The Wicked Baron Read Online Free PDF Page A

but my uncle the earl says that now, with his backing, I can look very high indeed for a husband.’ Heavens, she thought, how vulgar that sounds!
    ‘And is that why you are in town?’
    He was looking at her now with a shadow of doubt inhis eyes. She summoned a dazzling smile, feeling as brittle as glass inside.
    ‘But of course. I am looking about me, but am in no hurry; I can take my time until the right man, and the right fortune, comes along.’ She reached out and placed one gloved hand on his sleeve. ‘Forgive me for speaking to you in this way, my lord, but I feel we are old friends.’
    With bitter satisfaction she observed how he almost recoiled from her. He said stiffly, ‘You will be wondering perhaps why I did not come to see you, as I had promised, at Malberry.’
    Panic flared. She dare not let him near that raw nerve. She waved her fan slowly. It is too late for explanations , she told herself. The damage is done, Carlotta. Do not let him see how much he hurt you.
    ‘I had quite forgotten about that,’ she said brightly. ‘When my uncle came to carry me away, it drove all other thoughts completely from my head!’
    ‘Thus you come to town to find a husband.’
    Smile, Carlotta. A smug, self-satisfied, superior smile. Put him in his place.
    ‘Yes, indeed. My uncle has several eligible men in mind for me. All of them extremely rich,’ she added.
    He looked at her, a tiny crease in his brows. ‘You have changed, Carlotta.’
    She lifted her shoulders to give a slight shrug. ‘I am merely being practical, my lord.’
    ‘I thought you were above such mercenary concerns.’
    ‘La, only a fool would claim such a thing. I know the value of a fortune, my lord. Nothing else will do for me.’
    She held her breath, forcing herself to meet his gazewith a look of arrogant unconcern. After a moment he looked away.
    ‘Then I wish you luck in your quest, Miss Rivington,’ he said quietly.
    He rose and, with a little bow, turned and walked away. Carlotta’s expression did not change as she watched his retreating form, but inside she felt sick to her core.
     

    Luke stormed out of the ballroom, his jaw clenched to curb his anger. He had expected to find Carlotta altered, but he had not thought she would turn into such a heartless fortune-hunter. A year living with the Broxteds had destroyed the innocent charm that had attracted him to her. Now she was no different from all the other females with their arch smiles and false laughter. He made his way down the stairs and out into the street, where he jammed his hat on his head and began to stride back towards Piccadilly. What had changed her, or had he been mistaken all along? Perhaps he had missed something when he had seen her at Malberry Court, some clue that she was not as sweet and innocent as he had thought. He remembered trying to draw her out during one of their many picnics that summer on the lawn at Malberry.
     

    ‘You are an enigma, Miss Carlotta Durini. You say you were born in Italy, and have only been here for a few years, yet your English is faultless.’
    ‘Mama is English.’ Her glance was pure mischief. ‘She is the daughter of a great nobleman.’
    ‘Oh? You intrigue me. Who?’
    She laughed and shook her head. ‘I shall not tell you. Mama met my father when she was touring Italy with her family. They ran away together. Mama says it was love atfirst sight.’ She wrinkled her brow. ‘Do you think that possible, Major Ainslowe? Can one fall in love so quickly?’
     

    Luke had certainly thought so. Carlotta had stolen his heart within a week of their first meeting. Now as he strode away from Prestbury House he wondered if he had been mistaken in her. Perhaps there had never been anything more than a cold, calculating mind behind her sweet face.

Chapter Two

    C arlotta gave herself a mental shake. This was her first ball; it would not do to cry. She put up her chin. She would not give Luke the satisfaction of seeing how close she was to