The Colonels Timely Bride by Dana R Lynn

Author:Dana R Lynn
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781621354673
Publisher: Clean Reads
Published: 2015-11-02T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

London

How early could he leave without appearing rude? Fitzwilliam smiled as he bowed over yet another spoiled heiress’s gloved hand. How had Darcy endured this for so long? At least Darcy had the luxury of choosing with his heart. At his parents’ insistence, he had thrown himself into the various activities of the marriage mart. Balls, the theatre, he attended them all. And he was bored. Bored, bored, bored.

His parents would be in high dudgeon if they suspected he had already formed a tenderness for a young woman without a fortune. In truth, much of his reason for attending the balls with such enthusiasm was to distract himself from dwelling on Kenzie’s blue eyes and melodic voice. It did no good. Every woman he was introduced to was automatically compared to her and found wanting. None of these women would talk with him as freely and without pretense as she did. And the thought of any of these women riding bareback was laughable. He was aware that they looked at him with calculating eyes. Some wouldn’t even consider him an appropriate suitor due to his status as a second son. Therefore, a man without his own property. Others looked at him and saw a link to a title. No doubt they had already considered that his brother had no heir. His lip curled.

“Colonel?” A startled voice broke into his reverie.

Belatedly, he realized he was glaring at the young woman before him. Drat! He could not even recall her name.

“Pardon me, miss. I have a matter I must attend to.”

Ignoring her insulted pout, he spun on his heel and strode towards the exit.

“Richard!”

He sighed. He had hoped his mother would be too preoccupied to stop him. But why should he expect that? She had come tonight expressly to judge the worthiness of each girl he talked with.

She was already at his side. If he did not know it would have been undignified, he would have thought she had run across the distance.

“My dear, surely you are not departing? The ball has barely begun. I have several young ladies I want to introduce you to.” Her smile was pleasant, but her eyes were cold. Do no defy me, they warned.

Fitzwilliam straightened his broad shoulders. He schooled his features into his military mask. She might be his mother, but he was no longer a boy. He understood what was at stake, but he would not be cornered. Or ordered about. He would come and go as he pleased.

“Madam,” he bowed slightly. “I have seen all I wish to see tonight. I feel the need for some peace and quiet. I will bid you good evening.” He continued out at a brisk pace. He knew his mother would not call out after him. Bad ton and all that.

****

Lady Whitehaven stood like a statue, rage brewing in her breast. How dare he walk out on her! Did he have no consideration for the state of the Earldom? She drew in a deep breath, struggling to control her temper.

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