Free Katie Rose by A Hint of Mischief Page B

Charles for succumbing to their charms, much as he would have liked to do so. His own behavior with Jennifer in the Barrymores’ garden was inexcusable. Worse, he had no logical explanation for it, no way to satisfy his own self-doubt where Jennifer was concerned. Why he’d felt compelled to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless, when he’d sworn to hate her, made absolutely no sense. He could still taste the sweetness of her kiss, feel the seductive yielding of her soft body against his … What was wrong with him? What was it about this woman that threatened to obsess him?
    He had but one consolation. At least he wasn’t liable to run into “the Appleton” again anytime soon. Jennifer and her sisters, while a curiosity, were far from being accepted into society. He still couldn’t figure out how she’d finagled an invitation to the Barrymore affair, but she’d managed it right under everyone’s nose, and was a spectacular success. Yet, although everyone was talking about the grace and charm of the three sisters, no one of any consequence had truly embraced them.
    The carriage slowed to a halt, and Gabriel disembarked. James graciously showed him into the parlor. Gabriel could hear his mother’s light laughter, and the sound of feminine chatter coming from the tearoom. His irritation increased tenfold when Robert Wood, his mother’s fiancé, rose fromhis chair and extended a hand, obviously delighted to see him.
    “Gabriel, my boy! Where have you been lately? The marble company is keeping you busy, I suppose? I understand you’ve done a wonderful job with the business.”
    Gabriel stared at the outstretched hand without taking it. Instead, his eyes ran over the man’s threadbare coat, shoddy boots, and worn shirt. When he still didn’t reciprocate the greeting after a long moment, Robert coughed in embarrassment, then dropped his hand to his side.
    “Mary will be delighted to see you. I know she was expecting you for tea. Gabriel, I realize our engagement may have come as something of a shock to you, but I would like you to be happy for us. I think your mother is a wonderful woman, and I will do my best to deserve her.”
    Gabriel gave the man a cool stare. “I’m certain you will. Mr. Wood, let me make my position clear. I have nothing against you personally, but I do care for my mother’s well-being. She tends to be a little naive in financial matters, and I am concerned for her future. I think that your circumstances may make it difficult for you to assist her.”
    The older man flushed, then his gaze dropped to the floor. “I understand. It is true that my finances are not what they used to be, but I have no intention of squandering my money or your mother’s. I know that you’ve been helping her and advising her regarding her investments. I hope that you will continue in that endeavor, and rest assured that I have no interest in her money. My pension is more than enough for us to live on.”
    “Good.” Gabriel reached out his hand, and took the other man’s in a warm clasp. The two men reached a silent accord. Relieved, Gabriel turned and followed the sound of his mother’s voice to the tearoom. His smile froze when he stepped into the lace-encrusted room.
    “Gabriel!” His mother cried, delighted. She rose, planting a kiss on his cheek, the scent of her perfume enveloping him. “I’m so glad you’ve come! I believe you know Jennifer.”
    It was her. The Appleton creature. Gabriel couldn’t believe his eyes as Jennifer looked up, her face demure, her eyes pure mischief as she greeted him politely. Outrage flooded through him, mingled with embarrassment and discomfort as she rose, extending her hand to him.
    “Miss Appleton,” he managed to croak somehow, his eyes sweeping over her simple beige morning dress. Desperately he tried to find something wrong, anything about her appearance to sneer at and give him an edge, but there was nothing. The lines of her dress, while not