Susanne Marie Knight Read Online Free PDF Page B

was rested. Looks aside, he was grateful for her intrusion. Indeed, it was providence. She had come along as an answer to his unspoken wish for a diversion.
    “No need to apologize, Miss Branford.” He placed his hand under her arm and, ignoring the plea in her eyes to let her be, firmly led her to the settee. “Allow me to introduce my mother, Lady Ingraham.”
    Miss Branford stepped away from him, then made a pretty curtsy. “I’m very happy to meet you, my lady. I greatly appreciate your very kind invitation.”
    His mother’s blank-eyed gaze revealed that she did not remember Miss Branford’s identity.
    “Mother, this is our cousin, Miss Branford. You and I exchanged correspondence about her visit.”
    That jogged the Countess’ memory. She patted the empty cushion in the middle of the settee. “Yes, yes, indeed. Please sit, my dear. I have heard so much about you. You and I shall get along famously. I just know we will.”
    Miss Branford meekly obeyed and folded her hands in her lap. Her cotton morning gown appeared dingy next to the colorful blue flowered fabric of the sofa…and the Countess’ flashy finery.
    Fenwick had already gotten to his feet and David extended his hand in Fenwick’s direction. “And this gentleman is Mr. Fenwick.”
    The man made a small bow. “Delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Branford. I, as well, have heard much about you. As I can see with my own eyes, there has been no exaggeration.”
    If possible, the girl’s rosy blush deepened.
    Fenwick’s mournful countenance lit up with a smile. “May I have the pleasure of escorting you two ladies around Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon?”
    The Countess clapped her hands together. “What a splendid idea. A carriage ride! Yes, and the most fashionable time to be seen at the park is between five and six. Shall we say, five o’clock, then, Fenwick?”
    Miss Branford glanced up at David with another pleading look in her deep hazel eyes. Evidently she did not care for the idea but as her hostess expressed delight, she could do naught but agree.
    Once again he disregarded her plea. The girl would have to rely on another Sir Galahad to rescue her.
    Then again, his interpretation of her expression could have been completely wrong. After all, what did he know about her ways? His acquaintance with this chit was of less than a twenty-four hour duration.
    “Done then.” Fenwick bowed again. “Until tomorrow, ladies. My lord.”
    As soon as the slippery fellow left, David exhaled in relief. His duty now was to attempt to lessen the man’s hold over the Countess. Or divert her attention toward a more worthy object for her affection.
    His mother turned her rabid interest on Miss Branford. “You are just down from Northumberland, are you not? So very far away. You must tell me all about Aunt Cordelia’s passing, my dear. Did she suffer?”
    The young woman paled and lowered her gaze. “She did suffer for a brief time, ma’am, with a high fever. I confess it was quite dreadful to see, but, mercifully, Great Aunt Cordelia had a speedy release. I believe she was as comfortable as could be expected at the end.”
    Miss Branford’s sentiments did her much credit. He admired her fortitude and the strength of her deportment. She seemed to be a young woman without an ounce of guile, without a drop of deceit.
    Again, he was reminded of a rare jewel. For some reason, this thought disturbed him.
    He stood. “Ladies, I have some pressing business to attend to, so I shall leave you to get better acquainted.”
    His mother waved an imperious hand. “Do go on, David. Never fear, Miss Branford and I will be bosom bows by the time we see you again for dinner.”
    Dinner. He darted his gaze over his houseguest’s appealing form as if she were on the dinner menu.
    Greyle!
    This mooning over the country cousin had to stop. He bowed to his mother, and then to the appetizing dessert. “My apologies, ladies, but I fear I will not be able to join you