Read Online Lady Faith Takes a Leap by Maggi Andersen - Free Book Online Page B

thank me.” His gaze roamed lazily over her. “Mother tells me you are to go with her to visit the spring.”
    “Shall you join us?”
    “Not today. I must investigate another property for my horse stud.”
    Should she be glad? She would prefer not to spend the day comparing him with Mr. Sefton. Not that Mr. Sefton wouldn’t measure up, she amended hastily. He was an entirely more sober member of society.
    They walked together to the house, passing through the massive wooden front door held open by the butler, Belton. A footman took Faith’s pelisse.
    “Mother is dressing,” Vaughn said. “Allow me to escort you to the salon. Would you care for coffee or tea?”
    “I would like some tea, thank you,” Faith said, still feeling awkward in his company.
    Faith sat on the brocade sofa while Vaughn left the room to summon a footman. It was a pleasant room with walls papered in moss green, the windows framed in rose silk damask. A painting of the dowager as a lovely young woman hung above the carved marble fireplace. She and her sister, Fenella, were famous beauties and the toast of London when they were young. A door onto the terrace stood open, giving a glimpse of smooth emerald lawns and a rose garden.
    Young Lord Frederick, heir to the marquisate, ran into the room holding a ball. “Who’s going to play with me?” He gazed around as if the room was full of possible playmates.
    Faith rose and peeled off her gloves. “As there’s only me, I will if you wish it.” She eyed the exquisite pair of Egyptian vases on the mantel. “But out on the lawn.” She looked toward the door. “Where is your nurse?”
    “Nanny Greengage is in the nursery with my sister. Come on, then.” He took her sleeve and pulled.
    “Goodness, you are keen. Very well.” She stepped through the French windows onto the terrace as Freddie raced down the steps onto the lawn. “That’s far enough.” She gazed around for someone to sanction their game, but there was no one.
    She turned back as Freddie threw the ball to her. Not ready, Faith made a grab and missed. The ball went tumbling into the rose garden.
    “I’d best find a servant.” Faith did not want to risk her new violet-blue gown on the thorns.
    “Girls!” Freddie muttered in a disparaging tone. “I’ll go then.”
    “I don’t believe you should, Freddie. You’ll tear your—”
    But Freddie was already on his hands and knees. He disappeared into a runnel between the densely planted rose bushes.
    “Ow! I’m caught,” he yelled a moment later.
    “Oh. Wait. Stay there. There’s help coming.” Faith looked around for assistance. No servant had emerged from the house, so she removed her hat and dropped down to crawl after him. She’d almost reached him when thorns grabbed her skirt and held tight. “Oh bother.” She twisted to try to free herself. “Don’t move, Freddie. You’ll tear your…” she began again but, this time, was interrupted by a frightful ripping sound.
    “I tore my trousers,” Freddie said in a shocked tone. “Nanny Greengage is going to be cross.”
    Faith fumbled behind at her skirt, but with no room to turn and inspect the damage, it was difficult. Freddie, having freed himself, crawled over to her. They studied each other face to face.
    “I can’t get past you,” he said, as if he expected her to give way.
    “But I can’t move,” Faith said crossly. “You shall have to wait.”
    “Wait?” His impatient expression made him appear very much like the rest of the Brandreth men. Lord Frederick did not like to wait. In addition, no female would be so presumptuous to expect him to.
    “Yes. Wait,” she said firmly. “You shall have to be patient.” She huffed out a breath and blew away a wisp of her hair, which had landed in her eyes, as her fingers worked to free her skirt. Her arm cramped, and a thorn scratched her hand. 
    ****
    Even a few moments alone with Faith seemed dangerous and filled with possibilities. Aware of his