Page 54 of My Wicked Earl
“You’ll escort me in, Lord Kilmaire. Do take that scowl off your features. ThoughIdo not find you frightening, I would not wish you to scare the young ladies.”
“I am scowling because of the feel of your cane against my leg. Who knew a woman of your—”
“Do not sayage, Lord Kilmaire or I shall swat you again.”
“I was going to say,demeanor.” Truthfully, he had been about to say age but the lady in question was wielding a weapon. Who knew the Dowager possessed such strength? He held out his arm and made a half bow, his eyes lifting a bit so that he could watch Ridley practicallymaulMiranda.
“Hhmmph,” she said, reaching for his arm. “I asked you to cease scowling.”
“Apologies, my lady.” Colin tucked her gloved hand through his arm and started forward, careful to measure his steps to hers.
Miranda and Ridley walked directly before him and the Dowager, so close that Colin could count the tiny satin clad buttons that wound down Miranda’s back. There were exactly twenty. He longed to undo each one of them. The sweet aroma of Ridley’s pomade met Colin’s nose, and he grimaced.
“Well?” The Dowager said in a low voice demanding his attention.
“You look lovely tonight, Lady Cambourne.”
Ridley’s nose appeared to be nuzzling Miranda’s neck.
“Don’t be obtuse, Lord Kilmaire. I’m in no mood for games though I appreciate the compliment. Between helping you find a bride and ensuring the eligibility of several gentlemen whom Sutton approves of for Miranda, I’m quite taxed. To the point of exhaustion.”
“Cam has implied that he doesn’t care foreitherof Miranda’s suitors.”I know I don’t.
“My granddaughter has a somewhat limited field from which to choose, but I feel certain that one of the gentlemen in attendance tonight has garnered her affections. I expect an announcement at any time.”
Blinding white jealousy shot through Colin. He lifted a brow waiting for her to elaborate.
The Dowager did not. “How did you find Lady Helen?”
“She seems rather attached to birds.” He almost mentioned Lady Helen’s behavior but decided against it.
The Dowager paused mid step and took the opportunity to smack him again with her cane. “I asked you not to be obtuse.”
“She’s quite lovely.”
“And Margaret Lainscott? Wealthy as well, but certainly no beauty. Rather plain but intelligent. Certainly there is also the appeal of saving her from theministrationsof her aunt.”
“A possibility. However, I think I may like Miss Lainscott a bit too much to do her the disservice of having her marryme.”
The Dowager’s brows wrinkled. “Marriage to you would not be a disservice. She’d be a countess for goodness sakes. Ranked higher than her aunt.”
Colin didn’t reply. Miss Lainscott was not interested in marrying him, he’d surmised as much from their sole conversation. He wasn’t sure that Lady Dobson would be able to force her niece down the aisle at all. The girl was not as malleable as Lady Dobson assumed.
“Well, if neither girl suits, there is also Lady Barbara Payne.”
“Who?” Colin watched Ridley brush his thigh against Miranda’s skirts.
“Lord Payne’s daughter. His estate borders Gray Covington. You met him and his wife years ago, but you may not recall Barbara. Lovely girl. I’ve invited them to join us tomorrow for an impromptu concert. Miss Lainscott will entertain us on the piano. I’m told she’s quite gifted.”
Colin listened with only half his attention. The other half was focused on Miranda, who chattered away to Ridley in a low, seductive voice. At least, it sounded seductive to Colin’s ears.
Ridley leaned in, his eyes not on her face but the tops of her breasts.
Bastard.
“Lord Kilmaire, are you ill? You look as if your stomach has soured. I do hope it doesn’t detract from the delightful repast we are about to enjoy. Alex tells me Cook is especially pleased with the pheasant.” She slowed a bit, and Colin automatically adjusted his stride.
“Perish the thought, Lady Cambourne. It’s the French wine. I find I don’t have a fondness for it. Is that Lord Ridley escorting Miranda? I don’t believe we were introduced.”
