Read Lord Devere's Ward for Free Online Page B

vocabulary.
    “Will you dance the waltz in London, Louisa?” Pauline asked as the dance came to an end.
    “Only if the patronesses of Almack’s say I might,” she answered, beginning her scales.
    Pauline sniffed. “I think it’s silly, a crowd of stuffy old ladies telling us what we should and shouldn’t do.”
    “I daresay you are right,” said Kate. “But that is the way of our world, if we want to marry well. What other choices have we?”
    “I could become a governess,” argued Pauline.
    “And Papa says my Latin and Greek are very good. I could teach in a school.”
    The two older girls looked at her with astonishment writ large upon their faces. “Whyever would you want to do such a silly thing?” Louisa wanted to know, her hands temporarily still. “If you marry rightly, you would never have to work for your keep.”
    “It doesn’t seem fair.” Pauline looked troubled.
    “Other women have to work. Just because our father is a baronet and our grandfather was an earl, it means we marry and have babies, and that’s all.”
    “But that’s very important,” said Kate. “Your uncle Devere is a member of the House of Lords.
    They make laws and help run the country. Who would lead if gentlewomen ceased to have children?”
    “Cromwell wasn’t a gentleman.”

    The two young ladies shuddered.
    “You have a bit of an independent streak, I vow,” Kate said.
    “Best not let Mamma and Papa hear these sentiments. Your trip to London would be in grave doubt.” Louisa resumed her practice.
    Pauline began to look alarmed. Kate squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “We won’t tell.”

    * * *

    Kate settled into life with the Penroses with ease and contentment. She formed the habit of taking her afternoon tea with the three younger children in the nursery. She invented tales of India which were drawn from her generous imagination as well as from her education. Sir Pen’s library helped. After a week, she declared she had no more India stories, saying,
    “I’m only seventeen, you know! Not much has happened to me.” She told them fairy-stories and tales from history instead.
    As spring warmed the earth, her activities moved out of doors. She found willing companions in Harry and Charlie, showing them that she could match any adventurous boy at riding, climbing, or archery. She loved the spring weather, and would often take a book to read in the boughs of her favorite old oak.

    * * *

    Absorbed in The Odyssey, his ward appeared unaware of Quinn’s scrutiny from beneath the tree.
    Leaning against the trunk, Kate sat at her ease with her legs astride one large limb, presenting a picture which would fill any man’s mind with the most lustful thoughts. Her frilled petticoats peeped from underneath her too-short gown, exposing her ankles and calves. As Quinn watched, an image of her legs clad in revealing hose popped into his thoughts. With difficulty, he dragged his mind away from the memory, recalling instead the frogs she’d put in his bed on the occasion of their first meeting.
    He swallowed, then called, “Good morrow, Kate, for that is your name, I hear.”
    He’d startled her, for she grabbed the limb with her free hand as her legs clenched around the branch.
    The flesh at Quinn’s groin tightened, and he swore softly under his breath. He had promised himself he wouldn’t even think of swiving the chit. Most improper! Can’t take advantage of my own ward! And yet, he couldn’t stop himself from envisioning her mounted on his body instead of the bough.
    She interrupted his fantasy. “Where did you study all this goodly speech?”
    “It is extempore, from my mother-wit.” Laughing, he caught the book she tossed down to him.

    She swung one leg over the limb, climbed down to the next convenient branch, and dropped out of the tree.
    “ The Odyssey , dainty Kate?” He smiled, gently mocking. Her occupation was anything but dainty.
    She reddened. “I but seek to improve