The Perfect Fiancé (Matchmaking for Wallflowers Book 0) Read Online Free Page B

away lest she dwell on the pleasing width of the man’s broad shoulders.
    “I would love to learn more about the area. It’s been so long since I last visited.”
    She nodded, aware his mother’s family had lived near her, though they had since passed away.
    “There’s something quite appealing about the Yorkshire accent.” His eyes sparkled, and Rosamund tightened her fingers around Aunt Lavinia’s teacup, as if that might lessen the warmth that continued to prickle the back of her neck at his every glance.
    “And now is the perfect time for a break,” he continued, at least seeming oblivious to the effects the velvety sound of his voice had on her.
    “The poor earl has rather confined himself in the library,” Aunt Lavinia added. “I’m so happy the baronet has been able to provide him with some company.”
    Somerville nodded, and she wondered just how amiable he found her uncle’s often brusque manner.
    “I have the fondest memories of playing with your sister, and I am happy to become acquainted with you as well.”
    Rosamund was grateful the earl did not muse on his delight that Rosamund had now mastered the art of speaking in full sentences and had not appeared in a grass-stained dress and floppy straw hat.
    The man was unfailingly polite. Gallant and courteous. He would make a perfect fiancé. For Fiona. Naturally. Not her, definitely not her.
    She cleared her throat and averted her eyes from her aunt’s far too startled gaze.
    After all, he’d just spoken affectionately of his memories of Fiona. Rosamund recalled falling into the pond now. She’d been fond of following her sister and him about, though they’d considered her too little to allow her to join them.
    “You really should call on Fiona,” she said.
    He gave a polite nod. “Yes, perhaps when I make more progress on my next book. It would be nice to see her before I depart.”
    Her mind grasped for an excuse to have him spend time with Fiona.
    And then she found it. She managed not to smile, but there was a reason people came to her for matchmaking advice. “I wanted to invite you to take part in a play.”
    Aunt Lavinia set down her teacup with a clatter.
    “A play?” Somerville repeated.
    Rosamund nodded. “Oh yes, indeed. It’s tradition. I so hope you can participate.”
    “This is news to me,” Aunt Lavinia said.
    “It’s one of the newer traditions,” Rosamund added. “One must make one’s own entertainment in the countryside, when one doesn’t have access to London’s festivities.”
    “I suppose so,” Somerville said slowly.
    “And the play is most in want of a hero. I do hope you might consider joining us. My sister will be the heroine.” She paused. “I am certain you would be an ideal hero.”
    “Oh?” Somerville’s cheeks darkened, and this time Rosamund was certain his pupils had enlarged.
    “There are some people who may find your facial structure appealing.” She shrugged, as if to stress that she absolutely did not belong in that category. Thank goodness her voice did not quiver.
    “Indeed?”
    “Er . . . yes, indeed.” Rosamund plunged her eyelashes downward. No need to linger on the delight her words seemed to have given him.
    “In that case I will be delighted to offer my services,” Somerville said.
    “Good.” Rosamund rose.
    Somerville rose and swooped down into an elegant bow that emphasized his muscular body and the pleasing cuts of his attire. It was all Rosamund could do to remember to say farewell to her aunt as she hastened from the manor house.

Chapter Four
    “He agreed,” Rosamund said, settling into a chair in the drawing room.
    “Mmm . . . hm,” Fiona murmured, not lifting her head from her book,
The Wild and Wondrous Romans.
    Truly, her sister and the earl were exceptionally well suited. Even if love never struck them for some unfathomable reason, it wouldn’t matter, for they’d always be working.
    Now she just needed to convince Fiona to be the heroine in the