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Lady Thorn. Catherine Archer
Читать онлайн.Название Lady Thorn
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Автор произведения Catherine Archer
Издательство HarperCollins
She brushed the thoughts aside, concentrating on the moment as she willed Jedidiah to see her position. “You must have the proper clothing to take me to these social gatherings. It would not do for you to be seen in the same coat day after day, or even from morning to evening. Have you forgotten you are my cousin? You must appear to be so in all things, in order to remain in my household without the benefit of some other chaperon. It is absolutely necessary for everyone to accept you as who we say you are.”
He continued to stare down at her, but Victoria could see the wavering in his eyes. Then, as he stood there, a strange sort of light came into those compelling eyes, and for a heart-stopping moment, Victoria nearly forgot that they weren’t alone.
He smiled, a slow, knowing smile. “Very well, then… Victoria.”
It took her a moment to realize that this was the second time he had called her by her Christian name. It was even more intimate in tone when he said it so deliberately. No one besides Mary called her Victoria.
Then she was distracted by that light that was still there in his eyes. She pursed her lips, wondering what had brought it on. He answered her unspoken question mockingly. “I suggest that you call me Jed, even when we are alone. That is what I usually go by.”
She blushed. Really, he was going too far. The nickname was just too familiar, especially without the appellation “cousin” to formalize it. And there was no need, when no one was around to hear them. “I could not—”
He stopped her with a raised hand. “Haven’t you just said that I am to appear to be your cousin? That we can’t do anything to make anyone doubt I am what you tell them I am?”
She frowned, feeling as if she had just stepped into quicksand. “Yes, but—”
He interrupted again, though politely. “Please, excuse me. Do you really think people will be convinced that I am your cousin if you go around calling me Mr. McBride, which you do most of the time? It’s just a bit formal for such a close family tie. If you call me by my given name all the time, perhaps you’ll begin to remember.”
She bit her lip, realizing that he had her there. She really could not call him Mr. McBride. It would cause comment. But then, neither could she bring herself to call him Jed.
She could tell from the expression on his face that Jedidiah McBride felt he had found at least a small way of getting back at her for all the indignities he felt he was suffering at her hands. Victoria would not allow him to best her so easily. She smiled, and had the pleasure of seeing a trace of unease creep on to his face. “Very well, Cousin Jedidiah. You make a very valid point. We must learn to address one another less formally.”
He scowled down at her. “I prefer Jed.”
She raised her chin. “As I said, Cousin Jedidiah.” She then turned and moved across the room to the tailor and his assistant.
Jed watched Victoria with a pained expression as she flounced away from him, that slender backside of hers having the same effect on him that a rudely protruding tongue would have produced. Damn, but she was one stubborn woman.
He heard her telling Mr. Randsome he could make up everything they had discussed. Looking extremely pleased, the tailor hastily began to gather up his goods, as though he feared Jed might countermand her if he lingered. As he did so, the lady added, “And do remember that there will be a bonus for every garment that is ready by the beginning of next week. Anything that is finished after that should be sent directly to the London house.”
“Very good, my lady.” The tailor bowed.
Jed turned to look out the tall, narrow window, no longer interested in the exchange. He did not want to think about Victoria or his having given in to her. He did not want to admit that he had been pleasantly surprised to learn that the tailor had talked of elegant but conservative fabrics and clothing. The garments would be fashionable, but comfortable for Jed to wear.
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