Mischief by Moonlight Read Online Free Page A

keep this skewed idea, because it put the distance between them that had to be there.
    â€œWell, I’m worried about her being alone always,” she said in a low, vehement voice. “Edwina is a wonderful person, but it would take someone special to appreciate her.”
    This was certainly true. Edwina Cardworthy was beautiful and difficult, and while he had a great deal of brotherly affection for her, he could easily see why she’d not yet made a match. He inclined his head noncommittally.
    Josie was getting impassioned, and her blue eyes glimmered. They often did when she was caught up in some excitement, as she had been last month when she’d insisted Colin take her to an execrable traveling actors’ production of Romeo and Juliet set up in the market square.
    Though he never would have gone to such a thing of his own choice, he couldn’t resist her enthusiasm, and he’d agreed. She’d made him wear a large, disguising hat and plain clothes, and they’d sat in the back murmuring wry comments to each other the whole time. He’d never enjoyed a play more.
    Now she said, “You know how delightful Edwina is in her unique way. But with the lack of eligible bachelors and the general ill feeling toward my family in Upperton, she has no chance of making a match here.”
    Colin raised an eyebrow at her. “Come, Josie, you are exaggerating.”
    â€œYou know I’m not. And even if the neighbors could forgive us for all those years of keeping to ourselves, Edwina always speaks her mind.”
    True, and she was also prone to complaint.
    â€œAnd what do you wish me to do about this supposed problem?”
    Josie bit her pretty pink lip, which he wished she wouldn’t do; it made him imagine teasing and pleasurable torments.
    â€œYou could hold a dinner party and introduce her to some of your eligible friends,” she said.
    He lifted an eyebrow.
    â€œYes, I know you avoid holding dinner parties, but I know you are capable of it, and I think people like your parties better than anyone’s.”
    â€œYou’ve seen through me. I only hold a few gatherings so people will feel deprived, and thereby be more appreciative if I do ever invite them.”
    â€œOh, be serious! We’re talking about Edwina and how, earl that you are, you might make a difference for her. Like, by taking her on a stroll through town so everyone can see her with you.”
    â€œBut if she appears with me, won’t that discourage other gentlemen?”
    She slid him a sidelong glance. “You might take her to London for the Season.”
    He gave a bark of laughter. “What, me? A single gentleman, escort a single lady to London?”
    â€œI’m sure something could be arranged in the way of a chaperone.”
    He crossed his arms. “Your mother doesn’t like London.”
    â€œMama doesn’t like any place that isn’t our sitting room,” she said. “But Edwina deserves a chance . She ought to have the opportunity to be seen and appreciated in a much wider circle than Upperton. Couldn’t you get your aunt to sponsor her, the one who lives in London?”
    Colin frowned slightly. This was getting complicated. He was a solitude-loving bachelor, and having been the only child of a bitterly unhappy marriage, he had nothing helpful to offer anyone wishing to marry. Much less did he see himself as the appropriate person to get embroiled in such complicated female affairs as the launching of young ladies into society.
    On the other hand, he was an earl, and as such burdened with all manner of responsibilities. Though he did try to keep others’ expectations to a minimum.
    But this was Josie’s sister and his old friend Cardworthy’s daughter. Josie was right that the neighbors thought the family odd and unsociable, and he doubted any of the local mamas would consider the haughty Edwina Cardworthy for their sons. Perhaps he could set