Sunrise With A Notorious Lord by Alexandra Hawkins

Author:Alexandra Hawkins [Hawkins, Alexandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781250001368
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: 2012-01-03T08:00:00+00:00

"Do you see that gentleman in the gray waistcoat?"

Isabel discreetly searched the crowded room for the latest male who had captured her sister's attention. Thus far, Delia had spent the evening flirting with several admirers rather than listening to the talented soprano Lady Kerfoot had invited to perform for her guests.

"Do you see him?" her sister whispered, using her fan to hide her rude behavior.

Isabel craned her neck. Ah, yes. Gray waistcoat. The gentleman was seated seven chairs to their right. He had straight blond hair and a friendly countenance. The man noticed her curiosity and winked at her. Isabel hastily glanced away. In her opinion, the gentleman was too friendly.

"I see him," Isabel murmured.

"Do you think you can secure an introduction from Lady Kerfoot?" Delia offered a coy smile to the blond stranger. "He has lovely eyes."

You cannot see his eyes from this distance! Isabel wanted to yell, but she held her tongue. Her gaze returned to the gentleman. The poor sot was mouthing I love you to Delia, and she was preening under his lovesick regard. What the young gentleman didn't realize was that he had competition. Having men reduced to fisticuffs on her behalf would be the highlight of the evening for her sibling.

"I will appeal to Lady Netherley for an introduction," Isabel whispered to Delia. The elderly marchioness had arrived late to the recital and was seated behind them. However, she was certain the lady would seek her out to inquire about the progress Isabel had made in securing Delia's interest in Lord Vanewright.

How could she report that she was failing?

Delia only seemed mildly curious about the earl, and Vane ... Isabel's gaze dropped to her clasped hands on her lap. Lady Netherley would not be pleased if she learned that her son preferred Isabel's company to Delia's.

Oh, the entire plan was hopeless!

As Isabel had predicted, Lady Netherley approached her and Delia minutes after their hostess announced that there were refreshments in the adjoining chamber. Since the marchioness could not discuss her plans openly, she acquiesced to Delia's shy request to become better acquainted with Lady Kerfoot, not realizing her sister's true intentions.

Annoyed with the entire evening, Isabel did not attempt to interfere. Perhaps it was unkind of her, but she hoped the blond gentleman was a greedy fortune hunter. It was exactly the sort of gentleman her manipulative younger sister deserved.

Isabel started when Lady Netherley clasped her hand. "How are you this evening, Isabel. You seem distracted. Is something amiss?"

"No, not at all," she lied, softening her deceit with a smile. "I do not wish for you to think me unsophisticated, but three hours of music was tiring."

The marchioness's eyes lit up with amusement. "My backside is aching as well. Look about, I doubt you will find a single guest sitting the rest of the evening."

Isabel searched the room, realizing the older woman was correct. She laughed, and some of the tension of the evening faded. "Good. I feared I was the only one."

With her gaze occasionally straying to Delia, Isabel followed Lady Netherley to one of the open windows.

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