A Perfect Groom
Chapter One
London, 1817
The atmosphere at White's was not particularly
different from any other evening. A number
of well-dressed gentlemen circled the hazard table.
The air was thick with the pungent smell of brandy
and cigars. His long frame stretched out in a green
velvet chair, Justin Sterling idly scanned the day's
newspaper, as if he hadn't a care in the world -- and
indeed he did not. His long legs crossed at the ankle,
his pose was one of redolent ease.
"Upon my soul!" intruded a mocking voice. "So
you've at last deigned to grace us with your presence
again!"
Justin glanced over the top of the paper, his green
eyes meeting those of his friend Gideon.
Gideon eyed the empty chair beside him. "May I
sit?"
"What, you're asking?" Justin laid aside the newspaper. Gideon was a man known for doing
what he pleased, when he pleased, and where he
pleased -- a man after Justin's own heart, to be sure.
"Well," Gideon said, "given the beastly frame of
mind you were in when you departed the country, I
thought I'd better."
It was true. Even his sister-in-law Devon had
commented on his wretched mood before he'd left.
Why it was so, Justin didn't know. He didn't lack
for companionsh ... read full excerpt from: A Perfect Groom ebook
