Read Online To Love a Wicked Scoundrel by Anabelle Bryant - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Anabelle Bryant
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she packed her luggage in Wiltshire, that were she to be dragged away from home she would embrace new experiences. Every adventure begins with a first step. And she
was
curious to see the upside-down tree. It mattered little how she came by the information.
However, the secrecy of it all made her incredibly uncomfortable. At least she’d effectively declined Lord Highborough’s invitation and therefore would be able to enjoy the park without preoccupation over another accidental meeting. Or worse, why when the overlong wisps of his hair edged over his collar he did not brush them back as she wished to do.
His hair
. How incredibly soft it must feel. Foolish thought, she chided. She brought herself up in a swift motion to ring for her maid and change her clothes for supper.
Janie was accustomed to her no-nonsense style and Isabelle was dressed for dinner, her hair in a tidy bun, in no time at all. When she came down the stairs, she found Meredith seated near the front window. A fashion magazine lay open on her skirt but her focus strayed to the window twice in the time Isabelle crossed the room and sat in the chair beside her.
She drew her stepmother’s attention with a light touch to the arm. ‘I am glad you are here. I wished to speak to you concerning Lily.’
Meredith brought her eyes from the window. ‘What has my daughter requested now? A pet elephant? A trip to Paris?’
‘No, nothing at all.’ Isabelle shook her head to confirm Meredith misunderstood.
‘Very good.’ She dropped her gaze to the magazine on her lap. ‘Look at this exquisite design.’ She turned towards Isabelle with a smile on her face and held up the fashion plate, her index finger tapping the left page. ‘I cannot decide whether to have this gown made in amber or byzantium silk. They are my best colours and this is the latest design. With a more daring neckline, it would make a lasting impression.’
‘It is very pretty.’ Isabelle watched Meredith give the window another glance. ‘I am sure the modiste will accommodate you.’
‘Yes, I shall order it when next we shop. I think a silver underskirt would be the thing, just a tad longer than the hem. What a splendid gown it will be.’
Meredith continued to study the picture, a pleased gleam in her eye, and Isabelle prompted a return to the topic that concerned her. ‘Lily has kept very late hours since we’ve arrived in London and I worry that she is not getting enough rest. She appears tired soon after she wakes and sometimes wishes I lie down with her after luncheon, when usually it is she running circles around me all afternoon.’
Meredith flicked her gaze upward. ‘Posh, I wouldn’t think twice on it. If Lily wishes to nap more often, I relish the fact. It is the only time when the house is utterly quiet.’ She shook her head to dismiss the subject, then turned the page, and reversed the magazine to provide Isabelle with a view of another design. ‘Now this is the perfect gown for you. The square neckline will flatter your full bosom, yet show enough skin to charm any gentleman that asks you to dance.’ She narrowed her eyes and studied the sketch in deliberation. ‘Perhaps in a pale blue water silk. It would complement your colouring and bring out the natural blush of your skin.’
‘Thank you. It does sound lovely.’ She pushed to regain Meredith’s focus. ‘There are evenings when I hear Lily singing or telling stories far past her bedtime.’
‘Yes, she is a fanciful child, but I don’t see a cause for concern.’ Meredith offered her a tolerant grin. Then her eyes returned to the magazine on her skirt and she grinned in unabashed pleasure. ‘If you are going to worry about something, worry about fashion. It is ever changing. You know, we could have scallop shaped sleeves added to this dress. It would be magnificent.’
When Isabelle made no reply, Meredith continued. ‘I think you should heed your own advice and put a little more effort into your
was
curious to see the upside-down tree. It mattered little how she came by the information.
However, the secrecy of it all made her incredibly uncomfortable. At least she’d effectively declined Lord Highborough’s invitation and therefore would be able to enjoy the park without preoccupation over another accidental meeting. Or worse, why when the overlong wisps of his hair edged over his collar he did not brush them back as she wished to do.
His hair
. How incredibly soft it must feel. Foolish thought, she chided. She brought herself up in a swift motion to ring for her maid and change her clothes for supper.
Janie was accustomed to her no-nonsense style and Isabelle was dressed for dinner, her hair in a tidy bun, in no time at all. When she came down the stairs, she found Meredith seated near the front window. A fashion magazine lay open on her skirt but her focus strayed to the window twice in the time Isabelle crossed the room and sat in the chair beside her.
She drew her stepmother’s attention with a light touch to the arm. ‘I am glad you are here. I wished to speak to you concerning Lily.’
Meredith brought her eyes from the window. ‘What has my daughter requested now? A pet elephant? A trip to Paris?’
‘No, nothing at all.’ Isabelle shook her head to confirm Meredith misunderstood.
‘Very good.’ She dropped her gaze to the magazine on her lap. ‘Look at this exquisite design.’ She turned towards Isabelle with a smile on her face and held up the fashion plate, her index finger tapping the left page. ‘I cannot decide whether to have this gown made in amber or byzantium silk. They are my best colours and this is the latest design. With a more daring neckline, it would make a lasting impression.’
‘It is very pretty.’ Isabelle watched Meredith give the window another glance. ‘I am sure the modiste will accommodate you.’
‘Yes, I shall order it when next we shop. I think a silver underskirt would be the thing, just a tad longer than the hem. What a splendid gown it will be.’
Meredith continued to study the picture, a pleased gleam in her eye, and Isabelle prompted a return to the topic that concerned her. ‘Lily has kept very late hours since we’ve arrived in London and I worry that she is not getting enough rest. She appears tired soon after she wakes and sometimes wishes I lie down with her after luncheon, when usually it is she running circles around me all afternoon.’
Meredith flicked her gaze upward. ‘Posh, I wouldn’t think twice on it. If Lily wishes to nap more often, I relish the fact. It is the only time when the house is utterly quiet.’ She shook her head to dismiss the subject, then turned the page, and reversed the magazine to provide Isabelle with a view of another design. ‘Now this is the perfect gown for you. The square neckline will flatter your full bosom, yet show enough skin to charm any gentleman that asks you to dance.’ She narrowed her eyes and studied the sketch in deliberation. ‘Perhaps in a pale blue water silk. It would complement your colouring and bring out the natural blush of your skin.’
‘Thank you. It does sound lovely.’ She pushed to regain Meredith’s focus. ‘There are evenings when I hear Lily singing or telling stories far past her bedtime.’
‘Yes, she is a fanciful child, but I don’t see a cause for concern.’ Meredith offered her a tolerant grin. Then her eyes returned to the magazine on her skirt and she grinned in unabashed pleasure. ‘If you are going to worry about something, worry about fashion. It is ever changing. You know, we could have scallop shaped sleeves added to this dress. It would be magnificent.’
When Isabelle made no reply, Meredith continued. ‘I think you should heed your own advice and put a little more effort into your
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