The Viscount's Rose (The Farthingale Series Book 5) Read Online Free

Pruitt to have one of the maids fetch an old sheet and spread it over the sofa.
    “At once, m’lord,” he replied without so much as batting an eyelash. Pruitt had been with the Farthingale family long enough never to be surprised by anything that happened in the household.
    Rose remained in Lord Emory’s arms until the task was accomplished, all the while itching to run her hands along the breadth of his chest and shoulders. She didn’t think he’d understand the artistic purpose to her touch, but he also had an interesting face and well-formed limbs that merited further study.
    She liked the shape of his mouth, but he would mistake her intentions if she lightly ran her finger across it.
    He settled her on the sofa and then took a seat beside her because his clothes were as soot-covered as hers were and he couldn’t sit anywhere else without dirtying the expensive fabrics. “Your shirt and jacket are likely beyond repair. Please allow me to pay for any damage.”
    His eyes widened. “No, Miss Farthingale. It isn’t necessary.”
    “But—”
    “Consider it my punishment for not coming to visit you sooner.”
    Her smile faltered. “Punishment? You were avoiding me? And now I’ve bored you to tears. Of course I have. Maybe that’s your punishment.”
    Nicola leaped to her defense. “Rolf, you are delightful as always. Pay no attention to my beast of a brother.”
    He let out a soft groan that ended in a seductive growl. Despite her embarrassment, a tingle shot through her as her body responded to that very male, very animal sound.
    “I didn’t mean…” He ran a hand through his hair again. “I had a perfectly acceptable time with you, Miss Farthingale. The visit is not a punishment at all. Indeed, I plan to call on you tomorrow if you will allow it.”
    Nicola’s eyes rounded in surprise and Rose could see that her friend was almost squealing with joy. She would have been excited too, but his meaning was obvious. He took no pleasure in seeing her. He only meant to stop by to ensure that his medical attention had done the trick and perhaps to report that the pouch Lily had just brought down was now safely returned to the regimental headquarters. “Lord Emory, you and your sister are always welcome here. But it isn’t necessary. As I mentioned, my uncle is one of the most capable doctors in London. I’ll receive the best care possible.”
    He nodded. “Then that settles it.”
    Rose nibbled her lower lip to stem her disappointment. Fool! He offered to visit and you rebuffed him!
    What was wrong with her? She’d enjoyed his company and now he would never call on her again. Perhaps it was for the best. She liked him.
    Probably more than was wise.
    She felt the graze of his fingers against her forehead as he brushed back several locks that had fallen out of place. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Farthingale.”
    She glanced up, confused. “You will?”
    He nodded. “There’s a saboteur on the loose. I’ll be staying close to you until we find him.”

CHAPTER 2
    “THERE HE IS,” Rose whispered excitedly the moment she noticed Lord Emory enter the Farthingale parlor and make his way toward her with a casual ease. She tried not to fuss with the lilac ribbon wound through her hair or her new gown of delicate lilac silk, but it was hard to appear calm when her heart was pounding through her chest.
    “Crumpets! Is that Nicola’s brother?” Laurel asked, craning her head to steal a better look at him while he stopped to pay his respects to their parents and the other elegant visitors who’d stopped by today. Although the Farthingale family was new to Mayfair, her father and uncles had extensive connections among London society so there had been a constant flow of friends and family through the townhouse since their arrival a few months ago.
    Daisy grinned at her. “The twins weren’t exaggerating. He’s very handsome. Quite the Corinthian.”
    Rose shook her head and sighed. “He’s also taken,