Read On a Wild Night for Free Online Page A

lion.”
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    She wasn’t fool enough to think it would be easy. Amanda spent the day evaluating various approaches. The horse was one, but she didn’t want to appear too eager, and besides, if she played that card too early, he might do exactly as he’d said and send a groom with the mount, preserving a cool, sensible distance.
    Cool, sensible distance was not what she needed.
    But she couldn’t go back to Mellors, not when he’d warned her away. Aside from being supremely foolish, that would show her hand far too clearly. And he wouldn’t approve . . .
    That thought triggered another, and another in quick succession; suddenly she knew exactly how to bring her lion to heel.
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    â€œLast night, Mellors—tonight, Lady Hennessy’s. Have you taken leave of your senses?” Through the gloom in the carriage, Reggie glared at her. “If m’mother finds out I’ve accompanied you to such a place, she’ll disinherit me!”
    â€œDon’t be silly.” Amanda patted his knee. “Both she and my mother think we’re joining the Montagues at Chelsea. Why would they imagine we’re anywhere else?”
    As the years had rolled by, she and Reggie, often accompanied by Amelia, had taken to making their own selection among the ton’s proffered entertainments. As their choices did not always match those of their parents, they consequently and increasingly went their own way. Not a gossipmonger in the ton would make anything of it; it was common knowledge Reggie Carmarthen had known the Cynster twins from childhood.
    The arrangement provided benefits to all concerned. The twins gained an acceptable escort who they could twist around their little fingers, Reggie gained a reprieve from the mamas who would otherwise pressure his mother to have him escort their simpering daughters, and both sets of parents rested comfortable in the knowledge their offspring were safe.
    Reasonably safe.
    â€œAnd you needn’t carry on as if visiting Lady Hennessy’s will ruin me.”
    â€œYou’re not married yet!” Reggie’s tone suggested that event could not occur too soon for his liking. “Every other lady there will be.”
    â€œThat’s by the by. I’m twenty-three. I’ve been out for six years. No one could imagine I’m an innocent miss.”
    Reggie uttered a strangled sound, slammed his arms across his chest and slumped back against the seat. He saidnothing more as the carriage joined the line leading to the discreetly lit door of Number 19, Gloucester Street.
    The carriage stopped; tight-lipped, Reggie descended and helped her down. Amanda shook out her skirts and looked up at the door. A liveried footman stood beside it. Reggie gave her his arm. “Say the word and we’ll leave.”
    â€œOnward, Horatio!”
    Reggie grumbled but complied, leading her up the steps. He gave the footman their names; instantly, the door swung open and the footman bowed them through. In the marble-floored hall, Reggie looked about as Amanda surrendered her cloak to a very correct-looking butler.
    â€œAlways wanted to know what this place looked like inside,” Reggie confided as Amanda rejoined him.
    â€œSee.” Taking his arm, she turned him toward the drawing room. “You were just waiting for me to give you a valid excuse to come.”
    â€œHumph!”
    They entered the drawing room, stopped and looked about.
    Lady Hennessy’s was a world apart from Mellors—here a lady’s touch reigned supreme. The walls were hung with cream silk bearing a delicately worked turquoise pattern. The cream, gold and turquoise theme was reflected in the satin-striped upholstery of chaises and chairs, in the heavy curtains screening long windows. Expensive Chinese rugs covered the floor, muting the click of fashionable heels.
    The wealthy relict of a Scottish peer, Lady Hennessy had decided to enliven her life and that of