Lady Henrietta's Dilemma: Regency Suspense Romance Book 2 (Lords of Sussex) Read Online Free PDF Page A

complete the outfit.’
    ‘Well I must admit that Madame Beauvois made them, especially for me. My dear Captain insists I am ‘much dressed’ in the latest minute of fashion. Although our men plead they are not at all interested in the frippery of females, I swear they are.  Tis a sign of their own standing in the beau ton, as to how their wife or mistress is dressed.’
    ‘I agree. Also, it is alluring.  Please give me her address, and I shall visit. I do have need of a new gown and riding habit.’
    ‘La dearest Esther, tis difficult to procure her services. However, I will put in a word for you.’ Raising her little whip, she said, ‘See, she also bound this to match.’ Chattering, the two young women rode slowly up to the refreshment's area.
    Turning to, her groom, she said, ‘Pray John, look after the horses for us.’ To Marissa she said, ‘Let us take of some tea. I hear they have the very latest blends here.’
    Alighting with Jims’ help, they sauntered to the covered marquee taking spare seats near the entrance. Esther appeared unaware of the intense gaze of a certain Lieutenant Colonel.  Marissa, however, nudged her, ‘Dearest, there is a gorgeous gentleman giving you the most rapt attention. He’s standing with Bertie Templeton; such a fop, but really a nice man. At least, he won’t bother us; his passion is for … you know.’ 
    ‘So – what is the age of the other gentleman?’ Esther asked, not turning her head. ‘Not that I’m interested, I am faithful to Vaughan.’
    Marissa cast her a sly glance, ‘La, I would guess - mid thirties. He wears two epaulettes on his shoulders, with bullion, a royal crown and a regimental star.’
    ‘Oh my God, he’s a lieutenant colonel. I’m not interested, but we will be polite.   La, I can’t breathe Marissa.’
    Lieutenant Colonel David Penfold, Viscount Palmerston, almost gasped as he gazed at Esther. She was the image of his dear wife, a wife whose untimely death he still mourned.  Stroking his angular jaw, he turned to his companion. ‘Egad Bertie, d’you see her, the young woman over there, the one with the auburn hair, blue bonnet – feathers? Tis my Amelia. She could be her twin.’ 
    His companion nodded. ‘Quite the little sweetie, but, she’s Bruges’s mistress.  She’s spoken for old man.’
    ‘Don’t be such a cake Bertie, no woman is spoken for. She’s a Cyprian demme; I must speak with her. Will you introduce me?’
    ‘I do wish you’d stop calling me that.  It’s bad enough as it is. A least fop sounds better than cake.’ Bertie flicked back a blond curl from his forehead, his reddened lips pouting. ‘Be prepared, I hear she is loyal to Bruges. Word has it, she comes from an ancient line of baronets – no money there. Father gambled away the estate, and their lives – mother took an overdose.’
    ‘Hmm – so she is a fallen innocent?’ Well let’s get on with it man.’
    Marissa’s hand tightened on Esther’s arm. ‘They’re coming over – don’t look.’
    Hearing a polite cough, Esther raised her head , to look up at a dashing officer in his scarlet uniform.  She lowered her eyes, sitting quite still until Lord Herbert Templeton said in dulcet tones, ‘Mistress Esther, may I introduce Lieutenant Colonel Penfold, Viscount Palmerston.’
    ‘My lord, I am honoured.’ Esther rose, giving a pretty curtsey to him and holding out her hand.
    ‘Likewise little lady,’ he murmured, kissing the air above her knuckles.  His heart beat faster, as he gazed into jade eyes framed with double black eyelashes.  By God, she was exquisite. May I offer you two ladies a drink, Ratafia perhaps?’
    Esther fluttered her eyelashes demurely, as he towered above her, his dark hair framing an olive skinned face, more fierce than handsome with a thin scar running from the top of his right ear to the side of an aquiline nose.  A soft smile lightened the ferocity of his gaze. Her heart raced; this was a scarred Adonis,