Read Online Just Perfect by Jomarie Degioia - Free Book Online Page A

settle down, like our other friends have.”
    Constance quelled her feelings. She so wanted that as well, but it wouldn’t do to appear as desperate as these two. It wasn’t in keeping with her image of the cool and perfect young society miss. This morning she was immensely chafed by that mantel.
    “It’s a pity so many eligible men have been snatched from the marriage market.” Sarah sighed, then suddenly brightened. “There are still several left for the taking, Diane. Don’t give up hope.”
    “True, but I don’t know where to set my cap,” Diane said. “I have a few men in mind, but I just can’t decide.”
    Constance didn’t want to ask, she truly didn’t. Burning interest in the social swirl of the season was expected, however.
    “Which gentlemen are you considering?” she asked Diane.
    “Well, there are several,” Diane said, her eyes bright as she warmed to her topic. “Take Lord Kanewood’s circle.”
    Sarah snorted. “Two down, two to go.”
    Diane nodded. “I chose that particular group of gentlemen to demonstrate my sad state.”
    “Really?” Constance said, curious despite herself. “Why those particular men?”
    Sarah nodded, leaning forward. “They are such diverse gentlemen, in looks and temperament.”
    “Exactly,” Diane said. “Take Lord Kanewood.”
    “Yes, please,” Sarah put in.
    Constance laughed. “He’s married, Sarah. And quite happily.”
    Sarah grinned and nodded. “Yes, yes. Go on, Diane.”
    “He’s the leader of their circle, commanding and very handsome. Yet he was caught.”
    “And gone from the market.” Sarah sighed.
    “Now, take Lord Leed,” Diane went on.
    “Yes, please,” Sarah said again.
    “Sarah,” Constance said with another laugh.
    “Lord Leed,” Diane went on, her face dreamy now. “Dark and brooding and so …” She sighed.
    “Yes,” Constance said. “Another gentleman happily married.”
    “Oh, but Lord Roberts!” Diane gushed now. “He’s still available. And so charming and attentive toward me.”
    “As he is toward most every lady.” Sarah pouted. “A girl can’t count on his charm to land on her alone.”
    “But I’ve seen his sparkling gray eyes in my dreams,” Diane said.
    Constance silently allowed that there wasn’t a more charming man of their acquaintance than Lord Roberts, not that she’d seen his particular eyes in her dreams. No. It was one particular pair of warm, brown eyes that made her body ache, in and out of her dreams. Not to mention his thick, blond hair. It looked so soft … she shook herself back to her boring, wakeful existence.
    “Lord Roberts has gone to the country, Diane,” she said. “And will no doubt remain there for some time.”
    “Yes, his father has reportedly taken ill,” Sarah said. “Pity that, though it might lead to an elevation in his station from viscount to earl.”
    “Sarah!” Constance said. “How can you wish such sadness on Lord Roberts?”
    “Oh, I don’t, not really,” Sarah said. “I just wish he was in town this season. He’s one of the few unattached gentlemen who draws my attention.”
    “Your attention is drawn to every handsome face with a title and fortune,” Diane said. “I daresay I would take Lord Roberts with neither.”
    Sarah snorted in obvious disbelief. “Be that as it may, he’s well and gone from London and we’ll have to set our caps for different gentlemen if we have any hope of marrying before this new season ends.”
    The two other girls grew quiet, which unsettled Constance more than their chatter had. It was inevitable, the new course their conversation would take. She braced herself for the realization to strike the two of them.
    “There is at least one who is available and quite attractive,” Diane said.
    Constance’s hands fluttered in her lap and she fought to keep them still. “Which gentleman?” she asked, as if she didn’t know.
    “Hmm, yes,” Sarah mused aloud. “There is always Lord Chester.”
    And there it