Perfect Bride by Samantha James

amiss.
    “I have a confession.” She paused hesitantly. “I... um, I . . .” Her gaze sidled away, to the side, then the floor, then the ceiling before returning to his. Even then she didn’t meet his eyes directly. “I lied,” she said finally.
    As if that were great news to him. Sebastian wasn’t perturbed though. Indeed, he had to wipe the wry amusement from his face as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You lied?”
    She gulped. “It wasn’t just that I heard Webster at the door. I-I wanted to see your house.”
    “You wanted to see my house,” he repeated.
    She now regarded him as if she expected lightning to strike her down at any instant. “Yes. I couldn’t sleep, and I was tired of my room—”
    “I thought you said it was a lovely room.”
    “Oh, it is! But this house is just so beautiful, I wanted to see it all.”
    “I see.”
    She peered at him. “You do?”
    “Yes.”
    “And you’re not angry?”
    “No,” he said smoothly. “But now that you’re feel ing better, there’s no need to skulk about in the dark.” He paused. “I could have Tansy show you about tomorrow, if you’d like. I’d do it myself, but I’m afraid Justin and I have business in the country tomorrow. Then I’ve an engagement in the eve ning . . .” He watched her closely. “Would you like that?”
    Her mouth opened. She was gawking, he realized, all at once struggling against the impulse to laugh. He had the most insane urge to stride up to her, place his fingers on her chin, and close her lips with the seal of his own...
    He shook off the thought and answered for her. “Yes? Excellent, then. Oh, and Devon? Feel free to use any room you wish. I assure you, they’re all better seen in the light of day. Then I won’t have to worry about you tumbling down the stairs in the dead of night.”
    “Oh,” she said weakly. “That’s quite thoughtful of you.”
    “It’s my pleasure,” he said softly.
    And heaven help him, it was. She was smiling again, that same beaming smile that nearly stole his breath. He’d have done anything to make her face glow with pleasure the way it was right now.
    Long after the door to her room had clicked shut, Sebastian was still standing in the entrance hall. Only then did he ask himself if he’d gone quite mad.
    Because somehow, he’d managed to acquire not just one urchin...but two.

Nine
    hen Devon awoke, Webster sat up, eyes bright, tail wagging madly. He didn’t look quite so ugly this morning, but as she’d noted last night, a bath was sorely needed.
    She and Tansy tackled the task. During the pro cess she made a rather revealing discovery about the little creature. Two of them, in fact. The first made her chuckle, and was of little consequence one way or the other. As for the second ...well, she wasn’t quite sure how to break it to Sebastian, or even if she should.
    Afterward Tansy took her through the house. As she stepped into each room, all she could think was that Sebastian was right. The house was better seen in the light of day. Elegantly carved moldings framed the ceilings, windows, and doors; the fur nishings combined both luxury and comfort. Brightly hued bouquets graced many of the side ta bles, freshening the air. It was too early in the year for such blooms, and Devon wondered where on earth they came from, but she was too embarrassed to ask. Even with Tansy, she didn’t want to sound as ignorant as she was.
    The blustery weather of the night before had given way to sunshine, a reminder that the warmth of spring was nearly upon them. Tansy had pointed out a small garden to the rear of the house. When Tansy went back to work, Devon tugged a shawl over her shoulders—another item borrowed from the absent Julianna—and slipped outside.
    The garden, enclosed by red brick on all sides, was filled with manicured bushes and trees. Devon caught her breath in admiration. In summer it would be lovely, filled with the perfume of flowers and vi brant with