Read Online It Happened One Christmas by Kaitlin O'Riley - Free Book Online Page B

him want to hold her in his arms and kiss her for hours. Her sweet scent wafted around him. This was the third time in three days he had seen her, and his desire for her had only increased. She gave him a nervous glance and then lowered her gaze to her lap.
    â€œSo, Monsieur Roxbury, tell me,” Mrs. Hamilton began with excitement in her voice. “Do you live here in Brighton ?”
    â€œNo, madam, I reside in London. I am here for a few days on business only. I’m staying at the Grand Hotel.”
    â€œ Oui, c’est un endroit magnifique. Such a lovely hotel! Of course you would stay there, for it is the only place to be. Now, monsieur , to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today?”
    She spoke with a charming mixture of English and French, with an almost flirtatious quality. Although his first impression of her was one of fragility, he suddenly sensed a will of iron beneath the delicate surface of Mrs. Hamilton. He imagined she must have led men on a merry chase when she was younger.
    He cleared his throat before he began, thinking of an explanation for coming to their house that sounded more reasonable than his true motive.
    â€œYour daughter and I met on the train to Brighton yesterday. Actually we first met by accident the day before that, as I was leaving Devon House. I had been there speaking to Lord Waverly about a special project I am involved in. While on the train, I explained my project to Miss Hamilton and she agreed to help persuade your son-in-law to aid my cause. I thought I would stop by to discuss a few more of the details with her.”
    Mrs. Hamilton’s keen eyes darted from him to Lisette and back to him. She seemed quite amused about something. “Yes, I see.”
    â€œI also wished to inquire as to your health, Mrs. Hamilton, for your daughter mentioned that you were not well.”
    â€œThat is most thoughtful and considerate of you. Quel charmant gentilhomme! Such a charming man! I am much recovered. Thank you very much. Merci beaucoup .” She favored him with a bright smile, full of health and vigor.
    Quinton blinked. The woman unsettled him not a little.
    â€œAnd you think Lisette can convince Lord Waverly to help you?” Mrs. Hamilton asked. “What is this project?”
    â€œI am designing new houses outside the city to replace an area of tenement buildings in London, and I’m seeking contributors to raise the capital to begin. Lord Waverly was kind enough to express more than a polite interest in my plan.”
    â€œWhy do you think my daughter would help you?”
    â€œBecause she agrees with what I am doing, and when I suggested speaking to Lord Waverly about it, Lisette said she would do so.”
    Mrs. Hamilton arched one elegant but faded eyebrow. “Did she now?”
    Lisette looked up and nodded. “Yes, Maman . It’s quite an extraordinary cause. Mr. Roxbury wants to build better housing for the poor. Think how it could change people’s lives. You know as well as I that Lucien would want to be a part of such a noble endeavor.”
    â€œYes, I imagine he would at that. Mon gendre est un homme très généreux. My son-in-law is a very generous man.”
    â€œLord Waverly said he would consider my project and I thought Miss Hamilton could put in a good word for me in the meantime,” Quinton added.
    The older woman’s eyes gleamed as if she knew a secret. “ Dites-moi la vérité, monsieur! Now tell me the truth. So you are calling upon my daughter now for a purely selfish purpose?”
    â€œMother!” Lisette cried out.
    â€œNot at all, Mrs. Hamilton!” Quinton protested politely. “The benefit is not for me. These houses will benefit dozens of poor families, allowing them to live better and more productive lives. It improves the community for all of us in turn.”
    Genevieve Hamilton’s light laughter surprised him. “ Oui! Yes, of course they will. That