Read Online Just a Kiss by Ally Broadfield - Free Book Online Page B

kind as to ask Hudson to attend me?”
    She curtsied. “Of course, my lord.”
    He remained in the corridor to wait for Hudson so Gran could change out of her gown. He placed his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall. He would have preferred to stay at the theater longer, but Gran’s health was still fragile. He delighted in watching Charlotte throughout the first act. She had an innocence he found intoxicating. It was a joy to see her so absorbed in the show despite the fact that few others in the theater paid much attention. He couldn’t remember the last time he had been that enthralled with anything.
    Hudson’s footfalls sounded against the stairs, and he came into view at the end of the corridor. “You wished to see me, my lord?”
    Sebastian removed his hands from his pockets and crossed his arms. “Yes. I need you to make arrangements for flowers to be delivered in the morning. The first bouquet should go to Princess Tarasova at Chadwick House.”
    Hudson nodded. “Shall I choose the flowers, my lord?”
    “Yes, and include my card. For the second bouquet, make it wildflowers, preferably with daisies, Queen Anne’s lace, and dandelions.”
    Hudson raised his brows but didn’t comment.
    “The wildflower arrangement will go to Miss Lightwood, care of Sir Richard Lightwood.”
    “Very good, sir.”
    “I’d like to include a note as well. It should read, ‘Do let me know if the bouquet passed muster or if it required rearranging.’”
    Hudson’s lips twitched, but he didn’t smile. “Will that be all, sir?”
    Sebastian nodded and Hudson left. He peered into Gran’s chamber and found her sitting in an armchair near the table where tea would be served. She seemed to have gained back some of the weight she’d lost, but he was still concerned that she hadn’t fully recovered from her illness. He stepped aside to allow the maid with the tea tray to enter, then followed her in and sat on the edge of the chaise lounge across from Gran. The tray held an array of scones. He reached for one and Gran slapped his hand.
    “You will wait to be served.”
    Her domineering behavior did not bode well for him. He straightened in his seat and accepted a cup of tea from her.
    She took a sip of her tea, added more cream, and took another sip. “So you’re keeping your options open. Do you think that’s wise?” she asked in a stiff tone.
    He set his cup on the table. “I haven’t the pleasure of understanding your meaning.”
    She raised a brow. “Sending flowers to two different ladies?”
    “Your hearing is surprisingly good for a woman your age.”
    She slammed her cup down. “What are you playing at?”
    “I’m not playing at anything.” He picked up a scone and took a bite, ignoring her steady regard. She studied him long enough for him to finish the scone and choose another.
    “A lady makes certain assumptions when a gentleman sends her flowers.” Her voice had gone up an octave.
    He clasped his hands across his knees. “What sort of assumptions?”
    She sighed. “That the sender is pursuing her, of course.”
    He grimaced. “It can’t just be a sign of regard without meaning more?”
    “It always means more to a woman. You’re walking a fine line. Don’t provide false hope where it’s not warranted.”
    He ran his hand through his hair. “I will bear that in mind.”
    She pointed a finger at him. “See that you do. Princess Tarasova would be an excellent match for you, but I don’t wish to see Miss Lightwood hurt.”
    “I am merely trying to follow your suggestion to draw attention to them. Flowers in the drawing room alert other gentleman that they have competition, as you asked me to see to.”
    The wrinkles puckered around her lips. “Your time would be better spent determining your own future.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Not an easy task, that. Though it ought to be. Charlotte enticed him in a way he didn’t fully understand, but if he had to marry, Princess Tarasova was the