Free Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires by Sophie Barnes

it.
    â€œI apologize,” his mother said as she patted the seat next to her, “but we knew you’d find a way to avoid us if you suspected us of wanting to speak with you.”
    â€œAnd why do you suppose that is?” he asked as he strode across to the vacant spot the settee offered and lowered himself onto it. “Surely not because the only subject you wish to discuss with me these days is the acquisition of a wife.”
    â€œIf you would only make an effort to speak with the young ladies you meet, I’d at least be able to relax in the assurance that you would eventually warm to one of them, but how are you to find a bride for yourself when you insist on avoiding them all?” Lady Oakland asked.
    â€œI did not avoid Lady Sarah during supper, Mama,” Christopher said defensively.
    Belatedly, he realized his mistake as a hush filled the room and his mother smiled serenely. “Indeed, you spoke to her much longer than I’ve seen you speak to any other young lady in recent memory. You didn’t ignore her, Kip.”
    True. Lady Sarah was not the sort of lady one ignored.
    â€œAnd from my own conversation with her,” Fiona added, “I found her delightful company. She’s well-­spoken and pretty, not to mention that there’s a gentility about her that’s much to be admired.”
    She’s also in dire need of kissing.
    Christopher blinked. When the hell had his thoughts taken on a life of their own? He clenched his jaw. “I will not allow any of you to involve yourselves in my private affairs,” he said. “I thought I made that perfectly clear during our ride here.” Glaring at Laura, Rachel and Fiona in turn, he was only marginally satisfied to see them avoid his gaze. Chloe hadn’t been present during that conversation, so he addressed her next, saying, “You, of all ­people, ought to understand my reluctance to marry.”
    â€œCertainly I do,” Chloe said. “I know what it is to lose faith in someone you love. But you are Papa’s heir, Kip. You may not want the responsibility that’s been placed upon your shoulders, but it’s yours nonetheless. Besides, there’s every possibility that you’ll make a wonderful match and that you’ll be happy.”
    â€œI doubt it,” Christopher muttered, unwilling to fuel their enthusiasm in any way.
    â€œJust so you know, this wasn’t my idea,” Rachel mumbled.
    â€œThank you, Rachel,” Christopher said. “I’m glad to see that at least one of you has refrained from ignoring my wishes.”
    â€œOh do be sensible,” Laura said. “Lady Sarah is very pleasant.”
    Clearly his sisters had not met the same woman Christopher had encountered in the conservatory or at the dinner table, because that Lady Sarah had not been genteel or pleasant when she’d accused him of being an idiot or of being too arrogant for his own good. He allowed an inward smile at the recollection.
    â€œShe’s lovely,” Emily continued, “and not at all like that horrid Miss—­”
    â€œHush!” Lady Oakland narrowed her eyes on her daughter while Christopher gripped the armrest next to him. “We will not speak of that woman ever again. Is that clear?” Dark ringlets bobbed in accordance with Lady Oakland’s wishes while all her daughters nodded agreement. Lady Oakland relaxed her posture. “Good.” She turned to look at Christopher. “From where I was sitting, it looked as though Lady Sarah was pleased with your company this evening. She smiled at you a great deal even though you insisted on treating her to your stone face.”
    â€œMy what?” Christopher asked.
    â€œThat incessant scowl of yours,” his mother explained. “I’m surprised flowers don’t wither and die in your presence.”
    He shook his head. “Really, Mama, I think you exaggerate.” But he