Read Online Miss Frazer's Adventure by Alexandra Ivy - Free Book Online Page A

lingered with vivid regret.
    Absently strolling toward the table that held the breakfast tray, Luce poured himself a cup of the steaming coffee and glanced out the window.
    He discovered himself smiling, although there was no possible excuse for the peculiar contentment that was settled within him. Good gads, he should be furious. Not only at having to tend to his reluctant bride, who had audaciously been out drinking with a common rake. But at the knowledge she had risked certain scandal, and her own innocence, by her ridiculous behavior.
    But anger was not what he felt.
    He felt . . . what?
    Like a husband, a soft voice whispered in the back of his mind.
    Surely this was what it was to be a husband? To concern himself with Kate’s welfare. To know that it was his efforts that would bring her comfort.
    To be at her side when she was in need.
    Sharp, male possession surged through him. For the moment, her rattled wits might deny she belonged to him, but he knew the truth. He knew it with a deep, unshakable certainty.
    She belonged to him.
    Lock, stock, and barrel.
    Breathing in the air that was filled with her sweet scent, Luce heard the footsteps behind him. Turning, he watched as Kate shuffled toward the narrow sofa and sank onto the edge.
    â€œI think I must have caught the plague,” she muttered.
    He gave a low laugh. “No, not the plague. Just the usual punishment for too much champagne.”
    â€œI do not suppose I will be fortunate enough to die soon?” she demanded, looking like a battered flower with her hair tangled about her white face.
    â€œNo, I fear you will survive,” he assured her with a faint smile. “Thankfully, by this afternoon you should be feeling considerably better.” He reached to pour her a cup of coffee. “Drink this and try to eat something. As difficult as it might be to believe, it will help settle your stomach.”
    She shuddered but obediently reached for the coffee, which she sipped with a good measure of caution.
    â€œDear heavens. I never realized how ghastly I would feel.”
    â€œLike every pleasure in life, champagne has its cost,” he said, suppressing his amusement at the sight of her misery. There was little of the demure, always proper Miss Frazer about her this morning, but he discovered it oddly moving to see her so vulnerable. “You did not believe that your lovely adventures could be had without a price, did you?”
    She managed a glare, her eyes more blue than green this morning. “Could you please save your lectures, Luce? I am in no humor this morning.”
    He laughed as he reached for the plate of warm buttered toast. “Then eat.”
    She grimaced and leaned back in distaste. “No, I thank you.”
    â€œHaving considerably more experience in your current condition, allow me to be the expert,” he commanded, pressing a slice of toast into her unwilling fingers. “Eat.”
    Too ill to argue properly, she reluctantly nibbled at the edge of the toast. Eventually deciding it was not going to make her nauseated again, she reached for another slice.
    Within several minutes, the tinge of green had left her features and Luce gave a nod of satisfaction.
    â€œIs that better?”
    â€œI suspect that I might live,” she conceded, working her way through her third slice. “The world has stopped spinning and my stomach is not threatening an immediate revolt. I . . . what happened last night?”
    Luce raised a golden brow at her hesitant question. “You do not recall?”
    A vague frown marred her forehead as she struggled to battle through her foggy memories.
    â€œI recall having dinner with Lord Thorpe and coming up to the room. And then you came to the door. . . and there were roses on the floor and . . .” She frowned with impatience. “After that I can recall nothing.”
    Luce froze. There was no denying the sharp blow to his pride. Blast it all. He had lain awake