completely suited her mood that morning. “His father and mine talked of uniting our families forever. They were great friends in school. But I cannot believe that’s all that motivates Lord Robert. When we were younger the only use he had for me was to torment me. He once snatched my riding crop and ordered me to kiss his boots before he’d give it back.
    “You didn’t!” Daphne gasped.
    “No,” Emily admitted. “I stomped on his instep. I was only thankful Mother noticed and put a stop to his wretched game. I only wish I knew what game he’s playing now.”
    “It may not be a game,” Priscilla said, leaning closer. “Your father said Lord Robert wishes this marriage. So long as Lord Robert allows the ball, I’d go along with him. The engagement will put you in the best position. You can flirt, and no one can get peeved because they’ll all know you’re taken.”
    “And you can eat whatever you like,” Ariadne added, “without fear that you won’t fit in your presentation gown.” She reached for another comfit, and Daphne nudged her hand away.
    “You see?” Priscilla said. “Besides, everyone will want to congratulate you. As your dear friends, we’ll be quite popular.”
    That was the one problem with Priscilla. She tended to think of her own needs first.
    “But Priscilla,” Daphne protested, “how could we enjoy ourselves, knowing we’d consigned Lady Emily to a monster?”
    “Having a beastly childhood does not make Lord Robert a monster,” Priscilla began when there was a cough at the door. Warburton met their gazes with a smile.
    “Forgive the interruption, ladies, but the monster, that is Lord Robert, has come calling, and I wasn’t sure you wished to receive him.” He eyed the girls pointedly.
    Emily raised her chin. “I’d very much like to have a word with him, Warburton. Please show him up.”
    “But do give us a few moments first, Mr. Warburton,” Priscilla said sweetly.
    Emily thanked him and turned to ask Priscilla why they needed time. But one look at her friends and she knew.
    They were all primping.
    She supposed she should do the same—fluffing up the curls on either side of her face, as Priscilla was doing or biting her lips to make them appear rosier, like Ariadne. She wasn’t sure why Daphne was flapping her arms up and down like a goose, but she guessed it was on the fool-proof advice of Lord Snedley.
    Still, Emily saw no need to posture for Lord Robert. He’d offered for her after ten years before he’d even seen her again! She was ready to level him immediately, tell him that under no circumstances would she marry him. But when he paused in the doorway a few moments later, words failed her.
    He looked like one of the heroes in her paintings, tall and broad-shouldered. Against all odds, he had the same glorious mane of hair as Mr. Cropper, though it was artfully styled around his handsome face. His eyes were a deep clear blue that warmed with his smile. His dove gray coat and black trousers were so fitted, they showed nary a crease as he bowed.
    Priscilla eyed him, Ariadne paled, and Daphne stared open-mouthed, despite all of Lord Snedley’s sophisticated advice.
    “Heaven is missing a few angels today, I see,” he said as he straightened.
    “I have read that line a dozen times before,” Ariadne whispered to Emily. “He could do better.”
    Lord Robert evidently thought he’d done well, for his smile was confident as he strolled into the room. He went to Priscilla first, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.
    She smiled. “Such a pleasure to meet you, my lord. Lady Emily has told us so much about you.”
    And not a whit of it good. What was Pris thinking, smiling so fetchingly that dimples danced at the corners of her mouth? Lord