Read Online Captive Pride by Bobbi Smith - Free Book Online

once more and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek. “I know.” CC realized that her father was not responsible for the dictates of society, even though he lived by them.
    â€œGood.” He patted her hand. “Now, run along like a good girl. I have much to do and little time.”
    â€œI’ll go…but the Graveses…?”
    â€œThe guest list stands as is. I want no agitators in my home. Is that clear?”
    â€œYes,” she replied with suitable humbleness, all the while wondering what he would think should he learn of John’s and her affiliation with “agitators.”
    â€œI expect that you’ll mind your tongue with our guests. I don’t think Governor Hutchinson or Major Winthrop would appreciate your expounding on ideas of taxation without representation or independence from the king,” he dictated as she moved toward the door. “I know I wouldn’t. This will be a purely social affair.”
    â€œI promise I’ll not embarrass you, Papa.” CC considered with some humor how outraged his loyalist guests would be if they ever discovered her true thoughts.
    â€œGood…good. Now, be off with you. I’ve work to do before my meeting with Lord Kincade.” He hesitated just an instant before adding, “Wait…there just might be another guest.”
    CC had already opened the door to leave and she paused, halfway out of the room, to glance back at him questioningly. “Oh? Who?”
    â€œLord Kincade, of course. I’m surprised I didn’t think of this sooner. I shall invite him this afternoon, and if he accepts and honors us with his presence Friday night, I expect that you will graciously make him feel welcome.”
    CC had not heard the butler admit Noah to the house and she did not know that he was guiding him directly to the study, as Edward had requested earlier.
    â€œBut, Father,” she insisted, ignorant of Noah’s presence just behind her in the hall, “you know how I feel. I mean, it’s going to be miserable enough tolerating that ass Lord Radcliffe, and now you’re including another nobleman….”
    Noah and the servant could not help but hear their conversation as they stood a few steps from CC. The butler was about to make their presence known, but Noah stilled him with a restraining hand.
    The woman, who was obviously Edward Demorest’s daughter, did not mince words as she continued her argument, and Noah listened with interest as he gazed upon her from behind. Though the vitriolic diatribe she was spouting was nothing short of a character assassination of him, he found himself intrigued by her slender, womanly form and the rich, glossy thickness of her hair as it tumbled about her shoulders in soft, natural curls. He wondered idly what she looked like. No doubt, he thought, with a tongue like that, she had the face of a shrew.
    â€œCecelia…” Edward was threatening stonily.
    â€œI know he’s going to be just like all the other aristocratic noblemen I’ve met,” CC derided, not looking forward to meeting this newcomer. “He’s either going to be old, fat, and ugly or so much of a mincing fop that he’s more of a miss than I am!”
    â€œCecelia!” He was shocked at her outspokenness.
    â€œPapa, why be so surprised? You know it’s true. Why, that awful Lord Ralston who was here last year was nothing but a—”
    â€œSilence!” he all but bellowed, knowing exactly what Ralston’s unusual preferences had been. He found her knowledge of his oddity distressing. Where had he gone wrong?
    â€œYes, Papa,” CC replied with a slight smile, relieving him considerably. “And at your insistence, I’ll do my best to make Lord Kincade feel welcome.”
    â€œYou most certainly will, young lady. I must say that I’m appalled by your attitude, and quite disappointed, too,” he lectured, shaking his head ruefully.