A False Proposal Read Online Free PDF

the worst of the crush.
    “All of town must be here,” Adam said. “I expect Prinny to make an appearance at any moment. Do you think a man of his…proportion could navigate through this crowd?”
    Cass ducked her head and laughed again. “You must know, a path opens before him when he arrives. Like a god or a…a—”
    “King?” Adam said drily.
    Cass smiled up at him, not the least bit self-consciously. She’d forgotten to be on her guard. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, their gazes held. She felt a kind of yearning emanating from him, and she couldn’t have looked away if she’d wanted to.
    Without warning, Adam slowed their progress, and she nearly stumbled. When she glanced at him, he was staring straight ahead. She did likewise, and glimpsed a man striding toward them, boldly pushing his way forward with barely a care for who was in his way. He seemed vaguely familiar. In fact, he bore a distinct resemblance to Adam, who had now come to a dead stop, apparently waiting for the other gentleman to reach them. Cass sneaked a glance at Adam. His jaw was clenched, and she could have sworn his blue-gray eyes had darkened to black.
    “Adam. Fancy meeting you here.” The words seemed a challenge.
    “Hugh,” Adam said with a slight nod of his head. “What brings you to town?”
    By now Cass had gathered her wits enough to know that this must be Adam’s elder brother. She recalled meeting him only once or twice in her life, which was surprising since she had spent so many summer days with Adam when they were growing up.
    “I am here for the marriage market, of course. Not that I wish to be leg-shackled, but Father is pushing, that is, encouraging me.”
    Cass felt Adam shudder slightly. Without a hint of humor, he said, “The eligible young ladies and their mamas should be put on their guard, in that case.”
    Anger registered, sharp but fleeting, on Hugh’s face. He glanced at Cass and said, “May I be introduced to this lady?”
    Adam said, “I believe you may already claim an acquaintance with her. Lady Cassandra Linford, may I present my brother, Hugh Grey?”
    “How do you do?” Cass curtsied, but did not offer her hand. He really should have waited until she’d requested an introduction. Not that she usually stood on ceremony, but Adam’s hostility toward his brother made her wary. Adam drew her arm through his in a protective gesture, pulling her closer to his side.
    Hugh inclined his head. “Your servant, Miss Linford. I presume you are one in the same as the girl who used to ride horseback with Adam. Viscount Linford is your brother?”
    “He is, sir. And I am that girl.”
    “All grown up now, I see. His eyes swept her body in frank appraisal, and then he glanced at Adam with a smirk. She had the impression Hugh had done it only to rankle his brother. Adam’s face was tight and closed off. “I must return Miss Linford to the Viscount, if you’ll excuse us.”
    “I wish to speak with you,” Hugh said. “I’ll wait here.” He pointed to the column behind which Cass and Adam had so recently had their tête-à-tête. He strode away, giving Adam no chance to refuse.
    Adam spun her around so fast she almost lost her footing in the middle of a quick curtsy. They moved at a brisk pace, the crowd having dispersed. Cass noticed that Adam, who’d danced gracefully and fluidly, was now limping. Although she very much wanted to say something to break the awkward silence that had descended since Hugh materialized out of the crowd, small talk didn’t seem appropriate. Adam’s manner had completely changed, from one of gaiety to unease, and she sensed a suppressed rage simmering beneath the surface. In a moment, they’d reached Jack, who was watching them with narrowed eyes.
    “Thank you for the dance, Cass. May I get you a glass of lemonade or ratafia before I leave you?”
    “No, thank you,” she said hurriedly, acknowledging his need to rejoin his brother.
    Jack grasped Adam’s arm.