A Tempting Ruin by Kristin Vayden

Author:Kristin Vayden [Vayden, Kristin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-07-26T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

BEATRIX STUDIED LORD NEVILLE, TAKING IN his queer expression, a combination of disgust and desperation.

Turnips?

The man never ceased to be an enigma, and truly in this case, she didn't want to understand!

Cautiously, she studied the carriage in the Breckridge courtyard. The build was first-rate, clearly belonging to a man of means. No crest decorated the side, yet its absence actually drew one's eye to the craftsmanship of the carriage, its smooth lines and bold lacquered black.

"I see Curtis decided he needed another conveyance," Lord Neville spoke from behind her.

Turning she saw his study of the carriage, a rueful grin in place as he shook his head once.

Shrugging, she turned her attention to the stairs and ascended to the main entrance. Footmen stood by in their pressed livery, holding the doors open.

"I'm sure Lady Southridge has ushered him into a drawing room." Lord Neville's comment sounded more curious than certain, and Beatrix turned to glance at him.

"We could ask," she replied dryly.

He cut her an annoyed glare. "Truly? Why, I'm quite humbled that I didn't think of that." His tone was wry.

"Another reason to be thankful for my presence." Winking at his irritated expression, she approached a maid and asked for Lady Southridge's whereabouts. Just as she was speaking, another maid approached.

"My lord…" She curtseyed to Lord Neville. "…my lady bids you join her in the blue parlor. You have a guest from London."

He nodded once and glanced to Beatrix, a winning gleam in his eye. He reached out an invitation to escort her, and she accepted, laying her gloved hand on his arm.

"You see, while I have found that while asking is a perfectly valid option, most often the information finds you." His voice was more than slightly haughty.

Offering a sweet smile, she pinched his arm as her hand rested upon it.

But drat the man, he didn't even flinch.

"You'll have to try harder than that," he replied without even a glance in her direction.

Beatrix suddenly had the urge to trip him. Certainly that would be an example of trying harder!

But as luck would have it, the blue parlor came into sight, and her attention was absorbed with the sight of a gentleman pacing before the chaise lounge. Only a small profile of his face was visible, but it was already clear he was quite handsome.

"Damn it all, he's pacing." His voice was so quiet she assumed she wasn't supposed to overhear. A shiver of fear tickled her spine.

"Ah, my dear Bev and Lord Neville!" Lady Southridge caught a glimpse of their approach and stood, her expression one of relief.

"Neville." The gentleman nodded his head once sharply, the universal masculine acknowledgement.

"Curtis…" Turning to Beatrix he glanced from her to the gentleman. "…allow me to introduce Bev—"

"Hang it all, Neville. Everyone already knows. Just call her Beatrix." Lady Southridge's irritated tone broke through his introduction.

His gaze cut to her then to Curtis. "Is that so?" His expression was dark as his brows drew together over his grey eyes.

"Indeed. Which is why I decided to visit rather than converse by post.

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