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

compelling , and just a little frightening. ‘Thank you; a lemon tea would be very nice.’
    Marissa smiled, ‘I too – thank you, my lord.’
    ‘Maybe a syllabub?’
    Both women shook their heads. Marissa said, ‘T’would quite spoil my appetite for dinner, but again, thank you.’
    As he sauntered away to the drinks' table, Esther nudged Bertie, ‘My Lord, he is newly arrived in Brussels?’
    ‘Err … yes, a friend of mine. He is much taken with you Esther.’
    ‘Be it so my lord, I am abashed.  But Lord Bruges will soon be here.’
    ‘Ah yes, I see, but until then may we have pleasure of your delightful company?’
    The Viscount stood at the counter, he felt his pulses race, the girl was beautiful, discreet and lady like, a higher level of mistress indeed. Although fond of Constantia, his present mistress, he found her somewhat tiresome. The creature had a habit of whining if she wanted something from a bracelet to a carriage. Repeatedly, he’d said, ‘Please my dear, just ask – just ask. I will not refuse, unless of course, it is a fortune.’ At which point she would wring her delicate hands, with tears brimming; the slightest remonstrance from him could bring on the vapours.
    She also had the habit of stamping on his foot, just as he exchanged pleasantries with a fetching woman. The only thing that kept him with her was her incredible art in the bedroom. If he could bind her mouth, she would be more pleasing. He knew Captain Wetherstone was quite taken with her.  Perhaps, there was a way out after all.
    Smiling at his ploy, he returned to the small table, placing the drinks in front of them. Claiming the seat right next to Esther, he pulled it forward, his thigh lightly touching hers. 
    He noticed Esther frown , and tilting her chin, swished her skirt.  Hmm, better to take things slowly.
    Looking up into his dark chocolate eyes, Esther’s heart rippled, he was indeed a beau and a viscount. She was loyal to Vaughan, but she had her future to think of. He was now married, and it would not be long before he began filling the nursery.  It may prove to be a hazardous time for her. He’d saved her from a terrible fate, and she’d vowed to stay loyal to him, but he did have that hard streak. Would he cast her off now he was married?
    She felt her chair jar, as she lifted her glass and a maid’s voice rang out, ‘Oh I’m so sorry milady.’ But then, the girl shrieked, as Esther’s chair slipped sideways knocking the tray from her hands. To her horror, she watched the tray fly through the air, to land on the grass with the glasses smashing to fragments.  The viscount hurriedly rushed to help the poor girl, now sobbing into her apron.  
    Esther rose to comfort her, only to tread on the shards of glass, some of which speared her satin slipper. Uttering a cry, she raised her foot to see blood pouring.  Palmerston now dashed to her side, lifting her bodily out of the shattered glass. Seating her on a chair, he clicked his fingers at a waiter. ‘Get some clean cloths, now man – hurry.’
    ‘Forgive me my dear, but we must staunch the blood flow.’  He swiftly lifted her skirts, and pulled down her garter and stocking, much to Esther’s embarrassment.
    The servant returned , giving him a wad of cloths, as he knelt to staunch the wound.
    ‘Hmm – demme. We’ll have to summon a doctor,’ he murmured.
    ‘I think it would be quicker to take her there David.  By the time someone gets to the doctor, and brings him back here, the poor girl could bleed to death.’ Bertie said, pursing his lips.
    ‘Don’t frighten her Bertie.’ Palmerston muttered, seeing Esther turn pale. ‘But you’re right, go get the horses; I shall take her to the physician myself.’
    By this time, Esther was speechless, appalled at the situation, at the blood-soaked rags, her ruined dress , and the servant girl being soundly reprimanded by a furious waiter. Amidst the pandemonium, her voice faltered, ‘Please my lord;