Lady Adventuress 02 - The Education of Lord Hartley Read Online Free PDF Page B

instead concluding that she had opted for appropriate modesty in her morning dress.
    She had pinned her already dull hair in a plain, severe style that did nothing for her pale complexion, and employed a touch of powder to make her face look even more gaunt.
    When the guest was shown into the parlour, she did her best to look as though she’d just bitten into a lemon – it was as close as she could get to Lady Dunwell’s customary mien.
    Mr Stanhope was everything Maggie remembered him to be. His eyes lingered on her form a little too long, and his words held a strong hint of lecherous insinuation.
    The greetings alone left Maggie feeling uncomfortable, even though she couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was about him that made her want to inch slowly out of the room, or throw a cup of tea in his face.
    Stanhope was dressed as though he considered himself to be the pinkest of the pink. His jacket was of a fine blue velvet and his Hessians polished to an absurd shine.
    His breeches were bright blue and his shirt points stood well above his ears. The whole ensemble was so far removed from what Maggie considered to be attractive on a gentleman that she had to fight very hard not to giggle at the sight of it.
    It took a lot of effort to keep the irony out of her voice when her so-called intended was formally presented. He bowed over her hand, which sent unpleasant shivers down her spine even though their hands were encased in gloves.
    Wondering if the charade was really set to continue, Maggie glanced at her father, who had always been so vocally intolerant of frippery. But he seemed unoffended by the current exemplar of Mr Stanhope’s rather memorable wardrobe.
    After the prerequisite dull exchange concerning the state of English roads and the dismal weather, Mr Stanhope turned his full attention to Maggie.
    “Well, my dear, you must be excited at our upcoming nuptials. I am told it is one of the greatest joys in a woman’s life, next to the states of motherhood and wife, of course, but you will soon attain those, if I may say so. I have four children of my own, who shall certainly be glad of a new mama, and the house wants running. Of course, we will add children of our own in no time, eh?”
    Maggie forced herself to smile tightly, risking another glance at her father, who fixed her with a warning glare.
    “Why, certainly, Mr Stanhope. It is so very generous of you to offer for me. I will tell you honestly, for I believe that honesty is a prerequisite in any person of piety, that papa has been very worried I should remain on the shelf.”
    Mr Stanhope looked astonished at such a plain confession. “Oh, I am certain that is not so, Miss Dacre.”
    She sighed tragically. “Alas, it is. But that is all in the past now, and we can set about planning our nuptials. I very much look forward to taking your children in stride. I feel there is much I have to impart.”
    Lord Chenefelt, who had always had a dread of anything resembling plans or arrangements, seemed pleased enough at Maggie’s conduct that he excused himself quickly, leaving the couple to talk of their arrangements by themselves.
    “After all, you are nearly wed,” he said with a chuckle before departing.
    Left alone with the door open, Mr Stanhope flashed Maggie a delighted smile which left her distinctly nauseous. She held her place, however, and gave him her gravest thin-lipped look of disapproval.
    “Alone at last, eh, Miss Dacre? You know, already I think of you as my wife…”
    “Indeed,” she responded briskly. “We shall have to announce in the journals soon, as is only proper. And, naturally, we must take into account any holy days that might occur around the date. One can hardly be so crass as to marry or celebrate on a day devoted to martyrdom and purity. I shall have you know, Mr Stanhope, that I observe every fast and festival, and any straying from this is unthinkable. However, since father deemed you a suitable match for me, I am certain that