Read A Gentleman Says "I Do" for Free Online Page A

have done so if that had been the case. Miss Crisp and I had never met until a few minutes ago. She was right when she said I came here to see her father.”
    Aunt Elle rubbed her temple as if she had a headache. “Oh, but he isn’t here.”
    “Yes, I’ve been told,” he said, speaking kindly to her, “and more than once, so I think perhaps it’s time I took my leave. I’ll come back another time to see Sir Phillip.”
    “Well, I don’t know why you’d want to come see him when our beautiful Catalina is here,” Aunt Elle said, her gaze darting from Catalina to Mr. Brentwood. “Unless this is a ruse, and if it is, that’s so romantic.” She smiled at Mr. Brentwood. “My Mr. Gottfried was a romantic man like you, too.”
    Heat started at Catalina’s throat and rose up her neck to her face. Her gaze flew to Mr. Brentwood’s, but she realized she didn’t know what to say to him about her aunt’s behavior.
    “Auntie, we just told you there is nothing going on between us.”
    “Yes, yes,” Aunt Elle continued, suddenly looking confused. “I know, I know. It would be wonderful for you to come another time, Mr. Brentwood. You should hear our Catalina play the pianoforte. It’s breathtaking.”
    “Auntie, please.”
    “Well, it’s true. But I’ll tell him about that another time. My brother doesn’t usually stay away very long. How long has he been gone now, Catalina? About a week?”
    “Yes, Auntie, that’s right. I’ll see Mr. Brentwood out and then be back to help you to your room.”
    “Oh, yes, I remember now. He’ll return most any day now. But you are more than welcome to come back and visit with our Catalina anytime.” She paused and smiled at Mr. Brentwood. “Just let me know, and I’ll arrange it.”
    “Yes, madam.”
    “This way, Mr. Brentwood,” Catalina said softly, and started for the door.
    Catalina would have given anything for Mr. Brentwood not to have seen her aunt in such an unfavorable light. Mrs. Wardyworth must have alerted her aunt to the fact there was a man in the house. Thankfully, even the times when Auntie dipped too deeply into the wine, she was still always in a good and playful humor, like today.
    As soon as they were out of the drawing room and in the corridor, Mr. Brentwood touched Catalina’s arm. That same thrilling sensation as before spiraled through her. He must have felt it, too, for he slowly lowered his hand and took a step away.
    His expression was the softest she’d seen since he arrived. Gone were the anger, the distrust, and suspicion, and in their place, understanding had taken root. She was grateful.
    “I know where my hat and coat are, and I know the way out, if you want to go back to your aunt.”
    “Yes, thank you, that will be fine,” she said, realizing she really didn’t know what to say to excuse her aunt’s outlandish behavior.
    Catalina turned away but spun back to face him when she heard him say, “Miss Crisp?”
    Their eyes met and held, and somehow she knew he was not appalled by Aunt Elle and she had no reason to be embarrassed. And suddenly, she liked Mr. Brentwood even more than before.
    “Yes?” she said.
    “It was indeed a pleasure to meet you.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Brentwood,” she said and turned quickly and headed back to the drawing room.
    Catalina stood just inside the doorway, holding her breath until she heard the front door close behind him. She exhaled a deep sigh of relief and leaned against a chair. She didn’t think she had ever been that stimulated in her life. How could a man be so refreshing, so invigorating, and such a challenge all at the same time?
    “But he’s gone now, and I’ll probably never see him again,” she whispered.
    “What did you say?”
    Catalina looked over at her aunt. She was lying against the arm of the settee with her handkerchief covering her face.
    “Only that I think the next time Mr. Brentwood seeks my father, he will look for him at a club or on the street. Not that it