Passions of a Gentleman (Gentlemen of Honor Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

ran try. “I think we should finish what’s left of this dance.”
    Fortunately for her and her quickly being stolen heart, that consisted of about three measures.
    Unfortunately for her, Brooke stood in wait for her on the edge of the ballroom, a triumphant smile on her face. “A most enjoyable dance, Mr. Appleton?” the countess asked in a singsong voice.
    “Better than any I’ve ever danced before.”
    Rae would just bet on that.
    “Good, then I suspect we shall be expecting you to call upon us tomorrow?” Brooke asked. Truly, the lady had no shame.
    Simon reached for Rae’s hand. Did he plan to be so bold as to kiss her hand? Here? Now?
    As if he sensed her discomfort, he dropped his hand, a hint of pink touching the tops of his cheeks. “I can think of nothing else I’d rather do on the morrow.” Then, with a bow to Rae, he took his leave of the ballroom not to return for the rest of the evening.

    * * *
    I t didn’t matter that Simon didn’t come back to the ballroom. Nor did it matter that she'd danced with three other eligible gentleman. All Brooke seemed to remember was Rae's disastrous dance with Simon Appleton.
    “Henrietta, you are going to make the best match of the Season,” Brooke chirped with a happy clap of her hands, then gestured for Rae to turn around so she could unbutton her gown.
    Rae obliged. “You didn’t have to dismiss Charlie so soon.”
    “Nonsense,” Brooke murmured, unbuttoning the back of Rae’s gown.
    “I’m sure Andrew doesn’t think it’s nonsense.”
    “Oh, he’ll be rewarded quite handsomely later,” Brooke said.
    Rae released a breath that had been restricted by her gown. “Does he find some sort of bizarre satisfaction in hearing about my husband hunting?”
    “Well, no,” Brooke admitted, pulling loose the knot at the top of Rae’s corset. “He’s more fascinated at your attempts to escape.” She met Rae’s eyes in the mirror and pursed her lips. “Particularly me.” A smile spread her lips. “But this time I think I have you.”
    “Have me?”
    Brooke nodded. “Somehow you’ve managed to avoid my matchmaking attempts, but you’ve come to the end of your time.”
    “Perhaps the reason I’ve managed to escape is because I truly don’t want to get married,” Rae said, stepping out of her gown and corset.
    “Poppycock,” Brooke waved her off. “You might think you don’t want to be married—but believe me, you’ll enjoy it.” A wistful expression came over her face. “I know I do.”
    “And what of the others you tricked into marriage?” Rae asked, biting her lip. She didn’t intend for that to sound unkind and prayed Brooke understood.
    “Should I invite them over and you can ask th—” A grin as wide as the Thames came across Brooke’s face. “The house party!” she said suddenly, as if that was supposed to mean anything.
    “House party?” Rae asked tentatively. “What house party?”
    “The one Caroline hosts every year,” Brooke said as casually as if she were talking about the weather. Kicking off her slippers, she started pacing the floor, touching each of her four fingertips against the end of her thumb. She bit her lip. “Close,” she murmured under her breath.
    “Close?” Rae knit her brows. “What is close?” Other than her impending doom which seemed to be creeping upon her more by the second.
    “We only have five days before we leave for Watson Estate, but that should be enough time…” She started pacing again.
    Pushing aside the mounting panic that was threatening to overcome her, Rae put her hands on Brooke’s shoulders, staying her. “Enough time for what?”
    “To visit the modiste and have you made up a husband-snagging wardrobe—” she winked— “and a trousseau. ”
    Rae would have groaned if she didn’t think that would only encourage Brooke more. “There is no need to go through any trouble,” she said as easily as she could, her mind racing. A trousseau!
    “Oh, no you don’t,”