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“Yes, and I’m very much looking forward to the speakers.”
“Frances Harper will be giving the main address.”
Portia was delighted. “I’ve always wanted to hear her speak.”
“Then you shall have the opportunity. She’ll be staying at my home. I’m having a dinner for her with a few select people the night before her talk. I’ll make sure you and Mrs.Fontaine are sent invitations so you can be introduced.”
Portia felt honored.
“In fact, why don’t you and your aunt plan on staying with me and Winston?”
Portia smelled a trap but offered a smooth counter. “We usually stay with Uncle Rhine’s brother, Andrew, and his wife when we visit the city.”
“I see. Well, I will speak with her about the matter and see if I can’t have you as my guests instead.”
Portia didn’t argue. As she discreetly glanced up to see if Kent had arrived, her eyes met Winston’s across the room. He was speaking with Rhine, Phillip, and Matt. He smiled her way.
“You two would make an outstanding couple, you know.”
Portia hadn’t realized Ada was watching her so closely. “Maybe if I were looking to marry, but I’m not.”
Ada patted her hand. “So you say, my dear. So you say.”
Portia enjoyed Ada’s company, but her attempts to play matchmaker were not endearing. Portia was glad when they were called to dinner a few moments later.
Everyone had just taken their seats when Kent walked into the dining room. “Sorry, I’m late. I fell asleep.”
Portia thought it was a sin for a man to be so handsome. He had a slow easy way about him but beneath the exterior he crackled with a power that was raw, vital, and dangerous to a woman determined to keep her heart guarded and buttons done up. Her nipples tightened as if agreeing.
Eddy said, “No apologies needed. You had a long morning. There’s an empty seat next to Portia.”
Portia hoped her aunt wasn’t playing matchmaker, too. She was beginning to feel like a pawn on a chessboard. Not that you don’t want him near. She ignored that and hoped she didn’t embarrass herself again by dropping her silverware. Winston was seated directly across from her. Regan was on his right and his mother on his left. As Kent made his way to the empty chair and sat down, irritation flashed across Ada’s face but was gone just as quickly. It was as if the plainspoken women somehow knew the heat of his nearness played havoc with her senses.
“I see you got back okay,” he said quietly.
“I did.”
“Sorry all the work you did on the roof went up in smoke.”
“So am I.”
Only then did he turn to the other guests. “Evening, everyone.”
They nodded.
Portia warmed with the knowledge that he’d spoken to her first. Regan gave her a knowing grin.
Phillip Pratt, seated next to Matt on Portia’s side of the table, cracked, “Mr.Randolph, my sister decided to eat in her room. Feel free to enjoy your dinner in peace.”
Kent chuckled and saluted him with his wine. “Thanks.”
The first course was a cold soup served in wineglasses.
Ada studied her glass with wondrous eyes. “This is certainly a unique presentation. What is this?”
Eddy answered. “A cold cucumber and melon soup from Spain known as Melón Piel de Sapo.”
Portia loved the sweet tangy soup. Its refreshing, creamy texture was garnished with diced red peppers and a thin slice of fried ham that rested vertically in the center.
