His Wayward Ward - A Regency Novella (Risque Regency) by Harper Kate

Author:Harper, Kate [Harper, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Published: 2011-08-13T16:00:00+00:00

‘I’m honored, of course.’

‘Don’t be! It’s a serious discussion about what you said to Grayson today.’

Carlton looked down at her with a smile. ‘Oh? Has Mr. Henry a complaint about my behavior this afternoon? I thought I acted with perfect civility.’

‘Yes, well, I’m sure you did.’ Certainly, Grayson had not mentioned that Carlton had been unpleasant. ‘But that’s not what I meant. You said we were to go to London for a few weeks but now, it seems, we are not to return until the season finishes in August!’

‘Actually,’ Carlton corrected her, ‘I said that a few weeks would knock the rough edges off you. I did not say how long you should remain there. But, surely, there’s no point in going up for so short a period. Clearly, with the amount of clothing your aunt considers necessary, she must be of the same opinion.’

Eliza stared up at Carlton, frustrated. ‘But I do not want to be in London for so long.’

‘The time will fly by,’ he assured her, those gray eyes glinting. ‘And I am sure Bath will be waiting for you upon your return. Or will you be returning to Suffolk?’

‘I… I don’t know.’ How could she? She had thought she would be planning her marriage to Grayson by the end of the Season. If anything, she would be going to Taunton, where Grayson had a (perfectly respectable) house.

‘Plenty of time to work it out,’ his lordship murmured. ‘Now… what can I get you to drink? Some ratafia?’

‘I can manage, thank-you.’ Eliza was cross with her guardian despite the fact that he had not actually done anything. Actually, the fact that he had not done anything had annoyed her even more. In her more rational moments, Eliza had to admit the man was behaving with surprising generosity. More than a few of her friends at the picnic had been envious that she was to go up to London. She knew most girls would be thrilled by the prospect of a Season in London, even if it was an abbreviated one, especially as Aunt Flora had mentioned that Carlton had one of the finest houses in Mayfair.

‘Nonsense. I insist on cooling those warm cheeks.’

‘Oh,’ she said, half turning away from him, ‘you’re impossible!’

‘And you’re tired and hungry,’ he returned quietly. Taking her elbow, he led her to a quiet corner that managed to enjoy a slight breeze, thanks to the partially open window behind it. It was exactly what Eliza had been craving – of course – and she sat with bad grace.

Did the man never do anything wrong?

Despite her protestations, Carlton insisted on collecting refreshments for her, as there was such a crush around the table. Eliza watched his broad, retreating back with simmering resentment. Naturally, the crowd of people seemed to melt away when he approached. She noticed how Lady Bellingham stopped to have a word, laughing at something he had said and she never laughed at anything. At least, Eliza had certainly never seen her do so.

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