Katie Rose by A Hint of Mischief Page B

had engendered in him. He glanced down at her, fully expecting a slap or a scathing remark. Instead, she was staring at him with a look he would never forget: Her eyes were wide, shining with desire and wonder, and a kind of adoration that made him pause.
    Quickly he reminded himself that she was an actress above all else, and an accomplished one at that. He heard Allison approaching, and knew it would be a matter of moments before they were discovered. Aware that Jennifer’s dubious reputation would be completely compromised should they be seen together, he turned swiftly and headed toward the gate. A backward glance assured him that Jennifer had sense enough to dodge into the gazebo, where she could collect herself unobserved.
    “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you. What have you been doing?” Allison asked petulantly.
    “I was just looking at the famous Barrymore roses. They certainly haven’t done well this year. I am dying of thirst, though. Let’s get some punch.”
    He led her back toward the party, ignoring the suspicious glances she gave him. Most likely, she had seen him accost Jennifer, and had seen them enter the garden together. In truth, he didn’t know what he would say if she questioned him.
    There was no explanation for his fascination with “the Appleton” creature. None whatsoever.
    On the way home, Jennifer had been strangely silent. Penelope chattered the entire time, while Winifred made several keen observations about the party and their success. The three sisters crept into the rickety old mansion, closing the door as quietly as they could, trying to hush every possible sound and not disturb their elderly aunt. When they were in their bedroom, Penelope, dying of curiosity, confronted Jennifer.
    “So? What happened? Don’t look at me like that—I saw you disappear into the garden with handsome Mr. Forester!”
    Jennifer blushed, pressing her lace-covered hands toher face. “You don’t think—did everyone notice?” She whispered.
    “No, silly. I only saw because I was looking. I want to know everything! I can tell something happened. Just look at you! You’re practically glowing!”
    Jennifer looked as radiant as a bride on her wedding day, and her eyes fairly sparkled with suppressed excitement. She raised her arms, allowing Winifred to pull the voluminous dress over her head. When she reappeared, her face was screwed up in concern.
    “Are you sure he isn’t really interested in Allison Howe? He did escort her to the party, after all. And he did seem to be, well, close with her.”
    “Allison!” Penelope waved her hand in dismissal. “He doesn’t care for Allison! You heard what the Billings said, and they would know. Besides, it’s every girl for herself. All you’re doing is giving Gabriel a chance to decide. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
    The cloud lifted from Jennifer’s face and she hid a mischievous smile. “Well, then, I’ll tell you. First he was furious. He wanted to know what we were doing there, and even accused us of crashing the party!”
    “How dare he!” Penelope said indignantly.
    Winifred sent her a sardonic look. “Penelope, we weren’t invited. The man was right.”
    Penelope pouted, then tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for Jennifer to continue. “So then what? Surely you’re not so happy because he yelled at you.”
    Jennifer shrugged coyly. “Then he berated me again for taking advantage of his mother. He even lectured me on my dress, accusing me of flaunting myself before all the men! He really was furious.”
    “That’s strange,” Winifred remarked, folding Jennifer’s gown carefully before removing her own dress. “He doesn’t have any claim to you. Why should he care what you wear or who you talk to?”
    Penelope practically danced with excitement. She clapped her hands together like a little girl, and tossed a pillow at Winifred.
    “What is the matter with you? It means everything, don’t you see? If