Lisette Read Online Free Page A

thing…that half smile that so
captivated her at the ball. Captivated against her will, of
course.
    He murmured, “I admire your spirit and zest
for living, Lisette. In spite of us being at cross purposes, I
enjoyed watching you at Wimberly, your hobbies, your rapport with
your siblings.” He pulled away and came over, reaching out his
hand.
    She could hardly explain or control the
accelerated beat of her heart as she lay her own in it. He bowed,
pressing his lips to her knuckles. Lisette nearly moaned from
sparks skittering over her skin.
    Straightening, those eyes gazed at her
through half-mast sooty lashes; she still thought his features
unyielding. He was a tall man, muscular and dark—but why did his
lips look so sensual. His eyes seemed far from cold. More a molten
gray?
    Marston said huskily, “Should distance give
you a more objective view of me, I remain your humble servant.” He
bowed again and then left the room.
    Never in her life at a loss for words—in fact
such a thing would cause alarm for anyone who knew her—Lisette got
to her feet and watched him pass through the door and then out.
    A frown marred her brow. She realized a hand
was pressed to her stomach, and for the life of her, she did not
know why she felt so—upset.
    Her Mama entered the room shortly afterwards,
dressed in a day gown of cobalt blue and having her hair up. She
smiled and reached for her hands. “There now, you have gotten your
wish. I know you have not been pleased with me since I set my mind
on Marston, but I did hope…” She sighed. “Never mind, you shall
hear no more of it from me.” She kissed Lisette’s cheeks.
    When releasing her, she added, “He was quite
eloquent in his words to me, Lisette. I do not doubt to you also.
Even if you could not care for him, I do believe his rep is
undeserved.”
    The duchess rang for tea. She seated herself.
“Come, have tea with me before you’re off to some amusement. The
ball wore me thin, I shall stay in tonight.”
    They had tea, and Lisette thanked her for the
Birthday ball. They talked of a million things. Nevertheless, her
mind was still back on those moments the Viscount was in the
room.
    Later still, Lisette got dressed to go out.
She really had no desire to. Deme and Haven were in a cozy chat
with the duke and duchess—making wedding plans, no doubt.
Particularly since Haven announced at the late breakfast that she
might be with child—carrying the next heir. Everyone was thrilled.
Patrick and her father were over the moon. However, it meant the
leaving and that the wedding needed to ensue sooner than later.
    Standing before the mirror, Lisette smoothed
her gown. It had a close fitting bodice with embroidered designs, a
straight falling skirt and long sleeves. She liked that the maid
had done her hair up with combs and let it fall free. After last
night’s elaborate do, she could not stand another. This was simply
using the curls that remained, looser but at least the combs felt
light. A bit of cosmetics enhanced her eyes and lips. She turned
and got her fur-lined cape from the bed.
    A night at the theater perhaps? Her father
and Deme had a box there. Society would be abuzz with the shocking
display Deme and Haven had put on.
    That was nothing new for the Wimberly’s.
    She went down the stairs, seeing the maids
and servants going about duties—tired also, she knew, which was why
her mother and the others were having a quiet evening. Her parents
preferred she take a maid if she was not going to have Lady
Juliette or Haven with her, but Lisette felt fairly safe by
herself. She always had a weapon on her, and could use it. Tonight
it was a small pistol in the inside pocket of her cape. Sometimes
she carried a dirk in her garter. Her mama had told her to, when
she first brought her to London. It was cold, snowy out, and Samuel
was at the ribbons instead of Haven’s father.
    “Is it too much trouble, Samuel?” She asked
looking about the streets. “You could get a