Read Online The Wagered Heart: Signet Regency Romance (InterMix) by Rhonda Woodward - Free Book Online Page A

Speaks of nothing but sheep and wool prices. I now think it was just his uniform that dazzled me.”
    Caro frowned. Julia’s story certainly was not the tragic tale of unrequited love that she was hoping to hear.
    “But still, it must have hurt to have him ridicule your height,” her cousin asked, trying another gambit.
    Julia waved her hand dismissively. “Not for long. Besides, I
was
a gangly girl then.”
    “Yes, Mama says you are a late bloomer. But there are no two arguments about it now—you have become stunningly beautiful. Just look at the way the gentlemen flocked around you last night.”
    “Me! You had your own full circle of admiring swains.”
    “I did enjoy myself last evening, but I am still angry at Clive for running off to the card room right after our only dance. And then he runs off to his mama’s again today!” Caro exclaimed.
    The hurt in her cousin’s voice could not be mistaken. Julia admitted to herself that she had not made up her mind about Clive Farren. Granted, he had welcomed Julia with genuine solicitude. She knew he took his position in the House of Lords seriously, and loved his hounds. It had also become apparent soon after her arrival that he was tied to his mother’s apron strings with a very tight knot.
    They reached the little cascading spring with a picturesque ivy-covered stone alcove nearby. Amid the lush, shaded green beauty, Julia pondered her cousin’s obvious unhappiness. Pulling the folds of her wrap across her shoulders, she decided against making any criticism of Clive. In years to come, if the newly wed couple resolved this problem, Caro mightbe hurt by Julia’s critical remarks, no matter how supportive the words seemed now. But speaking up about the dowager Lady Farren was another proposition.
    “Do not let his mother daunt you, Caro. Have you thought about having a private word with her? You can explain—sweetly and patiently, of course—that she is monopolizing too much of your husband’s time.”
    “I have tried that,” was her glum reply. Lowering herself to the stone bench in the alcove, Caro went on, “She complained bitterly to Clive, and he scolded me for being unkind to his mama.”
    “I see.”
I see that Clive is more boy than man.
    Julia moved to the stone bench and brushed aside a dead leaf before sitting next to Caro. Of a sudden, a very determined expression settled on her cousin’s face.
    “I am thinking of starting a flirtation to make him jealous.”
    Julia’s left brow arched in surprise at this announcement. “Do you think that is wise?”
    “I don’t care! He is taking me for granted after only half a year. We came to Bath only because his mama must take the waters and insists Clive escort her everywhere. What a time to be away from London! I am quite vexed that I shall miss the ball Lady Thorpe is giving in honor of Princess Charlotte’s wedding next month. So why should I not start a flirtation, if it suits me?”
    “When you say it that way, I understand your ire, Caro dear. But I know better than most how something completely innocent can be placed in a very bad light. You must be careful of your reputation.”
    “I do not believe I care. And as for
your
reputation, I still say you should have stayed in London and brazened the whole thing out. In a way, the fuss-upwas rather fun and would have been more so if you had stayed. What a nine day’s wonder that kiss caused! All the
ton
hunted London for you. Who was the mysterious young lady who had made Kel lose his head? It was all anyone could speak of for days! Even though his friends stated they would never forget your face, no one could find you. Mama and I were forced to laugh behind our fans on many occasions.”
    Appalled, Julia jumped up from the stone bench and fixed her cousin with an indignant gaze. “Good Lord! I had no idea that wretched day was discussed at such length. And why in the world do you call him ‘Kel’? Never say you are acquainted with that