Read Online Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano - Free Book Online

weeks ago I didn’t know about her ridiculous plan to get closer to Mr. Beckett. I’m perfectly aware of the fact he’ll be in attendance tonight because Cora Watson has made it known that she would find him all too acceptable for her daughter, Agatha.”
    “I’ve recently heard the exact same thing.”
    Mrs. Wilson smiled. “Yes, well, no matter. You and I don’t need to concern ourselves with Mr. Beckett or Miss Agatha Watson. What we need to concern ourselves with is Charlotte. What do you plan to do with her?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “As you should, since it appears to me you’ve given up on her, which is completely ridiculous. The two of you are kindred spirits.”
    “I don’t mean to disappoint you, Mrs. Wilson, because you know I hold you in only the highest esteem, but even though Charlotte and I are more alike than I care to admit, I’ve come to the conclusion I’m not good for her.”
    “Nonsense, you’re exactly what she needs.”
    He’d been right; Mrs. Wilson was his greatest ally, but . . . he needed to resist her tempting words.
    “Charlotte doesn’t seem to really care for me at the moment.”
    Mrs. Wilson let out a sigh. “She’s been distinctly annoyed with you ever since you returned her from that fiasco on the lake. At first I thought she was simply suffering the effects of taking in too much water, but after she got back from shopping, she took to roaming around the house, muttering under her breath, and I must admit, I’ve heard your name muttered more than once.”
    Before Henry had an opportunity to respond to that, the sound of someone stomping down the stairs caused him to turn around.
    He couldn’t hold back the snort that escaped through his nose.
    Honestly, what was she up to now?
    She was dressed in what appeared to be a gown, but the skirt of the gown was slim and . . . it seemed to be divided in two.
    Good grief, she was wearing her bicycle outfit.
    What would possess her to do such a thing?
    She would cause a scandal.
    She would ruin her good name.
    “Lovely, you’re exactly on time,” Charlotte said as she stalked closer to him, her color high and her eyes blazing.
    Right then and there, something snapped.
    He folded his arms over his chest, tilted his head and then shook it. “We’re not going anywhere until you change out of that completely inappropriate frock.”
    If anything, Charlotte’s eyes blazed hotter.
    “I like this frock. It’s different, and since I’ve been considering trying to encourage other ladies to purchase one for themselves, I’ve decided that tonight will be the perfect opportunity for me to solicit interest in the design.” She smiled. “My friend, Penny, the lady who stitched this together, thinks it’s a wonderful idea.”
    “Well, Penny, whoever she may be, doesn’t have to be seen with you tonight. I do, so you will march right back upstairs and change,” Henry said.
    “Forgive me, but I’m pressed for time,” Mrs. Wilson said before she turned and practically bolted down the hallway, her shoulders suspiciously shaking.
    Mrs. Wilson had obviously lost her mind, much like her daughter.
    Henry waited until Mrs. Wilson disappeared and then switched his attention back to Charlotte. “If you’re not ready within the next ten minutes, I won’t escort you.”
    Charlotte crossed her arms over her chest much in the same manner he’d crossed his and smiled a smile that was less than amused. “I’ll go by myself.”
    This was what always got them into trouble. She’d turn stubborn and he’d give in. He couldn’t let her go by herself. She would attract entirely too much attention dressed as she was, and when Charlotte attracted attention . . . disaster normally followed.
    How she’d survived during the two years he’d been gone was beyond him.
    “Don’t push me tonight, Charlotte,” he said. “I’m in a foul mood.”
    “Then you should be pleased you don’t have to escort me to the Watsons’,”