A Gentleman's Kiss by Kimberley Comeaux Page B

North started to reach around Helen, but his wife held out her arms to stop him.
    “North! It’s Claudia! Calm down!” Helen exclaimed.
    North glanced at his wife then glared at Claudia again.
    “North! It’s me, Claudia. See?” She tore off her cap and let her hair fall about her shoulders.
    North’s glare turned into a look of astonishment, and then he burst into laughter. “Whatever possessed you to don these rags?”
    Claudia sighed and stepped out from behind Helen. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” She told them of her trip down to the wharf and her search for her grandfather.
    Helen put her hand to her chest. “Oh, Claudia! What if someone recognized you?”
    Claudia looked at her friend sheepishly. “Well, I’m afraid someone did. Lord Kinclary.”
    North raised his brows in surprise. “Isn’t Kinclary the one who saved you from the mugger?”
    Claudia nodded. She had told them both what had happened the day before. “Yes, and he takes great delight in thinking he’s saved my life twice now. The man is arrogant and insufferable.”
    Helen’s eyes took on a dreamy look. “I knew he had to be a good man. He’s your conquering hero!” She sighed.
    Claudia frowned at her overdramatic friend. “No, he’s more like a thorn in my side,” she stated dryly.
    “Well, I like Kinclary. There was some bad blood between him and my friends, the Thornton brothers, but that was all settled when Thomas Thornton married Cameron’s sister Katherine.” North shrugged. “I’ve become better acquainted with him since he’s been back in town, and I like him. He’s even started a shelter, which I’ve donated to, although he likes to keep it a secret.”
    “Yes, I already know about the shelter. I was there today,” Claudia said. “But it still doesn’t excuse the fact that he’s exceedingly rude. Do you know he yelled at me? Twice!”
    North laughed, making both women frown at him. “I’m sorry, but it sounds as if you’re going to lead poor Kinclary on a bigger adventure than Helen did me while we were courting.”
    “North!” Helen admonished
    “I’m not leading him anywhere!” Claudia exclaimed. “And we are not courting.”
    Apparently North wasn’t convinced. He shook his head and continued to laugh on his way down the hallway.
    “Oh, don’t listen to him.” Helen took Claudia’s hand and led her to the cushioned window seat. “So tell me everything—especially the romantic parts.”
    Claudia looked away. “What makes you think there is anything romantic between us?” she asked as evenly as she could.
    “Because you blushed when you declared you weren’t courting,” Helen stated matter-of-factly.
    Claudia glanced at her friend then blurted out, “He kissed me.”
    “What?” Helen gasped. “When?”
    Claudia knew if she didn’t tell someone she’d burst. “After he apprehended that mugger and then today after he dragged me off the street.”
    Helen’s eyes widened. “He’s kissed you twice? You’re not even betrothed.”
    “That’s what I told him,” Claudia threw her arms up in exasperation. “Of course I slapped him the first time he did it.”
    Helen nodded thoughtfully. “What did you do the second time?”
    Claudia could feel her cheeks burning as she looked away again. “I. . .uh. . .well, it’s not important,” she stammered. “The point is, Helen, I have promised myself that I shall never see him again. It is a promise I intend to keep.”
    A strange expression passed over Helen’s face. “That might not be possible,” she said.
    Claudia shook her head. “What do you mean?”
    “Well, I’ve been checking with my staff, and I”—she paused, her eyes shining—“I found your grandfather Canterbury.”
    Claudia’s heart pounded faster. “Wh—where is he?”
    Helen winced. “Well, that part is a bit sticky. You see your grandfather is working as a butler to—” She paused again as if she were afraid to speak her next words.
    Claudia