The Earl's Runaway Bride by Sarah Mallory

Author:Sarah Mallory
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2010-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

‘Do you…do you know Lady Ansell well?’

Felicity’s voice sounded very odd, but Gerald did not seem to notice.

‘Lord, no, never met her before tonight. Heard of her, though.’

They took their places in the set and Felicity hoped she would remember the steps. Her mind seemed to be working very sluggishly. For the first few minutes she concentrated on the dance. When she closed with Gerald she could smell the wine on his breath. That was why he was so garrulous. She thought she could use it to her advantage.

‘What have you heard of her?’ she asked.

‘Oh, things. Not really fit for a lady’s ears.’

She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile. ‘Surely you can tell me.’

‘Oh, very well.’ He lowered his voice a little. ‘She has a bit of a past.’ He mouthed the next word, lovers, and winked at Felicity. ‘I shouldn’t be surprised if Rosthorne had an interest there at one time.’ A sly grin curled his mouth. ‘Perhaps she’s come back to rekindle an old flame. There’s no doubt that she is a dashed attractive woman. That glorious hair and those green eyes—irresistible combination!’

Felicity did not reply. The light-heartedness that had been growing within her was now replaced by a lead weight. She declined a second dance with Gerald, pleading a headache, and as he led her off the floor she looked around for Nathan, but he and Serena had disappeared. An ice-cold hand clutched at her heart. Gerald obviously believed that no red-blooded male could resist the luscious beauty of Serena Ansell.

And Nathan was every inch a red-blooded male.

There was a sudden flurry of movement in the corner of the room. A lady had fainted, a common occurrence in hot and overcrowded ballrooms. As she crossed the room to see if she could help, Felicity caught a glimpse of rose-pink skirts and a tremor of alarm ran through her as she pushed her way through the crowds. Her fears were realised—it was Lydia. She was lying back in a chair, her eyelids fluttering as someone waved smelling salts beneath her nose. Felicity rushed forward.

‘What happened?’

‘Is that you, Fee?’ Lydia put out a trembling hand. ‘I am a little faint. Perhaps you could help me to my room?’ As Felicity helped her to her feet, Lydia smiled at the crowd around her. ‘No need for this fuss. Pray continue to enjoy yourselves; I shall be better in a little while.’

‘We should find Sir James—’ said a voice in the crowd.

Lydia waved her hand. ‘No, he is busy with our guests. Miss Brown will look after me.’

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