Read Online Every Time We Kiss by Christie Kelley - Free Book Online

forming on his face as he picked up a glass of sherry from the refreshment table. Lady Cantwell’s invitation to dinner shocked and pleased him. He had no idea how Jennette managed to wrangle an invitation out of the oldest and most eccentric matron in the ton . But he supposed he would have to thank Jennette for it.
    After seeing the truth of her shopping habits thrown in his face this morning, he had no desire even to speak with her. John had told him that her father and brother spoiled her. Her actions today only confirmed his assumption that she was frivolous and spoiled.
    He watched her as she spoke with Lady Cantwell. Jennette’s blue eyes flashed with what looked like anger but she smiled at the older lady. Lady Cantwell glanced over at him and then back at Jennette. Finally, Jennette nodded.
    Lady Cantwell moved away from Jennette and ambled toward him. The older woman pressed heavily on her cane as she walked. He had no idea how old she was, but he would guess somewhere in her mid-eighties.
    “There you are, my boy,” she said as she reached his position. “I wanted to welcome you to my little party.”
    Little party? There had to be at least fifty people here tonight. His own dining room wouldn’t seat half these people.
    “Thank you, my lady,” he replied and then bowed over her ancient hand.
    She tilted her head and sized him up. “Perhaps the gossips have been wrong about you.”
    “Oh?”
    “I see nothing that would make you unwelcome amongst us. In fact, I believe somewhere beneath that scoundrel mask is a gentleman.” Lady Cantwell made her declaration and moved on toward another guest, her cane tapping a slow rhythm as she left.
    “She is a widow. Perhaps you can charm her in the next two weeks.”
    Matthew slowly fisted his hands. “Good evening, Lady Jennette.”
    “Lord Blackburn,” she replied with a nod. “However did you get invited here?”
    He whipped around to face her directly. “What do you mean? You arranged this, not me.”
    Her eyebrows rose. “No, I had nothing to do with your being here.”
    “Then…how?”
    She shrugged and smiled as if trying not to laugh. “Maybe Lady Cantwell is after another husband.”
    “Do be quiet,” he whispered. He glanced at her burgundy-velvet gown and wondered if it was part of the collection she had bought today. “Fetching dress, by the way.”
    “Thank you. I do hope no one notices that it is last year’s style.”
    “I’m quite certain no one but you would notice such a thing.” Try as he did, he couldn’t keep the bitter tone out of his voice.
    “Then you really do not understand women, my lord.”
    “Of course I do.” He took a sip of his sherry before continuing, “God forbid you wear a gown more than once. Heavens, someone might remark about it!”
    Her eyes narrowed on him. “You pompous, arrogant…man.”
    “Spoiled, little b—”
    “Well now,” Lady Selby came up to them both. “I do believe I need to speak with you, Jennette.”
    Jennette’s eyes flashed at him. “Avis, I think we can talk later. You are interrupting my conversation with Lord Blackburn.”
    Lady Selby smiled at both of them as she hooked her arm with Jennette. “Yes, I am, before you two cause a bigger scene than you already have.”
    “Oh, please, Avis. How many times did I break you and Banning apart from your arguments?”
    Lady Selby’s lips twitched in obvious humor. “Yes, you did, many times. And see how we ended.”
    Lady Selby looked over at Matthew with a little smirk. Oh dear God, he thought. The woman probably thinks he and Jennette were arguing because of deep-seated desire for each other. Complete and utter nonsense, he thought. After seeing Jennette’s true colors today, he would squash down any ardent feeling he might have for her.
    The only thing he needed Jennette to do was find him a bride. Any woman would be a better option than the frivolous, self-absorbed woman walking away from him.
     
    Jennette stood next to the