Amy Lake Read Online Free PDF

prepared.  I had thought of nothing other than he might seek me out if he knew I was in attendance, and had carefully avoided looking in the direction of his most likely approach.  I turned now and smiled; an easy smile, I hoped, as Cassie had made me practice in the mirror.  She says my normal smile is entirely too alert.
    “Lord Davies.”
    I curtseyed as he bowed, and he did not say more, only held out his hand.  That was rather forward, and it pleased me no end.
    The dance was a quadrille, which was new at that time.  We formed a square with, as it happened, Cassandra and Lord Jeremy as head couple.  The quadrille is lively, and does not allow much opportunity for talk, so I was gratified when ’twas over and Lord Davies did not return me immediately to my friends.  The room was warm, the scent of flowers strong, surely he saw that a brief turn on the duke’s balcony would be a pleasant diversion?  I had considered attempting a sneeze, to make the point, but there was no need.
    “Perhaps a moment outside?”
    I nodded.  The viscount had not yet released my hand.  We joined several other couples on the balcony and I inhaled fresh air with relief.
    “You look quite lovely tonight,” said Lord Davies. 
    Again I was prepared, although I’m sure I blushed.  “Thank you, my lord,” I said evenly.  “And you make a dashing gentleman, although I must admit neither of us looks ready for the sheepfold.”
    He laughed, an uncommonly attractive sound.  “I’ve never understood that conceit.”
    “Bringing the country into London?”
    “There’s entirely enough of it where it is.”  He was smiling down at me and my heart was racing.
    “But you enjoy Cornwall, I believe you said.”
    “I do, indeed.  Sheep are messy and rather . . . sheep-witted, however.”
    I told him the story of Lady Milliforte’s lamb. 
    He shook his head.  “I hope the poor animal was not terrified,” said Viscount Cardingham, winning my heart by his concern for a dumb creature.
    “Her younger sister Caroline rescued the lamb and made Lady Milliforte promise that ’twas never to be eaten.  I believe it is rusticating happily somewhere in Hampshire.”
    He laughed again.  I looked up at him and smiled, and I think—I really believe—he might have touched my lips with his if Lady Helen and Cassandra had not found us at that exact moment.
    “There you are!”
    They were both chattering with great animation and I could see Miss Barre eyeing me with an expression that suggested warning.  When we returned to the ballroom—Lord Davies graciously thanking me for a delightful dance and making his leave—Cassie pulled me aside.
    “The viscount was about to kiss you,” she whispered.
    “I know.”  I was feeling rather smug, but the meaning of her words sunk in.  “Oh.  Good heavens, did anyone see?”
    “I think not.  But Reggie, be careful.  You seem to like that man a great deal—”
    I did not gainsay her.
    “—and we are not absolutely sure he is looking for a wife.”
    I wanted to retort that it hardly mattered, to say something about romance and the meeting of true minds, but I did not.  Because of course it mattered a great deal.
    * * * *
     
    A few days later I saw Viscount Cardingham at yet another musicale , which was unusual enough that I commented upon it to Cassandra.
    “And why not?  He’s just come to town,” she reminded me.
    “Yes, but two musicales and a fete, and none of them overly large affairs—well, I suppose the Duke of Avon’s was—”  I’d had a few suspicions; now I was watching Cassie’s face, which told me all I needed to know.  Miss Barre, for all her many talents, is a poor liar.
    “Cassandra.  What have you done?”
    She shrugged.  “I merely remarked to Lady Helen that since Peter Wilmott knows Lord Davies, it would be terribly convenient if we knew where he was going to be.”
    I threw my hands into the air, horrified.  “Lud!  And when the viscount finds