One Bashful Lady by Brenda Williamson

Author:Brenda Williamson [Williamson, Brenda]
Language: ron
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Historical Romance
Published: 2007-05-14T02:04:54+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Ainsley covered the subject splendidly and left Desmond speechless.

Her timorous nature obviously was not always predominant. Yet, the tenacity that came out of nowhere, faded just as suddenly. He looked around and took note of the people smiling, snickering and enjoying Lady Victoria’s public litany of complaints. Meanwhile, Ainsley suffered a huge wave of embarrassment.

She pulled her hand from his gentle hold, and before he could stop her, she hurried away. The crowd parted and closed around her.

“Lady Dunsmore, wait,” called his brother.

“Find her,” Desmond instructed Harlan.

Desmond grabbed Victoria’s upper arms and brought her close to his face. She’d hurt Ainsley needlessly and he shook Victoria with barely a grip on his rage. When she gasped, the strong sour odor of potent liquor on her breath expelled.

“My wife is far better than you, Cousin. Once you sober up you’ll see the grave error in your judgment.” He leaned down and whispered, “For now, know that I detest the Rawlington name, and more than you, I wish I was not born into this family. I am however, quite fortunate that Ainsley would accept me into hers since she is cousin to the prince.”

“She’s not!” Victoria staggered back and eyed him with disbelief.

“How dare you say such a thing.”

Desmond turned her around to face the dais on the far side of the ballroom.

-119-

Brenda Williamson

“Go ask him yourself. Tell him why you would insult a member of his family. You were right. I’ve never been to the Prince Regent’s galas. I never would have been invited if it wasn’t for my wife’s family name.”

Desmond left her standing openmouthed and rushed across the room. He met Harlan in the large, ornately decorative entryway.

“Where is she?” Desmond asked.

“I don’t know. I lost sight of her. Vanished without a trace, I’m afraid.” Harlan clapped a hand on Desmond’s shoulder. “Brother, she is a quirky one, but well worth all the effort.”

“Go on back to the party and keep an eye on our sister. Let Edwina wear herself out before bringing her home. This is her first and most important coming out party. I don’t want her screaming at me tomorrow that I cheated her of her time.”

“Where are you going?” Harlan continued to look about.

“Home, I’m tired.” He straightened his cravat and brushed imaginary lint from his coat.

“And what of your wife?”

“She will be going with me.”

Puzzled, Harlan returned to the ballroom. Desmond finished brushing off his sleeves, not letting the sentries guess he’d spied his wife behind the drapes. His heart had pounded with restless worry until he had observed her dainty feet wedged between a statue and a wall. He felt a pitiful sorrow for her affliction and wished he could order the irritable problem away.

“We are alone, m’lady. Shall we go home?” From the corner of his eye, he saw the gold-tasseled curtain move.

Like a silent breeze, she floated to his extended arm and took hold.

He led her to the door where he motioned for a servant to bring her cloak and his cape.

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