Read Online Crossed Quills by Carola Dunn - Free Book Online Page A

into his house three females of whom he knew next to nothing? Was it too much to ask of Millie, to share her Season fully with Kitty Lisle rather than just having Bina invite the Lisles to a few parties?
     He looked at Millicent, sitting on the edge of her chair with her eager gaze fixed on her brother. Her mouth opened, but closed again at his frown. Apart from the ever-wagging tongue, she was amiable enough, a pretty chit in her new, modish morning gown, with blue eyes and the fair hair inherited from their mother, but no conceited beauty. The contrast with Kitty’s darkness would be a charming sight for connoisseurs of feminine pulchritude.
     And Kitty’s availability as a listener might do much to spare Albinia from the ever-wagging tongue.
     “Wynn, what is it?” Millie’s muteness had reached its outer limit. “What is the answer? Have you remembered another aunt? It does not matter if she is quite decrepit for all she need do is live here and be respectably elderly while Bina takes me to parties and—”
     “Not an aunt, and not in the least decrepit. But—forgive me, Millie, and you too, Debenham—this is something I must discuss privately with Bina. If she mislikes the idea, it need go no further. Otherwise, nothing shall be done without the assent of both of you.”
     “I should hope not,” Debenham growled with a mock ferocious glance at Albinia.
     “Nothing shall be done without your consent, husband mine,” she said tranquilly.
     “And mine,” Millie insisted. “Wynn said I have to agree as well, don’t forget. Who is she, Wynn? Is it someone I shall like? Is she—”
     “Come along, Millicent,” said Debenham. “Come to my den and tell me all about your presentation gown. Again.” With a martyred face, he swept her ruthlessly from the room.
     “Deuced lucky you are, my dear,” said Wynn, “to catch a capital fellow like George.”
     “Pray never tell him so, Wynn. He is under the impression he caught me. Now, what is all this mystification about?”
     “The Lisles.”
     “You have been to see them already? How is my dear Pippa?”
     “Very well,” Wynn said impatiently. “At least, she seemed in the pink of health and no one mentioned any dread disease. She sent her best regards, or whatever it is females send each other.”
     “Thank you for conveying her greeting so elegantly! What of your mission? Were they able to introduce you to Proteus?”
     “Prometheus, Bina, Prometheus. Yes and no.”
     Bina laughed. “My dear brother, this shilly-shallying will never do if you wish to make a good impression with your speech. Come, let us have a round tale.”
     “You started all that nonsense about Miss Lisle’s health!” Wynn grumbled. “She, incidentally, was most reluctant even to put my case to Prometheus. Her mother persuaded her to allow the gentleman to make up his own mind.”
     “And he said ‘yes and no’?”
     “He said yes, but as payment he wishes me to introduce the younger Lisle girl to the Ton. Both girls, actually, only Miss Lisle was not merely reluctant but strongly averse to a second Season.”
     “Poor Pippa had a miserable time of her first, I fear. But, Wynn, a gentleman cannot sponsor ladies. Do I, by any chance, see where this is leading?”
     “I expect so,” Wynn admitted. “I would never make the mistake of regarding you as a widgeon just because you don’t know Prometheus from Proteus. Will you do it, Bina?”
     “Let me make sure I comprehend the full depths of your deviousness,” Albinia said cautiously. “You wish me to sponsor Kitty Lisle. No difficulty there. Invitations to a few parties, introductions to a few hostesses, easily done. Is she pretty?”
     Wynn grinned. “Ask Chubby. He’s heels over head for the chit.”
     “Mr Chubb went with you?” She held up her hands. “No, no more red herrings, I beg of you! If I am not mistaken, you believe Mrs Lisle would be an acceptable substitute for Aunt