2003 by Wicked Wager

Author:Wicked Wager [Wager, Wicked]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-30T10:14:19+00:00

Irritated by her response, but too much in need of his help to risk scolding him at present, she pulled her hand back, resisting the urge to rub away the residual tingling.

"I was hoping I might see you, my lord. Evers, my father's old batman, arrived this afternoon, bringing with him the names of several troopers in need. He's eager to start canvassing London for more."

Evidently overhearing this exchange, Cousin Lane pulled his gaze from Lady Montclare's approach. His smile faded when he perceived to whom she was speaking.

"Nelthorpe," he said in frigid tones.

The viscount's grin widened. "Mr. Fairchild."

"You mean to continue working among the soldiers?" Lane asked her.

"Yes, cousin, with Lord Nelthorpe's assistance, as I believe I already told you. Were you, ah, able to gather the information I requested, my lord?"

"Information?"

"Yes," she replied, shooting him an urgent look.

"Ah, that information. Tis rather complicated. Shall we discuss it further?" Nelthorpe offered his arm.

Frowning, Lane waved it away. "Lady Fairchild has not yet greeted her hostess. And besides, 'tis not the time nor place to debate the merits of such a course. Cousin, I beg you to refrain from discussing so...inappropriate a matter in the middle of Lady Ellsmere's ball."

Jenna's ready anger stirred. "Inappropriate to talk of the plight of his Majesty's soldiers? Then perhaps I should leave-"

"Lady Fairchild," Nelthorpe interrupted, "we are distressing your cousin. Stroll with me so we may speak of this more discreetly." Before Jenna or Lane could respond, Nelthorpe appropriated her elbow and urged her away.

"Can't have you brangling with your cousin in the middle of the anteroom. Very bad ton, you know, and certain to upset the countess," Nelthorpe said.

"Who, if I may believe my aunt and cousin, is already offended that I have become a friend of Lady Charlotte's."

"Quite probably. Now, did you require of me more than a rescue? I am, of course, ever eager to service you."

As he'd no doubt intended, her nimble mind was momentarily deflected by the naughty innuendo. She gave him a stern look. "Be of service, you should say."

He smiled, showing dimples. "I prefer my original wording. But no more!" He lifted a hand to forestall a protest. "If your relations were ringing a peal over you, no wonder your gaze begged me to come to your rescue."

"I wasn't begging!" At his raised eyebrow, she admitted, "Well, perhaps I was...anxious to get away.

Lady Montclare was approaching, and once she latches on, she's as difficult to detach as a burr in a saddle blanket."

"And about as pleasant."

Jenna stifled a choke of laughter. "Indeed! She's determined I must begin seeking to remarry to advantage, and none of my protests that I have no interest in such a project will discourage her."

"But since she'll not wish to risk the contamination of my company, you should be safe from her as long as you remain on my arm. Let us pass through the gauntlet of the receiving line. With luck, your relations will be offended enough to leave you alone the rest of the evening.

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