London's Most Elusive Earl by Anabelle Bryant

Author:Anabelle Bryant
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2020-06-22T10:15:08+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Lindsey strode toward the east wing and aimed for the cardroom, where he intended to win all of Quinn Powell’s money and extract information concerning the Decima, or at the least determine why the man was seeking the same painting as he. His father hadn’t set a time limit on Lindsey’s completion of the will’s conditions, but he wasn’t fool enough to believe he would ever find peace until the matter was resolved. Barlow, the damnable solicitor, had expressed Lindsey’s access to accounts would narrow as weeks turned into months and too, a recent letter from his own man of accounts confirmed a fortification of funds was needed. Time to make haste.

He rounded the rear corner and nearly collided with a gaggle of ladies as they exited a nearby chamber. After dinner, the women had retired to the drawing room for music and conversation while the men had dispersed in a variety of directions, some at billiards or cards, others off to more clandestine pursuits. Lindsey released a sigh as the chattering group advanced. He couldn’t be distracted by Caroline at the moment, and conveniently she wasn’t among the throng. He’d already spent too much time conjuring wicked fantasies and ignoring his singular goal for this country party, lest he forget his main purpose.

The last of the ladies passed, and he hesitated only when two elongated shadows arrowed across the threshold. Perhaps other lingering guests still needed to move along.

Indeed.

Caroline and her mother came into view several paces behind the former group, who’d already progressed down the corridor in conversation. Drawn by a force he still hadn’t mastered, his eyes sought hers. Her face displayed surprise upon seeing him and a becoming warmth crept into her cheeks, quick to color them a fetching shade of rose. She smiled, as if that same flower came to bloom, and his heart thrummed harder.

“Ladies, I beg your pardon.” He rocked back and noted the delight on Caroline’s face. There was no way for her to have known he would be out in the hall at this moment, but if he read her expression correctly, the incident pleased her immensely.

“Lord Lindsey, how good to see you again.” Lady Derby greeted him cordially.

Clearly the woman hadn’t heard the worst of his character, or else she’d dismissed it as unsubstantiated gossip, though he doubted the latter. Most especially as he knew the familial relation to the Notley gells and their penchant to stay abreast of societal minutiae.

“My lord.” Caroline’s voice drew his attention, and the two syllables stroked over him like a velvet caress.

“Lady Nicholson.” His voice matched hers with adoration, though he didn’t make a show of kissing her palm. He couldn’t touch her and then release her. He knew his boundaries. Knew how far he could test his desire. “I was after the gaming room.” He glanced toward the left. “I don’t suppose you’ve just finished a scandalous round of whist or cutthroat wager on a toss of dice?”

“Such a charmer.” Lady Derby laughed and eyed her daughter knowingly.

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