A Curious Heart (Love Vine: A Regency Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

gone—whispered loudly behind her fan.
    The earl looked at her sharply, then forced a smile, recalling his need for the good graces of these matrons. Almack's could be a veritable hell-hole without the attending matron's patronage. Even Wellington had met with their disapproval and denied admittance for being late.
     Bowing to the sour-faced line, he smiled his most beguiling. "Ladies, I believe I have lost my dance partner. Pray excuse the intrusion."
    Simpering and tittering at the unaccustomed attention, several of the elderly women eyed the virile young man with open regard. He shuddered inwardly at the thought of having to dance with any of them. Then he turned, as though surprised at her presence and bowed once again—before Lady Alana—as  he spoke in the most innocent of voices, "Ah! There you are. Had you forgotten? This is our waltz I believe."
    Other than give these formidable old ladies grist for their gossip mill, Alana had no choice but to accept his outstretched hand and rise for the dance. Under cover of the music, she murmured to him in a voice discordant with exasperation. "I thought you'd withdraw this foolish pursuit once you knew I have no interest."
    She refused to think how her heart had beaten more quickly upon spying his approach.
    "Pursuit?" The earl raised his eyebrows innocently and raised his voice just a decibel. "I only wish to dance with you. That is not pursuit. Inviting me to escort you to the gardens could perhaps be considered—pursuit."
    He grinned as he grabbed her about the waist, ignoring her stiffly indignant posture. With his other hand firmly grasping hers, swirled  her into the waltz as his eyes caught and held hers in a most impudent manner. "Me thinks the lady doth protest too much."
    Many eyes were on the couple as they graced the floor with expertise, dipping and swirling to the music, eyes only for each other. Speculation was rampant in some quarters and bets would be placed at White's before this night was done as to the state of Rothburn's matrimonial plans.
    * * * * *
    Sir Gordon and Lady Eleanor stood with her mother, sipping punch and speaking in casual tones, seemingly unconcerned by the display of her would-be suitor and his aunt.
    The Countess of Avonleigh, however, evinced some concern, for her plans in that area were not served by the current situation. Though she liked Sir Gordon well enough, he had no title— a sore point with her.
    Her daughter, however, seemed oblivious to Rothburn's behavior and intent on the knight's conversation, appearing to hang on his every word.
    Bets would be placed on that circumstance as well, and the odds favored a change of alliance.

Chapter Four
    ~~
    "Allie! Do attend me when I speak to you!" Alana stood with hands on hips, her face a mask of unbridled fury. "I cannot understand how you could be so forward as to invite a gentleman to accompany us in the park. It is for the gentleman to invite you—or us, if you will.
    "I will send 'round a note declining immediately and hope that word of this does not get about. You would be a laughing stock were it known that you have acted in such a bold and indecent manner."
    "But, Auntie—" Allie tried, unsuccessfully, to interrupt the tirade. Her pretty face was blotched with tears of frustration and humiliation. Glossy curls bounced as she twisted to look out the window, avoiding the angry woman before her.
    Botheration! No matter what she did, someone was always there to scold. It wasn't as though she were doing this for herself. She only wanted to further a courtship between her aunt and the earl, but of course, she could not say so. It was all so frustrating.  
    "No buts, Allie." Alana turned her back on the mischief-making girl and went to the secretary at the end of the room, seated herself  and took up note paper and pen, talking all the while. "You have managed to embarrass me, disgrace yourself and court gossip. And to what end, may I ask? You have shown no interest in the