Read Online Just Wicked Enough by Lorraine Heath - Free Book Online

woman.”
    And wasn’t that jolly well marvelous to contemplate: that he might find himself dealing with another lunatic.
    “Women do have a tendency to look at the world slightly differently than we do,” Hawkhurst confirmed.
    “So what am I to do?”
    “What you should have done from the beginning: court her.”
    “I’d hoped to avoid that tedious process.”
    “At least you go into it knowing you’ve gained the prize.”
    “As much as I hate to admit it, I’ve never had much success with gaining a woman’s favor. I bought my mistress all sorts of baubles and yet she left. What do women want?”
    “Perhaps we should bring Louisa into the conversation.”
    “No, God, no. It’s humbling enough discussing it with you.”
    “But she served as Kate’s chaperone for a while. Lived with her, observed her. Surely, she’d know the girl’s favorite color.”
     
     
     
    Kate Rose Tremayne’s favorite color?
    Louisa Selwyn, the new Duchess of Hawkhurst, stared at their guest, while trying to decipher the purpose of his question. Her husband had returned to their bedchamber to announce Falconridge was in need of some assistance, and she needed to dress posthaste—although she hadn’t. She’d taken her sweet time, tormenting him with the reminder of what he’d abandoned, as she slipped back into her nightgown and wrapper. She’d taken some satisfaction in the low curses he’d thrown at his friend, the way he’d gripped the door handle to prevent himself from crossing the room to her—which surely would have resulted in their delay in returning to their guest—and the ardent kiss he’d delivered, filled with the promise of passion to be shared once they dispatched with their midnight caller.
    Now her husband stood leaning against the mantel, seemingly amused by Falconridge’s discomfiture, while Louisa sat across from his friend.
    “Her favorite color?” she repeated.
    “Yes.” Falconridge leaned forward expectantly, as though she held the solution to ending the world’s troubles.
    “I’m sorry, my lord, but I haven’t a clue.”
    He flung himself back in the chair with such force that it scraped across the floor. “You were my last hope,” he grumbled.
    “May I inquire as to why it’s such an important thing to know?”
    “It’s important to her that I know. It’s a riddle she has set before me, and until I solve it”—he cleared his throat—“it is simply important I solve it. Your husband thought you might have the answer since you lived with her for a spell. Since you don’t, allow me to ask you this: how might I earn her favor?”
    Ah, now she was beginning to understand Hawk’s amused expression. She did know Kate well enough to know she’d not settle for less than love; and if Louisa were a wagering woman, she’d wager Falconridge was just now learning the truth of his wife’s obstinacy and facing the consequences.
    “Well, she loves to read. Perhaps a book—”
    “I am presently without funds.”
    “Oh, I see. Well, you could pick some flowers from the garden.”
    “I don’t see that action as being of any consequence. She can go into the garden and enjoy all the flowers she wishes.”
    “Your selecting the ones you think she would enjoy would be the gift.”
    He shook his head, obviously failing to grasp her point.
    “You could take her rowing on the Thames.”
    He grimaced.
    “You could read her poetry.”
    He looked as though he might be ill.
    “Take her on a walk, talk with her. Be kind.”
    He released a deep breath and came to his feet. “This is accomplishing nothing. I’m sorry to have disturbed your sleep.”
    “You told me once that you’d been accused of having too much pride. Perhaps, for her, you simply need to swallow it.”
    “Your Grace, please don’t take offense at my impatience, but it is unconscionably late, my wedding night, and I am here seeking counsel. How much pride do you think remains to me? Again, my apologies for interrupting your