Free Gentleman's Guide 01 - His Impetuous Debutante by Jane Charles Page B

ballroom given the amount of people.
They probably sought the coolness of the night as much as she.
Otherwise, she would have stayed at her brother’s side. Walking to
the railing, she stared out into the gardens, wishing she had the
freedom to walk in the darkness, either alone or with
Sandlin.
    She pushed the thought away. She
should not be thinking of doing anything with Lord Sandlin. She
wouldn’t make that mistake again.
    “ I must say, I am
impressed you lasted a week before leaving your guardian’s side,”
Taylor’s voice came from behind her.
    Why couldn’t someone else approach
her? Both Mr. Chambers and Mr. Parker were pleasant enough and
didn’t make her wish for things she would never have. She didn’t
wonder what it would be like to be really kissed or held by either
of them. Only Lord Sandlin made her think the unthinkable. And here
he was, behind her, ready to swoop in if she made even the most
minor misstep. It grated on her nerves. “You’re premature, my lord.
I don’t believe I am in trouble yet.”
    “ I have decided to use
preventative measures this evening.”
    “ You have no need to
worry. I don’t intend on straying further than this spot and if
anyone approaches me, I will deliver a delightfully scathing set
down.”
    “ A bit testy this
evening?” He chuckled as he came to stand beside her. “I certainly
wouldn’t want to be the one feeling the sharp edge of your tongue.
Perhaps it is good I came along now, before you filleted some young
man taken with your charm.”
    Phoebe only offered a disgusted look
to his buoyant behavior before turning her attention back to the
gardens, wishing he would leave.
    “ What is bothering you
this evening, Lady Phoebe?”
    She sighed heavily. “Why does anything
have to be bothering me? I just wished for some peace and cool air.
It is quite stifling in there.” She gestured toward the
ballroom.
    “ I agree. Would you care
for a stroll?”
    She turned to face him, a skeptical
look on her face. Then she remembered their encounter at Vauxhall
Gardens, a memory never far from her thoughts. “No, thank you. I
have learned my lesson,” she bit out, then turned away
again.
    “ Lady Phoebe, I wasn’t
testing you. I just thought you might like to walk.” His tone
softened.
    Phoebe would much rather it were a
test. She could deal with his lecturing her, but not his
thoughtfulness. “I just want to be alone, Lord Sandlin. Just go
inside please. Go find a wife. I recall you mentioning you were
lonely. Well, there are a number of young ladies within who would
be more than happy to keep you company.”
    He stared at her; his eyes bore into
her. After a moment he spoke. “If that is your wish. Good evening.”
Turning, he walked away.
    His footsteps stopped at the side of
the door and he resumed his position as guard once again. He was
too close to allow the peace she needed.

    *

    As the date of the house party drew
close, Phoebe made plans to find suitable matches for Noah and his
friends. She had already talked Janine into inviting Lady Draden,
who finally accepted upon the insistence of Noah and Phoebe. She
narrowed her choices for Lord Sandlin down to three, yet couldn’t
decide which would be better as she kept finding fault with each.
As she hadn’t been given a chance to get to know Parker or Chambers
very well, she had decided that at a more intimate gathering,
perhaps they would all learn about each other and make a
match.
    “ Why did you invite all of
these gentlemen?” Phoebe asked Janine out of curiosity, afraid they
were for her.
    “ Each come from good
families, have no bad habits, and are interested in furthering
their acquaintance with you.”
    It was what she feared. “I have no
interest in any of these gentlemen. Nor have I changed my mind
about marriage.”
    Noah rolled his eyes and stood to
pace. “I understand. However, you must keep up
appearances.”
    “ Why,” Phoebe demanded and
stood.
    He turned and his eyes bore into