Page 15 of The Theory of Earls (The Beautiful Barringtons 1)

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Margaret marched to the door, every nerve in her body aware of Welles just behind her. She planned to broach the subject of Carstairs as soon as Margaret was assured she wouldn’t be heard from the conservatory.

Welles’s much larger form hovered dangerously close to Margaret’s as they made their way down the stairs, making her feel much smaller than usual. Her senses were so inflamed, her body humming at an alarmingly high pitch, Margaret’s attention wandered. Her heel caught on the hem of her skirts and she nearly toppled over.

Welles reached out and deftly caught her elbow. “I saw the look in your eye, Miss Lainscott.Lust.”

Heat rushed up her cheeks. Had he guessed the direction of her thoughts? “Lust, my lord?”

“Thepiano, Miss Lainscott. I’m not certain any gentleman could compete with the Broadwood for your affection.” His lips twitched. “What else would I possibly have meant?”

“Of course,” she replied smoothly. “Was my admiration of your instrument so obvious?”

Welles paused for a moment, mischief swirling in the depths of blue, as he looked down at her. “Oh, Miss Lainscott, how lovely of you.”

It took only a moment for Margaret to take his meaning. Her cheeks felt as if they’d been scorched by fire. “That isn’t what I meant,” she sputtered in mortification. “I would never—”

“Of course not, Miss Lainscott. Although youaregiven to rather improper suggestions.”

Margaret caught a hint of his scent—leather and tobacco, mixed with wind and the outdoors. “About that, my lord. I consider it fortuitous we saw each other today. I wish to speak to you about Lord Carstairs.”

“I was wondering if you would bring up your very unusual request. I’m not in the habit of playing matchmaker, Miss Lainscott. Furthermore, I consider the institution of marriage to be a form of entrapment. Why should I assist in landing my friend in such a circumstance?”

“Entrapment is a bit harsh, my lord. And Idoapologize if I am presuming on our short acquaintance but I’ve no one else to ask.” Margaret kept her voice low, lest the duchess’s butler overhear. He stood beside the door as they passed through to the steps outside.

“What would you call such a thing?”

Margaret looked up to see him studying her intently. The deepening colors of sapphire in his eyes looked like the edge of the horizon, right as the sun had finally set but before the sky went completely dark. Perhaps the young lady who’d written an ode to Welles’s eyes hadn’t been as much of pea-wit as Margaret had originally assumed. Being on the receiving end of the full force of Welles’s attention was nothing short ofexhilarating. Her skin buzzed deliciously, like a tuning fork.

“Miss Lainscott?”

“My cause is just,” she said.

“In your estimation.”

“My lord, most gentlemen choose their wives in such a way, do they not? Find a woman who is possessed of the qualities they seek and then set out to woo her? Possibly they enlist their friends and family to assist them. I am merely doing the same. I thought you more open-minded.”

A lazy smile crossed his lips. “I am the very epitome of open-mindedness.”

“Will you hear me out, my lord?” She tilted her chin, determined to keep her wits about her, and not allow Welles and his…gorgeousnessto deter her from her task. It wasimperative, especially with Winthrop circling her like a lion who intended to take down a wounded gazelle, that Lord Welles understand theimportanceof her request and agree to help her. Margaret had to get things quickly in hand which meant Carstairs.

She hopped down the steps to the sidewalk, stopping beside a luxurious carriage pulled by four perfectly matched bays. “Winthrop is pressing his suit most forcefully, Lord Welles. I’ve endured him twice already this week.”

“An unfortunate occurrence. Are you certain it must be Carstairs? Is there no other gentleman who has your affection?

Just you.“No, my lord.”Margaret shook her head.

“No one else who…stirsyour emotions?” Another double meaning emphasized the word.

“My lord, noteverysentence you utter must end in some sort of…improper innuendo.”

A soft chuckle. “My apologies, Miss Lainscott, though I find it interesting you seem to pick up on all my indecent suggestions,gently bredyoung lady that you are. But I have my doubts about that. Do go on.”

“Iamgently bred. And no one could fail to notice your…nuances. You aren’t subtle in the least.” Margaret looked away for a moment to compose herself. Now was not the time to argue needlessly over Welles’s rakish behavior. “I truly see no other way out of my current situation. Believe me, if I could avoid marriage completely, I would. But since I am compelled to do so, I think Carstairs and I would be a good match. I wish to assure you I would be a good wife to your friend, Lord Welles. I won’t infringe on his hunting or any other recreational activities. He can have as many mistresses as he wishes.”

“How progressive of you.” Welles regarded her seriously. “I see you’ve thought this through in a very logical fashion.”

“Furthermore, I’m disgustingly wealthy.” Her voice took on a pleading note. “My dowry isn’t the largest this season but even so, the amount is obscene.”

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