Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

is extremely insightful and an excellent judge of character. Also, he was never one to talk in riddles, always straight to the point and honest.” She tapped Emma on the shoulder. Emma spun around to stare into Arabelle’s serious features. “I do care enough for Mr. Neale to be one hundred percent honest with him. He is a wonderful man, and I consider him a dear friend.”

A wave of irrational anger on Christopher’s behalf at Arabelle’s rejection rolled through Emma.

The bell over the door tinkled, and Emma’s dad appeared.

Tipping his hat, he nodded. “Lady Arabelle.” He glanced about the shop before shutting the door behind him.

Grabbing her reticule from the settee, Arabelle headed for the door. “Mr. Lennox, it is a pleasure to see you, but your appearance means the hour grows late, and it’s time for me to return home.” Arabelle straightened from her perfect little curtsy.

Emma called out, “I’ll expect ye next week for a fittin’.”

“Splendid. I’m looking forward to seeing your newest creation.” Arabelle winked and turned to leave.

Mr. Lennox opened the door and said, “Let me escort you to your carriage—it’s already dark outside.”

Emma stood by the front door as her dad gallantly walked Arabelle to the waiting vehicle. Once her niece was safely tucked inside, her dad marched back and said, “Ye shouldn’t be allowin’ her to stay so late.”

“She’s hard to get rid of.”

“I heard ye are expectin’ another visitor this eve.”

The Network’s gossip mill was hard to evade. “Yes, I’m expectin’ Mr. Neale to arrive later.”

“But ye’ve decided not to attend Bronwyn’s bloody ball. For wot good reason is he payin’ ye a visit?”

“He’s offered to help….”

“Help ye with wot? Pinning gowns?” her dad teased and then his lips thinned into a straight line. “I don’t trust him. I want to know his intentions.” He took a step closer and stared down at her. “Ye’re me daughter, and I’ll not have anyone take advantage of yer kind heart.”

“What if it is I who takes advantage of him?”

“Yer mum didn’t want me to share me thoughts on the matter, but men are highly motivated to say and do anythin’ to win a pretty girl’s affection. Yer mum believes Mr. Neale is an honorable one, jus’ like his brother. And if he’s taken an interest in ye, well, ye best be thinkin’ wot to say if he asks ye to marry him.”

“Marry Mr. Neale? I’ve only jus’ met him.”

“Lord Hadfield’s dictate for his brother to marry by season’s end is well known. We all know of Lady Arabelle’s rejection of Mr. Neale’s pursuit and his sudden interest in ye. Yer mum asks ye to consider the matter carefully.”

“He’s not interested in marriage to me.”

“How do ye know?”

“If Mr. Neale did propose, it would be out of convenience. Rejected by a lady, he is in desperate need of a woman to marry. I’ll not marry a man who's not in love with me, as you are in love with me mum.”

“Girl, come here.” He sat and waited for her to sit next to him. “Do ye know how long it took me to ask yer mum for her hand?”

“I’m guessin’ not long. The two of ye are always fawnin’ over each other.”

“Wrong. I’ve loved yer mum pretty much from the day we met, but it took me three long years for me ask her to marry me. And then there was the matter of the Council. Do ye know why it took me three years?”

“Nay.”

“I didn’t believe I was good enough to be the husband to a Network Council member. Yer grandma hit me over the head and told me wot I want ye to hear—live life and love without fear.”

“But Mr. Neale will become an official PORF upon marryin’, and his wife too will become a PORF. I’m not…”

“Girl, ye’d make a fine PORF. Ye have good instincts, and ye’re born to do great things. Look at wot ye have already made of yerself.” He gave her a hug, kissed the top of her head. “I’m proud of ye, and yer mum and me, we support ye whatever ye decide.” With one last squeeze, her dad turned and left.

Mute, Emma followed behind her dad and slowly turned the locks one by one. His footsteps faded, but she remained rooted next to the door. A few days ago, she had pondered over her future—secretly wishing for more. Then she met Christopher, and her life suddenly became more complicated yet exhilarating. Aside from enjoying and longing for more of the man’s heart-stopping kisses, Emma was drawn to the complex gentleman who was nothing like the man the Network reports had portrayed. Flattered that Christopher wanted to spend more time together, she hadn’t pressed him to share his reasons. She herself couldn’t precisely explain why she felt compelled to seek out his company and felt adrift when they were apart. Nevertheless, she would have to find out Christopher’s true intentions tonight before matters became more convoluted.

Chapter Eleven

Nodding to the two young burly men assigned to watch over Emma’s shop, Christopher noted their unusual frosty nature towards him. He hadn’t managed to ascertain their names, but he knew they were among a rotation of six men who always saw to Emma’s safety. Whispers amongst the Network staff he employed clearly indicated Emma was a highly respected member—the eldest child to a Network elder. The Network apparently cared little about her paternal bloodline, only that she was as fierce a leader as his sister-in-law, Bronwyn. It was no wonder the pair were fast friends. In fact, the blue blood that ran through Emma’s veins was considered her single flaw. Her destiny to hold a seat upon the Network Elders’ Council explained the extra protection Emma received, for which he was grateful. The dangers of Emma living all alone gave him heart palpitations, and after her morning visit, he couldn’t banish the idea of having her safe and living under his roof.

Christopher approached the front door, and just before he