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

Charlotte said. “You can go home and do whatever it is you do when you’re not with me.”
    “I relax when I’m not with you,” he said between gritted teeth.
    “Then go relax.”
    It suddenly occurred to him that she was furious about something. He had no idea what that something was, but her attitude was so out of character that he found his temper fizzling away and replaced with concern.
    “Did your mother tell you that Mrs. Watson invited Mr. Beckett because she’s hopeful of an alliance?” he asked.
    “What?”
    “Well, that’s what I’ve heard, and I thought maybe you’re out of sorts because you’re acquainted with Miss Agatha Watson and don’t want to compete with her over the same gentleman.”
    Charlotte let out a grunt that sounded a bit disgusted, turned around, and stalked away from him, swiveling her head when she reached the steps. “I’ll be back. I’m going to change.”
    He watched as she stomped up the steps and then smiled when her heavy footsteps sounded through the ceiling as she traveled the length of the hallway.
    He’d forgotten how adorable she could be when she was in a snit.
    “Is she changing?”
    Henry jumped and turned to find Mrs. Wilson right beside him. “She is changing,” he finally admitted.
    Mrs. Wilson looked absolutely delighted. “You do realize this is probably the first time she’s ever not gotten her way with you. I think your plan is working.”
    “Mrs. Wilson . . . I don’t have a plan.”
    Mrs. Wilson rolled her eyes and then grinned as she waltzed away. “Keep at it, my dear, you’ll rule the night in the end.”
    He’d been right; Mrs. Wilson really had lost her mind.
    He took a few minutes to wander around the hallway, unable to help but wonder if Charlotte was actually changing or if she was up to another one of her dastardly plans. He was just about to ring for a maid to check on her when the sound of someone descending the steps met his ears. He looked up and felt his mouth drop open once again. Charlotte had changed, much to his amazement, into the lovely gown he’d picked out for her the day before, the one she’d left behind.
    “You went back to the store,” he managed to say.
    Charlotte shrugged. “It would have been churlish of me not to go back. I’d forgotten what impeccable taste you possess, and I absolutely adore this gown.”
    Henry forced his feet to move and he stepped closer to her, having the insane urge to pull her into his arms and never let her go. Resisting that urge was torture for him. Instead, he allowed his hand to move up and tuck a stray curl behind her ear. “You look wonderful. I’m sure you’re going to sweep Mr. Beckett right off his feet.”
    Her grin disappeared. “I wish you wouldn’t say that. It makes me . . . nervous.”
    For some reason, he knew that “nervous” wasn’t what she’d been about to say, but he didn’t let himself dwell on it. “You have no reason to be nervous. You’ll be the most beautiful woman in attendance tonight.”
    Charlotte released a snort. “I’m hardly beautiful, Henry. You and I both know that, and Mr. Beckett’s first wife was stunning. I can’t compare to her, and I’ve decided I don’t want to compare to her. Mr. Beckett is far from my reach, and I realize that now.”
    Her words caused annoyance to flash through him. “Hamilton Beckett would be lucky to receive your affections. You’ve always been reluctant to accept that you’re a beautiful woman, something I’ve never understood. Do you not recall how your attention was demanded from numerous gentlemen every single time I escorted you to a society event?”
    Charlotte’s eyes began to shoot sparks. “Yes, I’m so sought after that I suppose I’ve neglected to remember all of the numerous proposals I’ve had to turn down from eager suitors.”
    Her words brought him up short. Why hadn’t she elicited offers of marriage? He remembered all too well the fact that she had been most sought