Page 35 of My Wicked Earl
St. Remy? Miranda blinked.St. Remy.She searched her mind for the face of the man but found she could not. St. Remy was now the Duke of Langford. At her debut, Mother fancied a match between St. Remy and Miranda, but Miranda found him to be distasteful. He insulted Miranda for her love of books and declared, while they were dancing, that she would be a bore in other ways as well. The only one who seemed to truly like St. Remy was Miranda’s mother.
“He is no longer Lord St. Remy, but the Duke of Langford.”
“Yes, I’d forgotten he was the heir to a dukedom. And does he have a duchess?” His eyes narrowed, piercing her with an accusatory gaze.
“I’ve no idea.” She hadn’t thought of St. Remy, or rather, the Duke of Langford, in years. She supposed he’d married as every duke needed an heir, though why Colin would care, she didn’t know. “I didn’t realize you were acquainted.”
A small snort came from Colin. “We are not.”
“Then why this sudden interest in the Duke of Langford?”
Colin sat back against the squabs and drummed his fingers again, a rapid staccato that had her wanting to reach across the space between them and still his hand. He made as if to speak, then just as quickly pursed his lips as if he were fighting for control.
Miranda looked down, pointedly, at his boot, nudging it with the toe of her slipper. Then she attempted to pull her skirt free and found she couldn’t. Not without tearing her dress.
The boot did not move.
“I rather prefer Miss Lainscott.” Considering waves of heat were swirling up her legs Miranda thought she sounded rather calm. “She has a pleasant demeanor and a keen mind. Her dowry is far larger and Lady Dobson is in rather a rush to marry her off, though Miss Lainscott doesn’t possess the same sense of urgency. I’m sure you could win her over with yourcharm.”
Colin’s mouth hardened, pulling the scar tight.
“And what of Lord Hamill? I’m told he is one of your most ardent suitors.”
Ardent was not a word Miranda would use to describe Lord Hamill. The elderly lord’s pursuit of Miranda was more a business negotiation than a courtship. Not that she minded terribly, for at least Lord Hamill was honest.
“He is well-regarded in Parliament and while he is a bit older than I—”
“You consider thirty years or more to be a bit?”
Miranda did not back down. “Lord Hamill’s treatment of his first wife bodes well if I choose to marry him. He is a most suitable match. At any rate, I fail to see how my choice of husband is any of your business, Lord Kilmaire.”
Lord Hamill’s treatment of the former Lady Hamillhadbeen cordial. Respectful. Their marriage was a partnership and they’d hosted countless dinners for the political elite of London. Miranda thought she’d enjoy playing hostess and involving herself in politics. Besides, Lord Hamill would allow no disparagement of Miranda’s character. Once Miranda was his wife, no one would dare whisper about the possibility that she’d shot Archie Runyon. At least, she hoped that would be the case.
“Lord Hamill is not your concern.”
“Old enough to be your father. Or is it your grandfather?” Colin gave her a carnal look, his implication clear. “I understand he wants an heir. Doesn’t care for his sister’s son, I believe. Tell me, Lady Miranda, have you takenthatunder consideration?”
An unwelcome flush crept into her cheeks. Of course, she’d considered it. She was still considering it. The biggest detriment to marrying Lord Hamill would be the actualbeddingof Lord Hamill. He’d been very clear. While he would certainly appreciate her assistance with his political aspirations, Lord Hamill’s main reason for marrying Miranda was that he wished an heir.
“My relationship with Lord Hamill is none of your concern, Lord Kilmaire. I find this conversation to be completely inappropriate.”
“As someone who isas a sister to me,” the words rolled off his tongue sarcastically, “my only wish is for you to be happy.”
“Yes, your concern for my welfare is glaringly apparent. I am comforted by it,” she snapped back.
“Tell me about Lord Ridley, then. I’m just curious, you see, to have you tell me what appeals to you about either man. What attributes Lord Ridley has that make him more appealing to you than say, Lord St. Remy.” The scar darkened a bit across his cheek.
“The Duke of Langford,” she automatically corrected, watching in satisfaction as his nostrils flared.
“If you will.”
“What isyourinterest in the Duke of Langford? I do not understand the direction of your conversation. You seem unable to speak plainly to me, Lord Kilmaire.”
The sharp planes of his face contorted into a mask of utter fury at her response. He looked as if he were about to commit murder.
“I think you know.”
“I haven’t the slightest idea.” And she didn’t. Not in the least. “Perhaps you’ll enlighten me?”
