Page 5

“I believe I must mingle with other guests,” he announced, not caring for their disappointment. “If you will excuse me.”

He walked off, heaving a deep sigh, and turned to take another walk in the gardens, since his first attempt had been interrupted by Lady Selina. He sincerely hoped that the gardens would be devoid of guests and quickened his steps.

Stepping onto the balcony, he felt much better as the cool air wrapped around him. He had never enjoyed social events, but his position demanded that he attend.

“Your Grace!” a feminine voice called out to him.

He stopped in his tracks, turning around with a frown as he spotted the unfamiliar face. She had been introduced to him earlier, but he didn’t even recall her name.

Why was she seeking him out?

He raised an eyebrow as she came to a stop near him, unable to meet his eyes.

“Good evening, Your Grace,” she greeted with a curtsy. “I am Beatrice Canton.”

The Earl of Verity Hill’s daughter. What does she want with me?

She visibly shook with unease before him, and he found himself irritated that his solitude had been interrupted.

If she was going to be brave enough to seek him out, she should have been bold enough to at least speak so she would not waste his precious time.

“How may I help you?” he asked.

“I…” she stuttered. “I just wanted to make your acquaintance. You… I have heard of your bravery, and I… I…”

“Lady Beatrice,” he said with a polite smile, “if there’s nothing of import requiring my immediate attention, I will take my leave.”

He turned to leave, but she stopped him by grabbing his sleeve, her eyes darting around suspiciously.

He frowned at the complete lack of decorum and tried to pry her hands off his arm, but she held firm, her eyes still darting around.

He wondered what would have her behaving so improperly.

He heard voices in the distance and saw the way she perked up in excitement. When she stepped closer to him, he realized thathe had been caught in a trap. She had meant to use a scandal to trap him in marriage.

He tried to pull his arm free without hurting her, but she held strong.

“Unhand me at once, Lady Beatrice,” he demanded.

“It will be only a moment, Your Grace. Can’t you stay a little longer?”

He pulled at her hands, and the second he was free, he felt himself being pulled backward into one of the bushes. A hand was slapped over his mouth.

His eyes widened, and he struggled against his attacker.

“Your Grace?” he heard Lady Beatrice call, her hands digging into the foliage just beside the one he was hiding in.

“Your Grace?” she called again, before stomping her feet in anger and storming off.

His eyes adjusted to the dim light, and his eyebrows shot up when he saw that his assailant was none other than Lady Selina.

She was pressed against him and didn’t seem fazed by it as she peered around the bushes. He was very aware of her softnesspressed up against him. One long, elegant leg was wedged between his, stirring his desire as he struggled against her hold.

Richard frowned. Lady Selina was still pressed against him, her hand covering his mouth even though Lady Beatrice had long since gone. Voices approached again, and he frowned even harder, realizing that Selina must have had the same thought.

Was she also trying to trap him in marriage?

What is it with ladies and scandals?