The Diamond of London by Andrea Penrose

Author:Andrea Penrose [Penrose, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2023-11-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

I was no stranger to masculine beauty—the aristocracy had more than its fair share of Tulips of the Ton—and yet for an instant, my heart seemed to stop in mid-beat.

“Hetty, allow me to present Granville Leveson Gower,” said Pitt.

Shaking off my inexplicable reaction, I reminded myself that I was here to help Pitt forge political alliances, and quickly reviewed what I knew about the gentleman.

He was the subject of much drawing room gossip, for apparently the ladies of London had dubbed him the most handsome man in Britain. My own quick assessment found no flaw in their judgment. His face had a classical symmetry—well-shaped cheekbones, straight nose, strong jaw—and the chiseled features were complemented by sea-green eyes and a sensuous mouth . . .

However, Granville—I knew he was called Granville by his friends and diplomatic colleagues because they considered Leveson Gower to be a mouthful—was also a rising star in the diplomatic ranks, a skilled negotiator who possessed both poise and polished charm. It was said that Pitt was considering him for an important ambassadorship—

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Hester.” Granville’s graceful bow drew me back to the moment. “Your uncle has told me a great deal about you.”

By this time, I had my emotions under control and answered with a cool smile. “Don’t believe everything you hear, sir.”

My reply seemed to surprise him. He hesitated, his dark brows tweaking up just a touch. “Now you have me intrigued, milady.”

“I give you fair warning, Granville. Cross verbal swords with my niece at your own risk. Her tongue can be sharper than mine,” said my uncle with a note of pride. “I would also be careful about engaging her in any debate about politics or the war efforts.”

Pitt paused. “Unless you want your head handed to you on a platter.”

Was it merely the crystalline glitter of the overhead chandelier that lit a spark of interest in Granville’s gaze?

“That sounds like a challenge, sir,” he said slowly, though his eyes remained on me.

“Some gentlemen would find that frightening,” I responded.

Another smile. “And some gentlemen would not.”

“Granville has recently met with the Russian, Prussian, and Austrian ambassadors to discuss the situation with France—” began Pitt.

“Do you think we can defeat France?” I demanded of Granville, curious as to whether there was really any actual substance beneath his divine looks.

He looked about to reply and then hesitated.

“What?” I pressed.

“I was about to answer with a platitude, because in my experience most ladies wish to be assured that all is well in hand,” Granville answered. “Even when it’s not.”

Before I could retort, he added, “But my understanding is that you are not like most ladies, and so I wish to give the question due consideration.”

I was unusually tall for a female—nearly six feet—but I had to look up slightly to meet his gaze. “Surely you have an opinion one way or another.”

“The opposing forces are aligned on the chessboard, but as of yet, the opening move has yet to be made,” said Granville.

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