Read Online A Little Bit Sinful by Robyn DeHart - Free Book Online

with me?”
    “Yes, I was just getting to that part. You were so very helpful with the situation with Clarissa, reintroducing yourself into Society to be seen publically with her and Marcus. Your presence made it all the more believable that her little visit to your establishment was nothing more than a personal invitation, even if poorly thought out. In any case, I was telling Marcus that all this girl needs is for a man to show interest in her. Some men simply need permission, if you will, from another man that declares that a woman is desirable.”
    “I’m still not following.”
    “I want you to court her.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Of course it wouldn’t be a real courtship, she would know your intentions were not sincere. You would merely appear to be courting her so that perhaps another man would step forward and take an interest in her.”
    “You think this would work?” Justin asked. “I’m not exactly a mother’s wish for her daughter.”
    “Nonsense,” Vivian said with a pat on his arm. “You are a devilishly charming man.”
    Justin smiled. “Be that as it may, I’m not certain that my attentions will be all that welcomed. Who is the girl?
    “Her name is Betsy Riverton.” Vivian’s mouth twitched. “She’s not unattractive at all though I don’t know that we could consider her a beauty. I believe her issue stems more from being overly talkative.”
    “Ah, yes, well affluent men are not known for being attracted to women with opinions. I shall consider it.”
    …
    The following day Clarissa met Ella for luncheon. They’d decided to do so with a picnic in the park. Aunt Maureen sat on a bench reading a book somewhere near them. Clarissa set out the food, cheeses and fruit with bread. It was awkward being around Ella in a way it never had been before. There was much she couldn’t tell her, and Clarissa simply wasn’t used to not being able to share everything with Ella.
    Even when it came to George, a point they vehemently disagreed upon, yet Clarissa had always been honest with Ella. Until now. Until Clarissa had become Mr. Bembridge and kissed Justin Rodale.
    Ella cleared her throat when Clarissa looked up at her, and she widened her eyes. “Are you going to tell me what’s troubling you? Honestly, Clarissa, I’m your very closest friend, I shouldn’t have to ask.” Then Ella winced. “It’s everything I told you last night, isn’t it? Should I have not told you? I thought you’d want to know,” she put her hand to her chest. “If it were me, I know I’d want to know if the man I thought I was going to marry had been creating a pool of women to select from.”
    “Of course you should have told me. I’m not upset with you in the least. Merely been considering all my options, as it were.”
    “Will you share them with me?”
    “You shouldn’t have to ask.” She knew she couldn’t tell Ella the truth about Mr. Bembridge, but she could include her in other matters. The fact was she needed the counsel, could use a second opinion. She looked around to make certain no one was in earshot, especially her aunt. “Mr. Rodale kissed me,” she whispered.
    Ella smiled broadly. “He is so handsome.” She clapped her hands together. “Oh you must tell me everything. Every detail. Was it last night? When he asked to speak to you before dinner? Oh goodness, how could you have even concentrated on your food?”
    “No, no, not last night. It was before.”
    Ella giggled. “Tell me all about it.”
    Clarissa smiled in return; she couldn’t help it. The fact of the matter was, she very much enjoyed Justin’s kiss, and to finally be able to share that with someone was exceedingly liberating. “It is hard to describe. It was very nice,” she said, knowing that would never satisfy Ella, but not knowing how else to say it.
    “Very nice.” Ella shook her head, her curls bounced as she did. “No, porridge, when it is the right temperature and sweetened with enough honey, is very