Katie Rose by A Hint of Mischief

quite the latest style, were nevertheless in perfect taste, and the tiny pearl earrings that dangled discreetly behind her burnished curls were elegant and pretty. Her gloves were of good quality, if not the best, and her handkerchief was tucked daintily inside her sleeve with a tiny edge of lace peeping out. Even her slippers, though worn, were clean and well kept. Nothing about her attire or demeanor would betray the heathen within.
    Gabriel’s gaze flew back to Jennifer’s face and he could have sworn he saw amusement there. Mortification flooded through him as he vividly recalled taking her in his arms, with Allison a few feet away. Jennifer seemed to remember the moment also, for she blushed, then lowered her eyes to the table.
    “I’ll go ask James for more tea. Gabriel, please keep Miss Appleton company for a moment, will you?”
    Mary skittered away before he could object. He was trapped. Frustrated and angry, he put down his hat, while Jennifer folded her hands expectantly. The clock ticked loudly and Gabriel paced the room. Finally, he turned toward his adversary, determined to break the wretched silence.
    “Miss Appleton, what in hell are you doing here?”
    Jennifer looked at him in surprise. “I was invited to tea by your mother.” She shrugged, as if this were an everyday occurrence.
    “There must be some mistake. My mother invited me to tea.”
    Jennifer grinned, her dress rustled enticingly, and she looked at him with all the angelic innocence of his namesake. “Maybe she wants us to kiss and make up.”
    But that only reminded him of something he’d been trying for over a week to forget. Embarrassed, he faced her directly, and spoke with as much sincerity as he could muster. “I must apologize for my behavior during our last meeting. It was completely outside my code of conduct, and ungentlemanly to say the least. I sincerely hope I haven’t compromised you in any way.”
    Jennifer looked surprised, and, to his amazement, slightly disappointed. She lifted her shoulders slightly, her face solemn, but her eyes continued to dance as if she found the whole situation funny.
    “No one saw me, so you needn’t worry. Your reputation is intact.”
    “It wasn’t my reputation I was worried about. I just wanted to assure you that in spite of our differences, I wasn’t trying to destroy your good name for some petty revenge.”
    “Then what were you doing?”
    The question he’d been asking himself came from her lips. He struggled to come up with a response, but he hadn’t been able to, even for himself. He looked at her, and the indignation he’d expected wasn’t there. Instead, she appeared curious and interested in his answer, and, if he had to be honest, hopeful.
    Confusion reigned within him, and once again he pictured a scene that he’d fought to erase from his memory: the vision of her after he’d kissed her. He couldn’t haveimagined the wonder and passion he’d seen in her eyes, though he’d tried a million times to convince himself it never happened. But something in her expression told him he wasn’t far from the mark.
    “James will bring the tea momentarily. You two aren’t fighting, are you?”
    Mary swept back into the room, looking like a cat with a dish of cream as she surveyed Jennifer and Gabriel. Gabriel picked up his hat and shook his head.
    “No, but I’ll be going. I have a lot to do today, and you two will no doubt enjoy yourselves more without my presence.”
    “Gabriel, you can’t!” Mary looked crestfallen.
    “I’m sorry, dear, but I really must. I’ll stop by and take you to lunch this week. Good day, Miss Appleton.”
    Jennifer rose, and this time, he couldn’t mistake the expression on her face. Fury shot through him even as she extended her hand once more.
    She was laughing.

C HAPTER 6

    At exactly five P.M. the following evening, Jennifer glanced into the looking glass to check her appearance. Dressed in her aunt’s bulky cape, she was content that