Read Online The Demure Debutante - a Regency Novella by Caylen McQueen - Free Book Online Page A

resist the temptation to buy myself a hat!”
    “I suppose I can give you my opinion,” Emilia offered.
    Willow patted the younger girl's cheek. “Good! And I'll buy you a hat as well! Arthur... wait here. Emilia and I are going to browse.”
    Arthur responded with a nod, because a nod was all he could manage. His eyes were fixed on the window, where he caught sight of Brittley Christian. Brittley was hovering around the hat shop, not unlike a wolf would hover around its imminent pray. “I'll have to keep my eye on him...” Arthur whispered to himself. If Brittley attempted to approach Emilia, as Arthur feared he might, he would be there to prevent it.
    Several minutes later, Willow returned with a couple of hat boxes, which she handed to her brother. “You'll carry them for us, won't you.” It was more of a demand than a question.
    “Of course.” Even though his hands were full, Arthur managed to hold the door for the ladies as they exited the milliner's.
    “Where else should we venture, Emilia? I don't think I've quite gotten my fill. The urge to shop has not left my system.”
    “Hmm...” Emilia tapped her chin as she glanced around at the neighboring shops. “I wouldn't mind looking at some books.”
    “Books.” Willow tried to hide her lack of enthusiasm, but it was written all over her face. “Very well. Lead the way!”
    Arthur trailed a few paces behind the ladies. Not only was he carrying their hat boxes, he was carrying all of the day's purchases. Willow didn't want her fiance to see what she was buying; nevertheless, Arthur wished the other man was around to share his burden. To make matters worse, he had somehow managed to lose sight of Brittley. “ I'll just have to keep an eye on Emilia now ,” he silently decided.
    When they were inside the book store, Arthur asked, “Emilia... would you like me to recommend some of my favorite novels?”
    “I would like that, Arthur,” she answered with a smile. “I'd like that very much.”
    “Ohhh no no no!” Willow protested. “If I were you, I would not heed his recommendations! Arthur likes moody gothic novels and epic adventures that take months to read!”
    “Oh, and I suppose you would be the better authority on books, sister?”
    “I am!” Willow plucked a copy of Pride & Prejudice from the shelves and presented it to Emilia. “I confess I haven't read anything in quite some time, but I would recommend this with all my heart! It makes you believe in the possibility of love.”
    “Thank you, Willow. I will most definitely read it.” Emilia clutched the book to her chest and circled around the shelf. Arthur was lured to another section of the store, where he browsed his preferred shelf. He was suddenly so engrossed that he failed to notice Brittley Christian had entered the store.
    Brittley stalked Emilia to the corner of the bookstore, where her favorite serials were on display. When she saw him approach, she let out an audible gasp. “Mr. Christian!”
    “Shhh!” He held a gloved finger over her lips. “Your guardian has been watching me, so I have to make this quick.”
    “My guardian?!”
    “Arthur Rochefort,” Brittley exclaimed. “I think he considers himself your protector.”
    Emilia clutched her copy of Pride & Prejudice even tighter. “And do I need protection from you, Mr. Christian?”
    “Of course not. I can be honorable... if I must.” Brittley grabbed her hand and slipped a note into her palm. “I wrote you a letter, in which I describe my innermost passions. Do not read it until you are alone, Emilia.”
    “I don't know if I should be accepting letters from a gentleman. It's--”
    “Not proper?” Brittley curled her knuckles, forcing her to grip the letter. “You'll read it. I know you will. Your curiosity will get the better of you.”
    “Mr. Christian, I--”
    Before she could protest, he turned on his heel and swiftly exited the store, careful not to alert Arthur to his presence. Fortunately for Brittley,