The Earl's Intimate Error Read Online Free PDF

forced himself to maintain composure and bow politely as the young man was presented to him. He did keep a close eye on any hint that the stammering Fish-Finglet might be about to launch himself at Miss Canton, though it appeared no remedial action on Woodleigh’s part would be required. Apparently the other young lady was Fish-Finglet’s target tonight. An abrupt invitation for her to join him to dance came tumbling from the man’s trembling lips.
    To everyone’s surprise, Miss Holycroft smilingly agreed. She gave Woodleigh a look that said clearly he ought to be jealous, and she trotted off, clutching Fish-Finglet’s scrawny arm. Woodleigh wasn’t sure what he felt about that, but it sure as hell wasn’t jealousy.
    “Tell me again, sir, when is the wedding?” Miss Canton asked when they were alone.
    Another shudder. “June. The end of June. Or perhaps July.”
    “I see. Have you started to drink yet? I expect you’ll take to it quite soon.”
    “Miss Holycroft is the daughter of one of the wealthiest gentlemen in London and our families have sought this connection for years,” he said firmly. “Our union is one of good sense and excellent breeding.”
    “I suppose if you say so,” his companion said with a dubious sigh. “But I’ve not seen one bit of good breeding in that filly, and you know what they say about that.”
    “You tend to your business, Miss Canton, and I’ll tend to yours. Er, mine.”
    She was laughing at him. Hellfire, he should not feel as if squirrels were running amuck in his insides simply at the sound of the woman’s laughter! But along with her laughter there was her hair, and her lips, and those generous, round bosoms…Indeed, the squirrels were having quite the field day inside.
    He would not let her see any of it, however. He would remain cool, detached, and uninterested. If only he could fool himself.
    “I certainly wish you the best with your fiancée, sir,” she went on, still chuckling under her breath. “I can’t think of a more perfect mate for you.”
    “And what of you, Miss Canton? Are you any closer to your matrimonial goals? You seem to be having quite a high time since you’ve arrived here.”
    “Oddly enough, I have been enjoying myself, thank you. London has proven to exceed my expectations and your mother is truly lovely.”
    He tried to sort through her words to find the insult he was sure must have been there, but he could find none. Judging by her smile and her bright, glistening eyes, he could only deduce she was earnest. His mother had been playing the most attentive hostess, and the ton had welcomed Miss Canton with wide-open arms. Except for his intended bride, of course, but he hoped Miss Canton had not taken that personally. Alexandra Holycroft treated everyone badly. Rival females especially.
    Still, she’d not entirely answered his question.
    “But what of your prospects? You seem to have plenty of beaux, but will any come up to scratch?”
    She evaded his gaze, yet she answered quite smugly. “Your friend Lord Archer is especially dutiful. He has indicated he feels himself in much the same position as you.”
    “What, eager to find you a husband who is not me?”
    “No, increasing in years and expected to find a wife while he is yet young enough to do so. Gentlemen of title carry a certain burden for that, as I understand. To keep the line going, apparently.”
    “Yes, we are rather drilled on that in our formative years.”
    “Just as you are settling down, he suspects it is time for him to do the same.”
    “So you assume he will settle on you.”
    “I assume nothing, sir. I can, however, infer from his actions.”
    “His actions? What the devil has he done to you?”
    “He’s given indication of his interest, of course. Oh, look. Your mother is waving toward us. And who does she have with her?”
    Woodleigh squinted to see clearly across the large room, though he suspected the girl was simply altering the topic to distract him.