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

Her dad entered and shoved Christopher out. “I need a word with Emma…in private.” He shut the door and fastened the locks. “Ye two figure matters out?”

She wasn’t exactly sure what her dad was referring to, but she and Christopher were in accord. Emma said, “Aye.”

“Good. Did he share with ye the names of those he’s chosen to go abroad?

Emma squinted at her dad to hide her shock. Her dad wasn’t going to lecture her on having a gentleman stay overnight under her roof, and she wasn’t going to prompt him. “Aye. I know who’s to go.”

“Well…”

“That’s not for me to share. He’s asked for me opinion, but we haven’t had time to go over them all.”

Her dad’s beefy hands clenched, and his knuckles popped. “No time, huh.”

There was a light rap at the front door. Her dad peered out the window and mumbled, “It’s yer stubborn niece.” He released the locks.

The door flew open, and Lady Arabelle waltzed past Mr. Lennox, who crept out the front door and left without a goodbye.

“Where did your father disappear to?” Lady Arabelle asked as she removed her gloves.

“He’s off to work.” Emma went up the stairs to retrieve Arabelle’s gown. “Yer dress is ready. I’ll jus’ go box it up for ye.”

Arabelle followed her up to the loft.

Reaching over Emma’s shoulder, Arabelle pulled out the red gown. “You devil. Don’t tell me you plan on wearing this ruby creation.” She pressed the garment against her chest and twirled about. It absolutely divine.” The mischievous twinkle in her eye shone brightly. Emma braced herself for Arabelle’s request. “Let’s switch gowns. You wear the green, and I get to wear the red.”

Recalling how Christopher’s voice had deepened earlier while in her closet, Emma considered the outrageous request. She wanted to incite that devilish gleam in his eyes when he was just about to kiss her.

Emma nodded. “Very well.” Taking the red gown from Arabelle’s grasp, she boxed it up and trudged down the stairs.

Emma waited by the door for Arabelle to descend.

Taking the box from Emma, Arabelle asked, “Do you always dine on the floor?” Arabelle shifted her gaze back to the stairs.

Ignoring the question, Emma said, “Have yer maid press the gown.” She gently shoved Arabelle out the door. “I shall see ye at the ball.”

Leaning back against the door, she slid the bolts into place. She needed to make a few quick alterations to the green dress. Alterations that would tempt her dear betrothed.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Having never given his height much consideration prior, Christopher was newly thankful he had been blessed with a few extra inches as he scanned the crowd filling Landon’s townhouse. Where was Emma? He scrutinized every darn woman dressed in red. He studied the throng of ladies that consisted of the usual set of debutantes and a few country misses, but there was no sign of his fiancée anywhere.

Landon murmured, “Did the council grant your request?”

He inwardly winced, recalling his earlier meeting with the Network elders. His anxiety level had risen prior to presenting his request to the council, but not as high as it was now. He’d sought approval of his plan to have one of them accompany him as he extended invitations to each Network member on his list personally. Christopher wanted each member to know that it was an offer, not a demand, and that they may choose to decline if they wished. That he remained unmarked worked to his advantage. He wanted the members to go willingly.

Christopher glanced at his brother. Landon had adopted a relaxed stance, but his eyes were filled with worry. “I did. Cadby and I are to begin visiting the families tomorrow.” Landon’s eyes narrowed at the mention of his father-in-law, but Christopher ignored his older brother’s glare and nodded as more guests were announced. All the ceremonious aplomb grated on Christopher’s nerves. He took a step back and waited while Landon smiled and formally greeted the guests. Onlookers would have thought the Earl of Hadfield was thoroughly enjoying the nonsensical idle chatter, but Christopher noticed the back of Landon’s coat stretched taut. His brother's muscles grew tenser the longer the couple nattered on. Christopher scanned the room once more. With each passing second of not locating Emma, his pulse accelerated.

Having completed his salutations, Landon turned and asked, “How long do you anticipate it will take for you to obtain everyone’s consent?”

“Cadby anticipates a week; I’d say a few days.”

“Hmph. The man is not one to exaggerate.” There was no love lost between Landon and his father-in-law, but his brother did respect the man.

“Aye, but I’m not one to dally.” A honey blonde in a green dress, similar to the one he saw at Emma's shop, appeared briefly and exited onto the terrace. His heart leaped, but Emma had said she would be in red. His gaze flickered to Landon. “Have you seen my fiancée?”

“She’s most likely with my wife. I was tied up at the Foreign Office this afternoon, and I haven’t had a chance to locate Bronwyn.” Landon’s relaxed features remained in place, but his voice was definitely strained. “I had expected my wife to be here, next to me, greeting the piranhas…beg pardon, the guests.”

Christopher smothered a laugh. “I’ll leave you to your host duties. I’m off to find the women.”

Leaving his brother’s side, Christopher kept to the fringes of the crush. He milled about, relying on his ability to sense when she was near. The mass of bodies shifted like a school of fish. If the number of attendees determined the success of a ball, then Bronwyn’s first official event as a host was a smashing victory.

Christopher spied his cousin Theo in the corner with her usual guards, Waterford and his wife, Lady Mary, and made his way towards the trio.

He greeted Theo with a quick peck on the cheek. “Have you seen Emma?” Christopher took a half step back.

His cousin, who was more like a sister, stared at him