Page 42 of The Theory of Earls (The Beautiful Barringtons 1)

She’d done it to tweak Masterson’s nose. “It was a lovely party.”

“Anyway, I shall spend my fortune as I see fit.”

It washerfortune, not Masterson’s, which only added to Masterson’s dislike of his uncle’s young widow. Georgina’s husband, thumbing his nose at tradition, had left a large portion of his fortune to her alone, the bulk of which was the remainder of the dowry she’d provided upon their marriage. Masterson was furious to have only inherited what was the entailed portion of his uncle’s estate. Georgina’s husband had provided his heir a decent annual income as well and the estate was no longer in debt, thanks to Georgina’s money. But Harold was greedy.

“I’ve no intention of staying in London, at any rate.” She studied the cards in her hand. “I may even sell my pretty little house when I leave. Then thetoncan all gossip about me to their heart’s content.” The flat nasal sound of her words drew the attention of two gentlemen across the table dressed in evening clothes. The man on the left whispered quietly to his friend as both openly admired Georgina’s neckline.

She stared back and pushed her chest forward. “Yes, I’mthatLady Masterson, gentlemen. The American one.”

Both gentlemen pretended to ignore her little outburst but continued to shoot her furtive looks over their cards.

“So, youdointend to return to New York?” Tony wondered if Leo had been apprised of her plans.

“Yes. I never thought I’d find weather that made me long for Newport in the winter and yet I have.” Her eyes sparkled in the light. “Thechillin London is quite noticeable.” She laughed softly at her little joke.

“Why now? You’ve finally managed to throw a proper English garden party.”

Georgina laid down her cards, taking the next trick. “Who is Miss Lainscott?” She gave him a cheeky look.

Tony’s smile froze. “No one of any import.” The lie left him easily. He wasn’t certain he could explain what Miss Lainscott was tohimself, let alone anyone else.

“And yet you requested I send her an invitation to my party.”

“My stepmother has taken an interest in her. I assumed she’d want Miss Lainscott to accompany her and Romy. I knew it would slip Amanda’s mind, so I asked for her.”

“Beautiful liar.” Georgina motioned to the dealer for another card.

“I appreciate the compliment.” He pretended to study his hand. Georgina was too perceptive by half. That she’d guessed at his interest in Miss Lainscott put him on guard.

“I thought you preferred blondes.”

“Like yourself?”

“No.” She shook her head as if desolate. “I’m much to well-rounded for you.” She patted a hip. “Some might even call me plump.”

Georginawascurvy and deliciously voluptuous. She was also beautiful, intelligent, and witty, none of which served her well in London.

Tony wasn’t the least bit attracted to her. He looked down at Georgina’s hands. Her fingers were perfectly graceful in her gloves as she wielded her cards. But she didn’t play the piano with incredible abandon.

Nor expose bits of my heart to sunlight.

Tony’s jaw tightened. Because Miss Lainscott had managed to accomplish such a feat as making him feel something, Tony had reacted in a way he wasn’t especially proud of. The gnawing possessiveness he felt toward her finally erupted and had caused him to send Carstairs on a make-believe errand to inspect a hunting lodge Tony pretended he wished to purchase. Removing Carstairs from London temporarily had eased the jealous ache Tony had recently developed over Miss Lainscott and had provided the added benefit of not having to watch her fawn over his friend.

Tony didn’t deal with jealously very well.

The small piece of property was three days’ ride from London. Tony had merely asked Carstairs to give his opinion of the estate and report back on its potential use as a hunting retreat. Carstairs had jumped at the excuse to stalk rabbits and other furry creatures through the woods. He’d never even questioned why Tony wouldn’t be going with him.

Carstairs would return in a day or two, in time for the ball Tony’s stepmother was hosting. Miss Lainscott could continue her pursuit of his friend then.

The scotch turned bitter in his mouth at the thought of Carstairs and Miss Lainscott.

It isn’t as though you could have her.

“What’s wrong, Welles?” Georgina said from beside him. “You’re frowning. A poor hand?”

Jealousy was such an ugly emotion. He didn’t care for it.

“Something like that.”

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