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

by out front. It was as if his body was tuned, like a pianoforte, to hers. If he danced with Emma, would they glow like his brother and sister-in-law? There was only one way to find out—he’d have to play dance master.

The arch of Landon’s brow brought Christopher’s thoughts in line. If he were to acquiesce to his brother’s request, he might as well bargain for his sister-in-law’s time. “Very well, I shall provide dance lessons, but in return, I’ll need Bronwyn’s assistance in the office. Not merely to search for her replacement but to actually perform case summaries.”

Bronwyn’s lips curved into a smug smile as if she had anticipated his demand for her help.

Landon nodded and turned to his wife. “So long as you work reasonable hours and promise not to overdo.”

“I promise. But you might want to clarify for Christopher what you deem reasonable—for I believe his sense of time is skewed.”

“No earlier than nine and no later than four in the afternoon.”

“That is but half a day.” Christopher let the words slip before he caught sight of Landon’s scowl. “You used to have her working from the crack of dawn until well past the supper hour.”

“My wife needs her rest. And need I remind you that if she is at the offices too late in the day, it will mean you will have to contend also with Mama and Theo. For they shall want to consult with Bronwyn on the details for the ball.”

“I don’t need them meddling in my affairs. Nine to three shall do.” With Bronwyn’s help, perhaps he might gain an hour or two of sleep.

Linking her arm into the crook of Christopher’s, Bronwyn ushered him to stroll about the room. “Emma’s last fittings are scheduled for four, which means her clients should be gone by seven-thirty, eight at the latest. You will want to leave the office early to make the jaunt across town.”

All hopes of extra rest were dashed. Dance lessons plus travel time would negate the hours gained from Bronwyn’s assistance. His only solace was Landon’s assessment that Emma was a quick study. Perhaps she would only require an evening or two of instruction.

Bronwyn stopped and squeezed his arm. “You are working too much and not eating enough. Please stay for supper.”

“Emma’s day ends rather late. What time does it begin?” What an asinine question. Why did he care?

She released her hold on him. “Five in the morn.” Bronwyn padded back to the settee, where she gracefully sank to sit next to Landon, who observed with interest. “She’s not normally abed until ten in the eve, so if you arrive at eight, there should be little disruption to her schedule.”

“Glad we are all worried about Emma’s commitments.”

“She is my dearest friend. No. Emma is like a sister to me. I only want the best for her.”

Bronwyn’s choice of words was rather peculiar. Christopher linked his hands together behind his back. “And that is why you insisted she attend your debut ball.”

“You think me selfish,” Bronwyn countered. She rose and mimicked his posture, her hands clasped behind her back. Preparing to debate like they used to in order to ready Christopher for a case at court.

“I don’t wish to argue, sister.” He caught sight of the light shadows beneath her eyes. “Are you well? You look rather…tired.” He faced Landon, “Did you call the doctor?” Landon didn’t appear remotely concerned.

“Aye. He said Bronwyn will be right as rain in another nine months, maybe ten.”

“Huzzah. I’m to be an uncle.” Christopher beamed. He’d always wanted to be an uncle. Unlike his brother, he wanted children. It was the wife that Christopher was wary about.

Although Lady Arabelle Risley had granted him a kiss or two and claimed his working station did not matter to her, she had made it clear that she wasn’t interested in marriage—at least not to him. The woman had a terrible crush on the renowned rake Lord Markinson. It had been Christopher’s suggestion to make Markinson jealous with well-timed kisses. While the kisses hadn’t been heart pounding nor soul shattering, he’d still been disappointed when Arabelle rejected any talk of his suit. But if his sources were correct, Markinson planned to reform and court Arabelle properly. He loved being right and when a plan worked, but in this instance, it only served as a reminder that being in the right was rather lonely. Watching his brother’s and sister-in-law’s fawning smiles as they shared the news of the babe reinforced the emptiness that he sought to fill.

Bronwyn leaned up against Landon as she addressed Christopher. “I’m in the early stages yet, and we had not intended to share the news until I’m a little further along. This will not impact my commitment to assist you. It is vital Emma learn how to dance, and…perhaps you could assist her in refining her speech as you did with me?”

Yes, Emma had been wise to run. If he stayed any longer, he dreaded to consider what other tasks would be assigned to him.

“I’ll see what I can do.” He pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. “I need to be off; otherwise, I shall be late.”

Landon and Bronwyn simultaneously rose, but it was Landon who spoke. “Where are you off to? Join us for supper.”

“Sorry; I can’t. I’m to meet Lord Thornton at Brooks’s. He’s yet again managed to render his wife enceinte, which will make for child number five, and the man insists on having his will redrafted with every addition to the family. Which reminds me—we will have to have your papers redrawn up. Bronwyn, will you add it to the list of tasks for tomorrow?”

His sister-in-law nodded with a side glance to her husband.

Landon flashed his dastardly dimple and said, “Perhaps I’ll draft the revisions myself. No need to add to your load, little brother.”

“Do you remember how to handle such menial tasks, old man?” Christopher pinned Landon with a sardonic glare.

He loved sparring with Landon. They hadn’t had