Free The Husband List by Janet Evanovich, Dorien Kelly Page A

attention to Caroline. “And as for the tennis outing, my Clem made me promise to move on with my life. ‘No widowing-up,’ he said to me. He felt I’d wasted enough of my youth when I married him. He was older than I by a handful of years.”
    “Only if that hand has thirty fingers,” Jack muttered.
    “He was very youthful,” Flora said sternly.
    Caroline watched out of the corner of her eye as Jack shifted uncomfortably.
    “My apologies,” he said. “I’m sure he was.”
    “Better,” Flora said. “That’s our heroic Jack.”
    She looked at Caroline. “You did read about his exploits in the Mercury on Tuesday, didn’t you?”
    “I did,” Caroline said. She wouldn’t share that she’d also purloined the paper and hidden it in her room.
    “I was so proud, but it was no less than I would expect,” Flora said. “But back to my beloved Clem. I am doing as he wanted me to. No widow’s black crepe. No year closed away. In his honor, I’m taking center stage.”
    And doing it with enviable flair, Caroline thought.
    “So why no tennis for you today, Caroline?” Flora asked.
    “My sisters would tell my mother, who does not want me to be perceived by potential husbands as the sporting type. Much as I enjoy tennis, these days I am choosing to save Mama’s censure for better things.”
    “Such as?”
    “Nothing so dire. Just solitary sunrise walks, museum trips, the occasional shooting practice with my brother, Eddie…”
    “And kissing random men,” Jack said. “Let’s not forget that.”
    Flora smiled. “Ah, now we have the reason for Jack’s displeasure.”
    Even though she could feel the rising heat of embarrassment, Caroline refused to give in to it. Nor would she back down.
    “Not so random, Jack. I’ve kissed only you,” she said.
    Flora’s laugh was light and musical, drawing disapproving looks from the occupants of the other carriages lined up for entry at the Casino.
    “This gets better and better,” she said. “I hope I see more of you here in Newport, Caroline.”
    Caroline hesitated. She could learn many things from Flora, but socializing with her was an impossibility.
    “Oh, I know I won’t,” Flora said with a wave of her hand. “I’m aware I’m the sort that would make your mama grow all protective.” She gave a slight shake of her head. “And apparently our Jack, too. But it has been a pleasure.”
    “Yes, it has,” Caroline agreed as they rolled up in front of the brick building with its gaudily striped awnings. “Your home is at Bancroft Avenue, is it not?” Others might find that a rude question, but Caroline knew Flora would not.
    “It is,” she replied, smiling.
    “Rosemeade is at Ruggles Avenue. Once my mother, sisters, and I are back in residence, we’ll practically be neighbors.”
    “Then there’s every chance that you might one day stroll by. Should you, please stop in. I’m finding the grounds quite inspiring.”
    Caroline returned the older woman’s smile. “I would never turn down the opportunity for inspiration.”
    Beside her, Jack was growing restless. “You’re going to be late for your lesson, Flora.”
    “I am certain my instructor will wait a heartbeat or two,” she replied.
    “No doubt.” Nonetheless, he rose and exited the carriage.
    He held out his hand. “Caroline?”
    When she was back on solid ground, once again he kept her hand. He leaned close and said, “Let me know when you’re feeling random again.”
    As she withdrew her hand, her knees wobbled. Perhaps the ground wasn’t so solid, after all.
    *   *   *
    CHARLES VANDERMEULEN had never won a tennis match against Jack, though this morning he had come close. It wasn’t that Charles had developed any level of skill on the grass court. Jack had simply lost his ability to concentrate. This lack hadn’t come with the dawning realization that the Vandermeulens had followed him to Newport, but with Jack’s acceptance that Flora was right. He had underestimated