The Earl's Winning Wager by Jen Geigle Johnson

Author:Jen Geigle Johnson [Johnson, Jen Geigle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kings Row Press
Published: 2020-05-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

June only half listened as Lord Smallwood went on about his latest horse purchase. She was interested in horses. At one point in her life, she’d dreamed of a large stable. And he was a handsome man, and attentive. But her gaze drifted over to Lord Morley and Lucy and Grace, sitting with the duke and duchess.

She was relieved Her Grace had come. Perhaps the presence of the duchess would take some of the odd, awkward feelings that disturbed her when Lord Morley was near. And perhaps she could confide in the woman. She seemed genuine, caring.

Lord Smallwood lifted her fingers into his hand. “I have been happier getting to know you this past week than I have been in a long time.”

His eyes were earnest, his attention solely on her. He pressed his lips to the back of her glove. “Might I have permission to court you more seriously?”

They sat mostly alone. He spoke quietly. Though she was taken aback by his timing, she was not surprised he asked such a question.

“I—” She looked down, searching for the proper words to use. “I am flattered by your request. Might I think about it for a day or two?”

“Certainly. I am not in a hurry…yet.” He lowered her hand. “I’m looking forward to Prinny’s ball. Perhaps you will know then?”

She nodded. “Yes, I will have an answer for you.”

He then talked of the other couples, the people sharing their tent. “This whole event was planned in part for your benefit.” He lifted a cup and indicated a pretty woman Lord Morley had spoken to earlier. “Lady Annabelle offered to assist Lord Morley in helping you and your sisters move forward in your social standing here in Brighton. So she included you on the invitation list and then invited more of the local gentlemen to round out the numbers.”

“And what is she to Lord Morley?”

Lady Annabelle had slinked over closer to Lord Morley and her sisters until the duke noticed her and invited her to join them. She sat as close as it seemed possible to Lord Morley, leaning across him somewhat as she greeted everyone else on the blanket.

June tried not to be bothered by a scene she didn’t totally understand, but Lord Smallwood’s words seemed to be proven by her view at that moment.

“They have a past. And perhaps a future? I think his mother approves, which is a remarkable feat in and of itself. Lady Morley is most adamant he marry well, and many a lady have not passed muster.”

“How interesting. I know nothing of his family.”

“Well, you wouldn’t. He’s a private sort of fellow about some things, Annabelle being one.”

As June studied them, she saw some regard in his expression as he looked at her, some deference to her in conversation. They seemed familiar. Perhaps Lord Smallwood knew of what he spoke.

“Lord Morley is ruled by duty.” Lord Smallwood’s breath tickled her neck. She knew if she turned, his face would be very close—too close—so she kept turned away.

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