Free Further Than Passion by Cheryl Holt

fresh air." He glanced over at Regina, but she was boring some woman to tears, and hadn't noticed him. "I don't imagine your mother would allow you to stroll in the garden with me?"
    "I'm sure she wouldn't."
    "Pity."
    He scrutinized her again, in a manner that had her feeling grown-up and able to make her own decisions, and she wished she had the temerity to simply walk out onto the verandah. Would the world end if she did?
    "Perhaps we could have a glass of punch," she offered. The refreshments were in the next salon, and the door was open wide. It was innocent enough.
    He smiled, liking how she'd resolved the situation, and he escorted her over. They sat, and a servant brought them beverages. When they were alone, he sneaked a flask from his jacket and added something to his.
    "Scottish whiskey," he whispered when she raised a brow. "Would you like some?"
     
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    Seeing no eavesdroppers, she nodded , and he poured a generous amount into her cup. As she'd never had hard spirits before, she was elated to participate in the naughty misdeed.
    She took a tentative sip, not caring for the taste, but she wasn't about to let him know. Though she followed the nip with several more, she had to shift away so he wouldn't detect how the sharp tang had watered her eyes.
    The alcohol warmed her, and she was positive she appeared more sophisticated, more poised. "You're a horrid influence."
    "I hope so." As though they were the dearest of companions, he chuckled. "May I confide in you, Lady Melanie?"
    "Of course."
    "You won't deem me rash, or too bold?"
    "Never." It was the first conversation she'd had with an adult male, and she was ecstatic. She yearned to be flirtatious and engaging. Regina always scolded her to be more impressive but never rendered any hints as to how. "What is your secret, Mr. Featherstone?"
    "I've noted how Stamford has been slighting you. Everyone's talking about it."
    "They are?"
    "Yes."
    "He's acted abominably," she admitted, delighted to vent her frustration to someone who would listen.
    "You poor babe," he soothed. "After you've traveled all this way. You're aware of what's transpiring, aren't you?"
    She frowned. "Is there information of which I ought to be apprised?"
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    "I can't believe your mother didn't tell you."
    She wasn't surprised that Regina would keep some vile detail to herself, and her blood was boiling. "What is it?"
    "I shouldn't speak of it here, in the man's own house, when he's a friend. It's not fitting."
    "You must reveal it to me!"
    "You're such a sweet girl. I can't bear to have you hurt."
    Just then, her mother saw them chatting. She scowled, which notified Melanie that she should immediately return to the dancing.
    "I have to go," she said.
    He peered over at Regina , grinning as if they were having a harmless exchange. "If I called on you, would she let us ride in the park?"
    "No."
    "Not even with a chaperone?"
    "She's determined that I'm to wed Stamford. She'd never agree to our socializing."
    His dismay was evident. "I don't dare suggest it...."
    "Say it!" She was panicked that Regina would drag her away before their discussion was concluded.
    "I was thinking that we should meet." He paused so the gravity of his proposition would sink in. "No one could know."
    Melanie studied him, then Regina , then him again. If Regina had discovered a dreadful tidbit about Stamford, she'd never divulge it, and Melanie had to learn what her mother was hiding.
    Regina gestured to her, and she couldn't delay. She stood and murmured, "At midnight, out behind the mews."
     
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    He nodded his assent. "It was a pleasure to share my punch, Lady Melanie."
    "The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Featherstone."
    She spun away and went to sit beside Regina.
    6
    Marcus sneaked toward Kate's room, toting a bottle of wine and two goblets. He'd loitered at Pamela's soiree long enough to establish that Kate wasn't present, and when he ascertained her absence, there was no reason to linger.
    Her door was shut, but