Free The Reluctant Debutante by Becky Lower

“You’ll have to keep an eye on Ginger tonight, Joseph. I’ll be distracted watching my latest conquest up on the stage.”
    “You only met Mademoiselle Rachel last night, Basil. I would hardly consider an evening’s amusement a conquest.”
    Basil gave Joseph a wink and a sly grin. “Ah, but you don’t know what we did during last evening’s amusement. I’m surprised the woman has the stamina to perform tonight. She was a French delight. I’m so glad you broke the ice by speaking her language to her. But, it was obvious from the start I was the one she was interested in. Sorry you missed out. Ooh la la .”
    “You are welcome to your actress. I have no interest in her. And, as for your sister, I have no doubt she can handle herself just fine without either of us rushing in to save her.”
    “Maybe so, but the men who are making plays for Ginger seem to be a bit unruly, especially that young Cavalry officer William Davenport, so it’s best we keep watch.”
    “Yes. Let us discuss Cavalry officer William Davenport. Why did you encourage him when he brought up the idea of the horserace?”
    “I apologize for putting you in a tough spot. Had I known how quickly he would react, I would not have agreed. Can you imagine, he actually wanted to race through the park? It was all I could do to get him to agree to hold off until we go to the country.”
    “And now I am forced to push my horse to his limits to satisfy this senseless challenge. It is all so unnecessary. After all, we are not chasing buffalo.” Joseph shook his head.
    “No, and again, I’m sorry. With any luck, William will be otherwise occupied this evening, so we won’t have to put up with him.”
    “I do not think our luck will hold. He does not seem to be the type of man who lets an opportunity slip through his fingers. He went out of his way to invite himself here tonight, so I doubt we will be lucky enough to avoid seeing him this evening.”
    Basil and Joseph entered the box quietly, and watched the two young ladies run their hands over their dresses and fuss with their jewelry, much to the delight of the young men who were watching from adjacent boxes and from the floor below.
    Ginger turned in her seat and glimpsed the two men standing at the back of the box. Smiling, she rose gracefully and made her way to them. Her green dress complemented her eyes. Her hair was caught up in curls, in a show of fine craftsmanship by her talented maid. Each curl was held in place by small emeralds. Matching stones dangled from her ears. The dress fell off her shoulders, revealing her swell of bosom, which was accentuated even further by an emerald necklace.
    “Basil! Joseph! How nice to see you again.” She kissed her brother lightly on the cheek and took Joseph’s hand, feeling the sparks race up her arm as her fingers touched his dark skin. “Come, sit with us.” She tugged on Joseph’s hand, pulling him forward.
    “Elizabeth and I were just talking about the upcoming horserace at Roslyn. We’re so excited at the prospect. How do you feel about it, Joseph?”
    “I feel it is foolish and childish, much like the young man who suggested it.”
    Perplexed, Elizabeth said to Joseph, “But Officer Davenport is so dashing. I mean, with his uniform, and all. Do you feel your horse is at a disadvantage, then?”
    Ginger sputtered, “Of course he doesn’t. Joseph’s horse is going to win!” She looked at Joseph. “Won’t he?”
    Joseph glanced at the two young beauties before he replied. “I came here to sell my horses and have accomplished my mission already, except for two of them. One I plan to take back to St. Louis with me. So I am left with only one to sell. I do not need a race to draw attention to my horses, or to myself, unlike Officer Davenport. Any man who knows horseflesh can tell mine are superior.”
    “See, Elizabeth, I told you his horse will win!” Ginger said. “Elizabeth is picking Officer Davenport’s horse to win, but I am