First Earl I See Tonight--A Debutante Diaries Novel by Anna Bennett

Author:Anna Bennett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Chapter 19

On the Perils of Passion

Any girl who sits in drawing rooms and attends to the inevitable gossip learns the dangers of succumbing to the amorous advances of a dashing gentleman. A compromised young lady might find herself featured in the scandal sheets or shipped off to the country to live with a spinster aunt. While the gentleman who seduced her is lauded for his virility, her reputation is destroyed beyond repair.

But there is yet another peril—one that even wise matrons often fail to mention. It occurs when the young woman’s feelings run deeper than the gentleman’s. After giving herself to him, she may fancy herself in love with him.

A dangerous thing indeed.

“I know you’ve been sneaking out to meet Lord Ravenport,” Lily said matter-of-factly as she rummaged through her portmanteau looking for a bonnet later that morning.

Fiona sat on the edge of the bed, trying to ignore the sudden pounding of her heart. She hated lying to Lily, but she simply couldn’t confess everything, so she settled on the half-truth. “I know it’s not proper for us to spend time alone together, but I’ve been sketching him.”

Lily arched a brow. Her eyes flicked to the table where Fiona’s sketchbook sat. “May I see?”

“Not yet,” Fiona replied quickly, for the sketch revealed far too much. “I haven’t quite finished.”

Lily arched a brow, sat beside Fiona, and squeezed her hand. “Listen. I don’t give a fig about Miss Haywinkle’s rules. But I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“I know. Thank you. I care for him and think he … well, I think we are compatible.”

“Compatible,” Lily repeated with a hint of distaste. “I like the earl, but he’s rather … cold. He didn’t write the poetry, did he?”

Blast. “No.”

“Oh, Fi, you’re so kind and smart and talented. You could charm any gentleman you set your sights on. Why would you choose the one man who has a heart of stone?”

An excellent question. “It’s not stone.… I think he’s been hurt.”

“Ah, yes.” Lily rolled her eyes. “Lady Helena jilted him.”

The mere mention of Helena’s name twisted Fiona’s belly in knots. “Yes, but I think there’s more. The countess hinted as much but wouldn’t elaborate.”

“Well, it seems to me that love shouldn’t be so difficult. The beginning of a relationship should be exciting and thrilling. Every encounter should leave you breathless and giddy—not sad and melancholy.”

“I’m not sad,” Fiona protested, but the words rang hollow. Her relationship with Gray was complicated. There’d been no time for the usual stages of flirtation, courting, or even engagement. But she’d never doubted that he desired her, and now they’d agreed to bind themselves to each other. Perhaps, over time, he’d return her feelings.

“You have at least one other admirer, you know,” Lily said smoothly. “Lord Pentham steals glances at you every chance he has. And the looks he’s sending your way could melt butter in January. He’s exceedingly handsome.”

Fiona nodded. Lord Pentham always appeared as though he were ready to sit for a portrait. Jacket pressed, face closely shaven, not a hair out of place.

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