Temporary Mistress by Susan Johnson

Author:Susan Johnson [Johnson, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-57529-6
Publisher: Bantam Books
Published: 2000-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

Dermott spent the remainder of the day in his study with the shutters drawn, a brandy bottle in hand, intent on drinking himself into oblivion. And so Lord Moira found him when he stopped by on his way to Brooks’s.

Dermott looked up at Moira’s entrance and scowled. “I’m not in the mood for gossip or talk of Wales’s latest imbroglio with his family. Or actually company at all.”

“Pray tell what’s put you in such a charming mood?” Hastings inquired, ignoring Dermott’s churlishness and walking in.

“I dislike springtime,” the earl mockingly replied.

“Ah … so you’ll be drunk for some weeks,” his friend drolly noted, taking a seat across from Dermott, lounging back and crossing his legs at the ankles.

“Don’t get too comfortable, Francis. You’ll find me exceedingly poor company.”

“Then I’ll pass on my small on-dit and be on my way.”

Dermott cast him a moody glance from under half-lowered lashes. “I rather thought you might have a tidbit for my edification.”

“It has to do with your latest paramour,” Moira said with a small smile.

“And which one might that be?” Dermott drawled.

“The one you’ve spent the last fortnight with.”

“And how the hell would you know that?” Dermott pushed himself upward from his lazy sprawl, his gaze sharp.

“Molly has Miss Leslie under her wing.”

Dermott leaned back in his chair. “You’re not telling me anything I don’t know.”

“Molly also summoned me for a boon the other day.”

“I’m sure I’m not going to want to hear what that favor might be.”

“She’s intent on launching Miss Leslie into society.”

“And your part in this?” Dermott casually inquired.

“To find her a sponsor.”

Dermott refilled his glass and drained half of it before he replied. “I wish her good fortune.”

“You’re unconcerned?”

Dermott lifted his glass to his mouth. “Shouldn’t I be?”

Moira shrugged. “I told Molly you wouldn’t care.”

Dermott’s gaze narrowed. “Is this some form of manipulation on Molly’s part?”

“Not entirely. Perhaps not at all. I think Molly genuinely wants the young lady launched. Apparently, Miss Leslie has looks and money, and if not the bluest blood, a considerable fortune that will absolve her of that unfortunate defect.”

“If I know the male predators in the ton, her beauty alone will easily overcome any irregularities of birth.”

“So she’s fair game?”

Dermott lifted his shoulder in the faintest of shrugs. “Why ask me? I have no claim on her.”

“I didn’t think you had.”

“I have no intention of changing my way of life. You may pass that on to Molly.”

“Just so.” Lord Moira uncrossed his legs. “In the event you tire of your own company, Wales is having his usual coterie to Carlton House tonight. Come and join us.”

“Who’s her sponsor?”

Moira’s gaze took on a new alertness as he rose from his chair. “Lady Hertford.”

“Prinny’s newest bed partner. So he’s involved in this?”

“The Prince feels he owes the girl a favor since her grandfather paid for most of his Italian art collection.”

“Really. And when did Prinny acquire these philanthropic instincts?”

“Who knows what motivates him, but I doubt any of this will come to your notice anyway,” Moira declared, watching Dermott intently.

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