Kate: A Universal Truth (A Wish for Love Series Book 1) Read Online Free
Author: Mia Shales
as he greeted the president of the university, the faculty and the students.
He stood at ease, and from where she sat Kate could observe him without hindrance and without fear that he would notice her. She discovered a dimple near one corner of his mouth that appeared whenever he would pause and tighten his lips. He ended his address to great applause, especially from a well-pleased Sir Bruton who smiled happily and continuously throughout the speech.
Several speakers later it was Kate's turn. She would have given a great deal to see Lord Matthew Camedon's expression when Sir Bruton introduced her and several hundred students expressed appreciation for their favorite lecturer by bursting spontaneously into enthusiastic applause. She lifted her skirt, walking with measured steps up the stairs that led to the podium. Slim and patrician, she drew close to the microphone and looked at the overflowing assemblage below her, holding up her hand to quiet the clapping.
“Tonight I have the honor of addressing an especially appreciative audience. This display of warmth and affection are most flattering in light of the fact that I have, for my part, developed a deep fondness for the people here tonight. I had the privilege of teaching as well as being closely involved with these extraordinary students, defined by their sensitivity, intelligence, and thoughtfulness as well as by their strong commitment to broadening their horizons while at Trinity College. It is these traits which will stand them in good stead as they leave the protective walls of the college and face a less sheltered world. In the outside world you will most certainly meet up with pride and prejudice, with egotism and ignorance, with wickedness and cruelty. Life may lead you up various and twisting roads and you may face difficult choices and many temptations. I hope the foundations laid here at Trinity College will help you to stand firm, to respond to the goodness in your heart, be true to yourself and to others, and always prefer the honest and decent over the narrow-minded and mean-spirited.”
The Marquis Camedon listened as Kate's rich and fervent voice flowed towards him, inexplicably arousing every nerve in his body. He could not take his eyes off her. How could he ever have thought her unattractive? It was beyond him. The burgundy skirt was long but he was aware of the shapely legs under its folds. Her waist was narrow and her chest rounded and firm. The blouse she wore looked so supple and inviting that he had a sudden strong urge to feel the soft material between his fingers and caress her body. Only when John Bayhem, sitting beside him, whispered something did he arouse himself from his reverie. He must be out of his mind. He didn't even know her.
He heard the prolonged applause behind his back as Kate finished speaking and made her way to the stairs. His eyes followed her and she turned her face towards him as she descended. Did he imagine the mischievous smile she sent his way? Preposterous! He was beginning to fantasize. The ceremonies were long and many speeches were made in the big hall. The graduates were awarded their degrees and the top students received scholarships and prizes from the president. Finally, two hours after it started, the commencement was over.
“Do you think we should say hello to the Marquis?” whispered Emma as they stood in line for the exit.
“No. He's probably in a hurry to get to the dinner in his honor at Sir Bruton's and anyway, I have the impression he won't appreciate your gesture. He doesn't seem accustomed to conversing with women of no consequence.”
“Look, Kate.” Emma tilted her head imperceptibly at a group moving in their direction. An elderly couple walked by the Marquis' side while John Bayhem brought up the rear.
“I think I'll go over and speak to them. You must admit that at least John was nice and friendly.”
“Maybe you'll find out
He stood at ease, and from where she sat Kate could observe him without hindrance and without fear that he would notice her. She discovered a dimple near one corner of his mouth that appeared whenever he would pause and tighten his lips. He ended his address to great applause, especially from a well-pleased Sir Bruton who smiled happily and continuously throughout the speech.
Several speakers later it was Kate's turn. She would have given a great deal to see Lord Matthew Camedon's expression when Sir Bruton introduced her and several hundred students expressed appreciation for their favorite lecturer by bursting spontaneously into enthusiastic applause. She lifted her skirt, walking with measured steps up the stairs that led to the podium. Slim and patrician, she drew close to the microphone and looked at the overflowing assemblage below her, holding up her hand to quiet the clapping.
“Tonight I have the honor of addressing an especially appreciative audience. This display of warmth and affection are most flattering in light of the fact that I have, for my part, developed a deep fondness for the people here tonight. I had the privilege of teaching as well as being closely involved with these extraordinary students, defined by their sensitivity, intelligence, and thoughtfulness as well as by their strong commitment to broadening their horizons while at Trinity College. It is these traits which will stand them in good stead as they leave the protective walls of the college and face a less sheltered world. In the outside world you will most certainly meet up with pride and prejudice, with egotism and ignorance, with wickedness and cruelty. Life may lead you up various and twisting roads and you may face difficult choices and many temptations. I hope the foundations laid here at Trinity College will help you to stand firm, to respond to the goodness in your heart, be true to yourself and to others, and always prefer the honest and decent over the narrow-minded and mean-spirited.”
The Marquis Camedon listened as Kate's rich and fervent voice flowed towards him, inexplicably arousing every nerve in his body. He could not take his eyes off her. How could he ever have thought her unattractive? It was beyond him. The burgundy skirt was long but he was aware of the shapely legs under its folds. Her waist was narrow and her chest rounded and firm. The blouse she wore looked so supple and inviting that he had a sudden strong urge to feel the soft material between his fingers and caress her body. Only when John Bayhem, sitting beside him, whispered something did he arouse himself from his reverie. He must be out of his mind. He didn't even know her.
He heard the prolonged applause behind his back as Kate finished speaking and made her way to the stairs. His eyes followed her and she turned her face towards him as she descended. Did he imagine the mischievous smile she sent his way? Preposterous! He was beginning to fantasize. The ceremonies were long and many speeches were made in the big hall. The graduates were awarded their degrees and the top students received scholarships and prizes from the president. Finally, two hours after it started, the commencement was over.
“Do you think we should say hello to the Marquis?” whispered Emma as they stood in line for the exit.
“No. He's probably in a hurry to get to the dinner in his honor at Sir Bruton's and anyway, I have the impression he won't appreciate your gesture. He doesn't seem accustomed to conversing with women of no consequence.”
“Look, Kate.” Emma tilted her head imperceptibly at a group moving in their direction. An elderly couple walked by the Marquis' side while John Bayhem brought up the rear.
“I think I'll go over and speak to them. You must admit that at least John was nice and friendly.”
“Maybe you'll find out
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