Free The Perfect Lady Worthe by Rose Gordon Page A

withdrew an old, well-worn deck of cards. “I’d ask that you forgive the wear around the edges, but after being next to the lavender smelling salts, the softness might be welcomed if you have an urge to sniff them.” Why he’d uttered such a stupid statement, he’d never know. However, the way his companion grinned and shook her head in pure bewilderment made his momentary feeling like a simpleton well worth it.
    Gareth shuffled the cards. Then again.
    “Should we recruit a few of the musicians to play with us?” Jane teased, clearly aware that he was having difficulty thinking of a game that only two could play.
    “Only if they play cards as poorly as they play their instruments.”
    “Oh, it wasn’t so bad.” She reached for the cards and he let her take them. “I took lessons on the pianoforte for more than six years and play worse.”
    “You must be jesting.”
    She dealt them each a card. “I’m not.”
    Gareth placed his hand over hers. “Would you play for me?”
    Jane pulled her hands from his and continued to deal out what appeared would be the entire deck. “Only if you wish to die of inhumane methods.”
    He quirked a brow. “So then am I to surmise you like having me around?”
    “Yes, of course,” she said with a swallow.
    Gareth’s pulse quickened. Did she feel the same attraction for him that he felt for her?
    “…husband to Charlotte.”
    “ Pardon!”
    Jane stopped dealing cards or whatever it was she was doing and lifted her head to meet his gaze. “You should know that I’m quite determined.”
    “Determined to torture your sister for abandoning you with me?”
    “No.” She gave her head a little shake, her eyes dancing with humor. “Determined to see both of you happy and married.”
    Gareth wanted to groan.
    “Which I think both of you will be,” she continued. Then as if there were a need for clarification of what she was saying, she added, “Together.”
    Gareth groaned. That was the last thing he wanted. “I don’t think she and I would make a good match.”
    “I’ll admit she’s been quieter and more reserved since coming to stay at Castlemoor, but she’s been distracted with the fun of finally having a Season. Give her time. She’ll change your mind.”
    Gareth doubted that. “Jane—” he placed his hand on hers— “I will only say this once so get it through your head now. I will not be marrying your sister. Ever. ”
    ~*~
    From the corner of the salon crowded with country squires, cotton farmers, and a handful of baronets, knights, and other lower gentry, Charlotte Cavanaugh watched her sister talk and play cards with the most handsome and highest ranking gentleman in attendance.
    Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat.
    Jane deserved this. And more.
    Charlotte had been a little leery the night before when Mrs. Fairchilde suggested they separate from Jane at the musicale tonight. For some odd reason, Mrs. Fairchilde had claimed Jane would have a better time that way and something about everything taking care of itself. Charlotte had had some serious doubts about that when Mrs. Fairchilde started hemming and hawing in front of Lord Worthe. But apparently that was all part of the older woman’s ploy.
    “Now that we have that taken care of, we can move onto you,” came Mrs. Fairchilde’s sing-song voice.
    “ That? ” A bitter taste filled Charlotte’s mouth at the way Mrs. Fairchilde had just spoken in regards to Jane. “And what do you mean taken care of ?” Jane might be an invalid, but she still had feelings. Charlotte might not always be as protective of them as she should be, but right now she had an almost unstoppable urge to go wrap Jane in her arms and whisk her away. The only thing keeping her planted where she was was the brilliant smile on Jane’s face as she played cards with Lord Worthe.
    “Exactly that.” She brushed a silken blonde curl over her shoulder. “Those two are well on their way to making a match and now we can start