Miss Frazer's Adventure Read Online Free

murmured.
    He gave a soft laugh. “A most dangerous question, my lovely Mrs. Freemont. In truth, there have not been near so many as the gossips would have you believe. What pleasure is there in the more mundane beauty? I possess an appreciation for only the most rare and unique treasures.”
    Her heart gave a faint flutter. A rake, indeed.
    â€œVery pretty.”
    â€œAs are you.” His gaze warmly stroked her features. “Are you a guest of the hotel?”
    â€œFor the moment. Are you staying here as well?”
    â€œUnfortunately, no. I possess a town house in Mayfair.”
    â€œOh.” She tilted her head to one side. “Is this not a private garden for guests of the hotel only?”
    The dark eyes gleamed with amusement. “You are not going to call for the authorities, are you?” he protested. “This is one of the loveliest gardens in all of London.”
    â€œHmm . . .”
    â€œI throw myself on your mercy.”
    She pretended to consider his transgression. “I do not know. It is the rules, after all.”
    â€œI detest rules. Besides, I have the perfect solution.”
    Feeling a thrill of excitement that she had never experienced before, Kate gave a small smile.
    â€œAnd what is that?”
    He deliberately leaned forward. “You allow me to remain, and I promise to escort you to all the sights and entertainments that London has to offer.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “But I have already visited most of the famous sights and attended the theater.”
    â€œFah. I do not refer to such tedious diversions,” he chided softly. “You must be in the company of a gentleman who has an intimate knowledge of the city to discover the hidden enjoyments.”
    Although determined to be reckless and daring, Kate was not stupid. At least not that stupid.
    â€œA most tempting offer, but surely you do not presume that I would allow an unknown gentleman to escort me about London?”
    â€œPerhaps not,” he conceded with a grin. “The obvious solution is for us to become better acquainted. Then when you ride off in my carriage, it will not be with a stranger.”
    Kate gave a reluctant laugh at his persistence. She suddenly realized she had never experienced such sensations. Giddy, frightened, and utterly amazed, all rolled into one.
    â€œYou must be vastly attached to this garden.”
    The dark eyes stroked over her slender form. “I am becoming more attached by the moment.”
    A pleasant tingle feathered over her skin at his lingering gaze. This gentleman was making it very easy to pretend she was the sort of beautiful, charming woman who could attract a handsome man’s attention.
    Scouring her brain for some brilliant retort, Kate was suddenly wrenched from her pleasant haze as a dark shadow fell across the bench.
    A shiver of premonition raced through her, even as she told herself that she was being ridiculous. There was nothing to fear. It was no doubt a passing servant. Or another guest who was drawn to the beautiful garden just as she had been.
    Slowly, almost reluctantly, she lifted her head. For a moment, the bright afternoon sunlight blinded her and all she could make out was a shadowed figure of a man. Then her breath caught in disbelief.
    No. It could not be.
    Lord Calfield. Here. In London. In her private, wonderful garden.
    Just like the deceitful, slimy snake in the Garden of Eden.
    A swift, undeniable fury swept through her as her gaze clashed with the startling blue eyes.
    Attired in buff breeches and blue coat, he appeared as frightening as a Nordic god. Proud, determined, and fiercely ruthless beneath his smooth charm. Not a rake, but a conqueror who would sweep all from his path with an iron will.
    Offering a hard smile, he thrust a hand through the hair that shimmered like golden silk beneath the sunlight.
    â€œWell, my dear Kate, I do hope you are pleased with yourself. You have led me upon quite a merry