An Unlikely Courtship by Heidi Kimball

Author:Heidi Kimball
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2018-09-08T16:00:00+00:00

ISABEL WATCHED Lord Anthony cross the room, the thought of spending time with him sending a tumult of confusion through her. The man was far too handsome for his own good, and their waltz the other night was proof that his proximity dulled her good senses and made her feel more than was prudent. Especially for a man of his reputation.

She’d spent the afternoon isolated in her room, thinking about her predicament and Lord Anthony’s motives. What could he possibly hope to gain by pretending to court her? Was this all some ploy, some trick to get her to fall in love and leave her broken hearted at the end of the party? Was she just another—albeit more challenging—conquest? She pursed her lips together, the thought rankling.

Lord Anthony returned with a cavalier smile, drink in hand. She took a small sip and set the glass down on a side table, raising her guard.

“Miss Townshend?” He held out his arm.

She placed hers on his, this time not surprised by the flutter of warmth that radiated up her arm at his touch. Instead, she was annoyed by it.

The verandah doors were slightly ajar, but Lord Anthony pushed the door back, leaving it wide open so propriety might be maintained.

“Tell me truthfully.” He tugged at his cravat, loosening its hold. “Did you only agree to come out here so you would not be forced to pretend to tolerate my company any longer?”

His candor took her off guard, and she ducked her head. “It did cross my mind. I have never been one to excel at covering my feelings.”

He laughed aloud, and she found she enjoyed the way it erupted from his chest, the free sound of someone determined to enjoy life.

“I suppose I should have expected as much.” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “You’ve never left me with any doubt as to how you feel about me.”

Isabel flushed anew, grateful for the soft breeze that cooled the night air. “There is something about you that ruffles my feathers.”

“And it started when I came upon you in that rainstorm.” His voice grew gentle, and he turned to face her, focusing the whole of his attention upon her.

She laughed quietly. “Yes, I suppose it did.”

Smoky gray clouds filled the night sky, and she remembered the absolute indignation she’d felt at Lord Anthony’s insolent flirtation when she’d first met him. But, just now, he’d been so gracious and understanding with her father. How was she to reconcile these different versions of the man who stood at her side?

Confused as Isabel was, he deserved her appreciation. “I’m sorry about my father. He is not himself these days. Thank you for humoring him.”

Anthony put his arms on the railing, leaning over it. He looked out into the distance. “I’m sure his moments of confusion are difficult to watch, but I assure you, there are worse things in a father.” His features hardened, mouth pressing into an unforgiving line.

Much as she wished to ask what he meant, she wasn’t sure she dared.

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