Read Seeking Celeste for Free Online Page A

boots that she had praised, only yesterday, for their serviceability.
    â€œDeplorable!”
    â€œBeg pardon?” Anne’s cheeks flamed, for she had been thinking the same herself.
    â€œPerfectly shocking how stout boots can make the most delectable of ankles dowdy. Miss Derringer, remind me, I beg, to procure you some new footwear. I fear I have slashed your kidskins beyond all repair and shall therefore nobly suffer the consequences!”
    Did he mean to insult? Anne regarded him steadily. His mind was unreadable but for the faint twist of a smile upon shockingly inviting lips.
    â€œMy lord, the boots serve my purposes admirably. I hope you are not so depraved as to imagine I will accept trifles from you?”
    â€œMiss Derringer, after yesterday, believe me, I will not make that mistake twice.”
    So! He regarded his kiss as a trifle. Anne would have hit him had he not been leaning negligently out of reach at the far side of the polished beechwood table. Perhaps he read her mind, for in that split second he grinned and caught her furious glare. Two pairs of eyes gazed at their elders curiously.
    â€œWhat trifle did you give her, Robert?” Tom, sublimely innocent of the charged atmosphere, allowed his interest to be voiced. Kitty, a little more worldly wise, kicked him under the table. Anne would have chuckled had she not felt so suddenly, inexplicably, crestfallen.
    â€œNothing of any account, Tom. Nothing Miss Derringer could not procure more of if she only made the slightest push.”
    â€œBut I shall not, shall I, my lord? I think we understand each other perfectly. And now, my dears, I think it is time for me to take my leave. It is a long route to Staines, I believe.”
    â€œStaines? What has Staines got to do with anything? And I thought I told you—”
    â€œExactly the problem, my lord! If you had but listened, rather than told ...”
    Kitty giggled. “I said she was a great good gun, Robert!”
    â€œImpertinent widgeon! I have a mind to send you to the nursery for the day. Be quiet! Better yet, take Tom and scarper. There must be something for the pair of you to do whilst I decide what is to be done.”
    Kitty knew that tone. She winked saucily at Miss Derringer, made a great show of gathering her muff and pulling Tom down from his seat, then left before her great bullying half brother could change his mind.
    â€œMiss Derringer ...”
    â€œLord Carmichael ...”
    â€œMiss Derringer, you must realize my position. It is impossible that I offer you the post of governess!”
    â€œI never asked for it, my lord.”
    â€œIndeed, I know that, but it seems my siblings have taken the most extraordinary liking to your company.”
    â€œExtraordinary seems inaptly put, my lord! True, many have taken me in strong dislike, but I don’t think it can justly be termed extraordinary that the children have taken a liking to my company.”
    The earl’s lips twitched. “Miss Derringer, you deliberately misunderstand me.”
    â€œAnd you me, my lord! Besides, whilst I have no inclination whatsoever to foist myself on your household, I might say that I have more to recommend myself than a pretty face and pleasing manners!”
    â€œThat is a relief, for I would hardly call your face pretty, and your manners, my dear, are abominable.”
    The words were spoken so silkily that for a split second, Anne hardly grasped the sense. When she did, she gasped, her expressive eyes flashing such outrage that the earl was moved to chuckle. They stood and faced each other.
    â€œCareful, my dear, you might just be tempted to slap me again.”
    â€œIt is no more than you deserve.”
    â€œIs it? I merely point out to you that your manners are ... unusual. You do not deal in commonplaces.”
    â€œI hold that as a compliment, my lord. I abhor hypocrisy.”
    â€œThen; we are in agreement. Smile, my pretty.”
    â€œYou