Read Online How to Live Indecently by Bronwyn Scott - Free Book Online

instruction only regret that it had to be that way.
    “Enough, Jamie,” she scolded in a whisper. It was time to say goodbye.
    His hands remained at her waist. Neither of them moved. Nothing ends, Daphne thought, until I walk through that gate. She reached a hand to his cheek, to touch him one last time. He covered her hand with his, turning his lips to kiss her palm. “Promise me you won’t forget tonight. Promise me you’ll remember what life can be like outside of duty and obligation. Don’t let anyone take this adventure from you.”
    Her eyes started to burn. Damn it, he was going to make her cry. “I could never forget you, Jamie.” She stepped back, determined to walk through the gate before tears ruined her cheeks, but he held her hand, unwilling to let her go.
    “Daphne, do you think it’s possible to fall in love in one night?”
    She smiled softly, allowing a single tear to drop. “Yes, I absolutely do.” She felt his hand squeeze her one last time then the gate shut and he was gone, taking part of her soul with him. She would never be the same and she didn’t begrudge that realization one bit.
    * * *
    It was as if he’d never left. Jamie stepped into the ballroom. Dancers still danced, people still wandered the sidelines chatting and champagne still flowed. Perhaps he should take a night off more often. But then he sighted the whirl of a blue skirt on the dance floor in the arms of a dark-haired man and he knew nothing could be the same. He had left. He had spent an amazing evening with an amazing woman. He could not slip back into the ballroom and simply pretend otherwise, nor did he want to. Watching her disappear through the gate had been gut wrenching. He had let her go and for what? For this? He absolutely hated watching her dance with Riordan. She should be dancing with him. Jamie took a step forward, but he wasn’t fast enough.
    “Jamie, darling, there you are. I haven’t had a moment’s time to talk with you all night.” His mother. Jamie fought the urge to let his shoulders sag.
    He turned with a polite smile on his face. “Mother, I’ve been busy dancing.”
    “I know.” She was all smiles. “You’ve been a splendid host. Your father and I are so proud.” She bent her dark head toward him confidentially. “The mamas have all been raving about you tonight. Their daughters are in awe. I’ve received several hints that you’d be welcome to call on them in the morning, send some flowers around and all that.”
    Jamie fought back a laugh. He was going to owe Riordan something fierce for this. His friend had outdone himself. “I am glad you are pleased.”
    “Are you pleased? Did you take a particular fancy to anyone?” His mother pressed. Jamie knew if it were up to her she’d stop the presses at the Times and have him engaged before breakfast. His mother didn’t wait for his answer. “Oh, there she is at last. It’s one of the girls I wanted you to meet, but she’s been hard to find tonight. She had some difficulty with her stomach or so I hear. She’s spent most of the evening in the retiring room.” His mother made a commiserating gesture and waved over his shoulder. “The dance is ending, let me introduce you.”
    Jamie stifled a groan. He felt as if he’d jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire, a very hot fire. It would be positively hellish to smile and make small talk with another of his mother’s candidates after leaving Daphne at the gate.
    “My dear, allow me to introduce you to my son, Viscount Knole. Knole, this is Sir de Courtenay’s daughter.”
    Jamie turned and froze, the words pleased to make your acquaintance dying most suddenly on his lips.
    * * *
    It all must be as if we’ve never met. Daphne managed a credible curtsy on weak knees. It was him. All along, it was him. He was the man she was supposed to meet. “Jamie” was Viscount Knole, her hostess’s son.
    From the look of him, he was as shocked as she. “Are you feeling better?”