Free His Mistress By Christmas by Victoria Alexander Page B

good.” He obediently moved it closer to the railing. She looked at Veronica. “Aren’t you going to move forward? You can barely see the stage from there.”
    “I am quite comfortable here,” Veronica said smoothly. “My view is more than adequate.”
    “As you wish.” Miss Bramhall took her seat, then gestured at Sebastian to join her. This was not what he’d had in mind. He glanced from one woman to the other, then surrendered and moved a chair into place beside Veronica’s aunt. “But don’t expect Sir Sebastian or me to explain anything you might miss.”
    “Of course not.” Veronica covered her mouth to hide what was obviously a grin.
    Sebastian cast her a pleading look. Her gaze met his and laughter danced in her eyes.
    “Perhaps you’re right.” Veronica stood and, before he could assist her, moved her chair into place on the other side of her aunt and then sat. “Oh my, yes, this is much better. Don’t you agree, Sir Sebastian?”
    He smiled weakly. “Yes, it’s an excellent view.”
    “Hush, both of you,” Miss Bramhall said. “The play is about to begin. Oh, I do so love farce.”
    “Don’t we all, Aunt Lotte?” Veronica grinned. “Don’t we all?”

Chapter 6
    It was perhaps the longest play Sebastian had ever had the misfortune of sitting through. Not that it wasn’t amusing, even if its humor was lost on him. He was in the midst of a farce of his own.
    He had known privacy with Veronica would be next to impossible with her aunt present. But the occasional stolen glance shared with her when Miss Bramhall leaned forward to get a closer view was not what he’d hoped for when he’d reserved this private box. He had planned to sit beside her and much farther back than Miss Bramhall preferred. But then Veronica’s aunt was interested in the play.
    He had hoped for the occasional accidental brush of her hand with his. The intermittent mutual observance whispered in her ear, commentary on the play or the crowd in display of his cleverness. Even, with luck, a kiss shared in the dark recesses of the box when her aunt’s attention was elsewhere.
    It was both annoying and frustrating. It was all he could do to keep from drumming his fingers impatiently on the arm of his chair. Or leaping from his seat and sweeping her into his arms in front of her aunt and the entire theater and God himself. As a grand romantic gesture, it had definite appeal. It would certainly be more dramatic than anything happening onstage and would have been worth considering if he wasn’t trying to behave in a proper manner.
    One did not embroil the lady one intended to marry in undue scandal. But, damnation, it was proving more difficult than he had imagined.
    Still, it could have been worse. Miss Bramhall could have been with them right from the beginning. At least he’d had the opportunity to discuss his
list
with Veronica. And that had gone well. He smiled to himself. Very, very well. There was little doubt the woman was as taken with him as he was with her.
    At last the houselights came on for intermission. Hopefully, Miss Bramhall could be encouraged to rejoin her friends. Or, at the very least, the chairs could be rearranged.
    “Sir Sebastian,” Miss Bramhall said in a cordial manner. Perhaps her obvious enjoyment of the play had eased her earlier pique. “I find I am exceptionally parched. Would you fetch us some refreshment?”
    “It would be my pleasure.” He groaned to himself and stood. Apparently, she planned to remain with them.
    Veronica smiled wryly, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking.
    “On second thought, I shall accompany you.” Miss Bramhall rose to her feet. “I saw Lady Lovett earlier, and I should like to have a word with her before the play resumes.”
    “Do take as long as you wish,” Veronica said. “I daresay we shall bravely carry on without you.”
    “I’ve no doubt of that, my dear.” Miss Bramhall nodded to Sebastian to open the door and then passed in front of