Read Online The Harlow Hoyden by Lynn Messina - Free Book Online Page A

deserves better.”
    “Her children will make her happy.”
    Emma doubted that very much. Her parents’ marriage was very similar to the one she’d just described, and nothing she or Lavinia or Roger had done had ever made her parentshappy. “No, they will just remind her of the rash choices she made when she was too young to know better.”
    Not for the first time Kate’s heart went out to her dear friend. She knew Emma didn’t have a happy childhood and was still much affected by it, but she didn’t realize how deeply the hurt went. No wonder she is afraid of marriage, Kate thought. “Each person must take responsibility for herown decisions. I cannot believe that dear Vinnie would take her disappointment out on her children as your mother did. If she has had no other offers of marriage, then perhaps this is the best thing for her,” she added gently.
    “Lavinia would have offers if she were more lively. She is very pretty.”
    “Yes, I think so.”
    “It’s just that she’s so practical, isn’t it? She never has adventureslike other women. She’d rather stay at home and read horticultural texts. And she reads more now that she’s engaged to Sir Windbag. Wouldn’t she read less if she were really in love?”
    “Emma darling, other women don’t have adventures. Only you do.”
    “Well, then, doesn’t that just demonstrate all that’s wrong with the world?” she asked with a wave of a distressed hand.
    Miss Kennington wasn’tinclined to agree, but she said nothing more on the topic. “I will think carefully on this project and get back to you as soon as I’ve compiled a list of agreeable candidates. Will I be seeing you tonight at Lady Sizemore’s musicale?”
    “Good gracious, no!” answered Emma, horrified at the thought of spending even a minute listening to Sonia Sizemore’s off-key alto. “Sarah has promised to escortLavinia and me to the theater. We are going to see the very excellent production of a Midsummer Night’s Dream at Drury Lane Theater.”
    “Is Roger not back from the Continent yet?” Kate asked, examining the clock on the mantelpiece. The hour was growing late, and she needed yet to change her gown.
    “No, though we expect him any day. I do not think it’s right that Mama send him to France to dobusiness for her. Surely there are unmarried men without families she could hire to do her bidding. Must it be Roger?” Emma noticed her friend’s glance and stood up. “No need to say it, dear. I’m leaving. No doubt you are eagerly awaiting a call from Lord Hastings. I expect any day now to hear word of your engagement.”
    “Don’t be so sure,” cautioned the lady. “I haven’t decided if I want himor not. Mr. Roth has been very charming of late.”
    Emma didn’t know who Mr. Roth was and knew better than to ask. Even if he had been charming of late, he would not last. Kate’s affections were fixed on Lord Hastings whether she admitted to it or not.
    They were approaching the door and finishing their good-byes when a thought struck Emma. “Tell me, Kate, what do you think of Lord Everett Carson?”

    “A cad.”
    “Just as I thought!”
    Kate didn’t like the look in her friend’s eye. “What are you thinking?”
    “I might have a possible solution. Carson would think nothing of courting a betrothed female. Perhaps I shall endeavor to engage his affections.”
    “Why should you engage his affections? I can’t imagine what good that would serve.”
    “No, my engaging his affections would serve no good,but if he thought I were Lavinia…” She trailed off as she considered her scheme. If she pretended to be Lavinia for a little while and if she flirted mercilessly with Carson, then maybe he would fix his attentions on the real Lavinia. It was a known fact that men liked women who liked them. The idea had merit. She looked up to find Kate staring at her, and she laughed at the expression on her friend’sface. “Don’t look so horrified, my dear. Lavinia