Surrender Read Online Free Page A

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    her as he had in the card room. The image
    made Lucas smile.
      It was quite outrageous of her to
    accompany you into the card room, of
    course," Lady Atherton said.   But, then,
    I fear that is our Miss Huntington. She
    does have a tendency to come very close to
    the edge of what is considered proper. But
    under a husband's guidance, I am certain
    that regrettable element of her nature could
    be controlled."
      An interesting notion."
      And she does have a noticeable pre
    dilection for that rather overbright shade
    of yellow," Lady Atherton added.
      It's clear Miss Huntington has a mind
    and a will of her own. But I must allow
    that the yellow looks attractive on her. Not
    many women could wear it successfully."
    Lucas studied Victoria's tall, willowy
    figure in the high-waisted gown. The
    yellow silk was a ray of honeyed sunlight
    in the crowded room. It gleamed with a
    warm richness amid the array of classical
    white and watery pastels.
    The only real problem with the gown
    as far as he was concerned was that the
    bodice was cut far too low. It revealed
    entirely too much of the gentle, high slopes
    of Victoria's breasts. Lucas had an almost
    irresistible urge to borrow some matron's
    shawl and wrap it firmly around Victoria's
    upper torso. Such an impulse was so out of
    character for him that he was momentarily
    astonished.
      I fear she has a reputation for being
    something of an Original. Her aunt's doing,
    no doubt. Cleo Nettleship is most unusual
    in her own right," Lady Atherton said.
      I would much prefer a lady who is
    out of the common run. Makes for more
    interesting conversation, wouldn't you say?
    One way or another, I suspect I shall have
    to endure a good many conversations with
    the woman I eventually marry. No getting
    around it."
    Jessica sighed softly.   Tis unfortunate,
    but there simply is not a large selection
    of heiresses around this Season. But, then,
    there rarely is. However, there is still Miss
    Pilkington. You really should meet her
    before you make up your mind, Lucas. I
    vow she is a very admirable female. Always
    perfectly correct in her behavior, whereas,
    I fear, Miss Huntington has a certain
    tendency to be somewhat headstrong."
      Never mind Miss Pilkington. I'm quite
    content with Miss Huntington."
      If only she weren't very nearly five and
    twenty. Miss Pilkington is only nineteen.
    Younger women tend to be more amenable
    to a husband's influence, Lucas."
      Jessica, please believe me when I tell you
    Miss Huntington's age is not a problem."
      You are quite certain?" Lady Atherton
    eyed him uneasily.
      I would far rather deal with a woman
    of a certain age who knows what she's
    about than a young chit straight out of
    the schoolroom. And I would have to say
    that Miss Huntington does, indeed, know
    what she is about."
      You mean because she has managed
    to stay single so long? You are probably
    right. She's made it very clear she has
    no interest whatsoever in turning over her
    inheritance to a husband. Everyone but the
    most desperate of fortune hunters has quite
    given up on her."
    stone vale flashed a crooked smile.
      Which narrows the field for me."
      Don't misunderstand me. She is an
    engaging creature, rather refreshing in some
    ways, like her aunt. Victoria does have her
    share of admirers. But they all seem to be
    relegated to the status of friends."
      In other words, they have all learned
    their places and they stay in them."
      If they overstep themselves, she drops
      them immediately. Miss Huntington is
    known for being kind for the most
    part, always has a smile and a charming
    word. Quite willing to dance with the less
    attractive men in the room. But she is
    very firm with all of the gallants who hang
    around her," Jessica added.
    That did not surprise him. Miss Hunt
    ington would not have remained her own
    mistress this long unless she had learned
    the trick of manipulating the males in her
    orbit. He was going to find himself walking
    a