A Midsummer's Kiss (Farthingale Series Book 4)

by Meara Platt

  Shaking her head, Rose stood and carefully tested her injury by putting delicate weight on her foot. “Crumpets!” She winced as a lightning bolt of pain tore upward from her swollen toes and straight into her temples. “Very well, I’d be grateful for your help. I’ll never make it into the house on my own without falling flat on my face.” Her ankle was already throbbing and she had yet to take a single step.

  He seemed relieved that she made no protest, but at the same time, his body tensed the moment he lifted her into his arms. Had she said or done something to displease him?

  Was she too heavy?

  Those ginger cakes were awfully good.

  “Where should I set you down?” he asked, striding toward the house with her nestled in his arms as though she were no burden at all.

  She pretended to think about the question, for she was in no hurry to respond. She liked the solid feel of his arms and had an artist’s admiration for the firm, masculine contours of his body. “The salon, I think. On one of the stools beside the fireplace.”

  “On a stool?” He frowned.

  “Our clothes,” she reminded him. “I’d hate to ruin my mother’s new furniture.”

  He called to Pruitt to have one of the maids fetch an old sheet and spread it over the sofa.

  “At once, m’lord,” he replied without so much as batting an eyelash. Pruitt had been with the Farthingale family long enough never to be surprised by anything that happened in the household.

  Rose remained in Lord Emory’s arms until the task was accomplished, all the while itching to run her hands along the breadth of his chest and shoulders. She didn’t think he’d understand the artistic purpose to her touch, but he also had an interesting face and well-formed limbs that merited further study.

  She liked the shape of his mouth, but he would mistake her intentions if she lightly ran her finger across it.

  He settled her on the sofa and then took a seat beside her. He’d only done so because his clothes were also in bad shape and he couldn’t sit anywhere else without dirtying the expensive fabrics. “Your shirt and jacket are likely beyond repair. Please allow me to pay for any damage.”

  His eyes widened in surprise. “No, Miss Farthingale. It isn’t necessary.”

  “But—”

  “Consider it my punishment for not coming to visit you sooner.”

  Her smile faltered. “Punishment? I did bore you to tears. Of course, I did.”

  Nicola leaped to her defense. “Rolf, you are delightful as always. Pay no attention to my beast of a brother.”

  He let out a soft groan that ended in a seductive growl. Despite her embarrassment, a tingle shot through her as her body responded to that very male, very animal sound.

  “I didn’t mean…” He ran a hand through his hair again. “I had a perfectly acceptable time with you, Miss Farthingale. The visit is not a punishment at all. Indeed, I plan to call on you tomorrow if you will allow it.”

  Nicola’s eyes rounded in surprise and Rose could see that her friend was almost squealing with joy. She would have been excited too, but his meaning was obvious. He took no pleasure in seeing her. He only meant to stop by to ensure that his medical attention had done the trick and perhaps to take that pouch from Lily since she had yet to return with it. Lily was easily distracted and no doubt lost by now reading one of her science books. “Lord Emory, you and your sister are always welcome here. But it isn’t necessary. As I mentioned, my uncle is one of the most capable doctors in London. I’ll receive the best care possible.”

  He nodded. “Then that settles it.”

  Rose nibbled her lower lip to stem her disappointment. Fool! He offered to visit and you rebuffed him!

  What was wrong with her? She’d enjoyed his company and now he would never call on her again. Perhaps it was for the best. She liked him.

  Probably more than was wise.

  She felt the graze of his fingers against her forehead as he brushed back several locks that had fallen out of place. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Farthingale.”

  Interested in learning more about the Farthingale sisters? Join me on Facebook! Additionally, we’ll be giving away lots of Farthingale swag and prizes during the launches. If you would like to join the fun, you can subscribe to my newsletter and also connect with me on Twitter. You can find links to do all of this at my website: mearaplatt.com.

  If you enjoyed this book, I would really appreciate it if you could post a review on the site where you purchased it or other sites where you subscribe. Even a few sentences on what you thought about the book would be most helpful! If you do leave a review, send me a message on Facebook because I would love to thank you personally. Please also consider telling your friends about the FARTHINGALE SERIES and recommending it to your book clubs. Don’t forget, Rose’s story is next, The Viscount’s Rose, due out in early summer 2016.

  About the Author

  Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled the world, occasionally lectures, and always finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story to be released as Book 3 in her paranormal romance Garden series, which is set to debut in 2016. Learn more about Meara Platt by visiting her website at mearaplatt.com.

  ALSO BY MEARA PLATT

  My Fair Lily (Historical Romance) London is never the same after the boisterous Farthingales move into their townhouse on Chipping Way, one of the loveliest streets in fashionable Mayfair. With five beautiful daughters in residence, the street soon becomes known as a deathtrap for bachelors.

  The Duke I’m Going to Marry (Historical Romance) London is never the same after the boisterous Farthingales move into their townhouse on Chipping Way. With five beautiful daughters in residence, the street soon becomes known as a deathtrap for bachelors. If the curse holds true, Dillie Farthingale might be doomed to marry the wretched Duke of Edgeware.

  Rules for Reforming a Rake (Historical Romance) London is never the same after the boisterous Farthingales move into their townhouse on Chipping Way. With five beautiful daughters in residence, the street soon becomes known as a deathtrap for bachelors. If the curse holds true, Daisy Farthingale might be doomed to marry the wretched rakehell, Lord Gabriel Dayne.

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