The Sweetest Love (Sons of Worthington Series) by Marie Higgins Read Free Book Online

conversation.”
    “Oh, I highly doubt that, my lord.”
    “It’s true. Not when I could keep company with you and enjoy the rest of my evening.”
    Sipping her drink, she studied him over the rim of the cup. Humor tinted his eyes, making them sparkle, letting her know he was jesting with her. Yet, he stood by her side instead of with his friends in the other room so there must be a little truth to his statement.
    “So,” he continued and held out his elbow, “I had hoped to convince you to take a stroll with me outside and free us from the hum-drum of this room.”
    As much as she wanted to, she didn’t dare. Would it be proper? But of course it would. They wouldn’t be the only couple outside strolling around the dowager’s flower garden, Diana was certain.
    She placed the cup on the table. Smiling, she hooked her hand around his elbow. “Lead the way, my lord.”
    Diana walked beside him, feeling like the grandest woman in the room—whether her gown was outdated or not. Not once did Lord Tristan act as if he was embarrassed to be seen with her. Surprising, since she figured he’d heard the rumors by now.
    The moment they walked outside, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the fresh air. The moon was full tonight, and combined with the lanterns placed along the walkway, she was certain their stroll would give nobody reason to wonder if they were being proper or not.
    He slipped his palm over the top of her hand as it rested on his arm. Her heart leapt and she looked up into his smoldering eyes.
    “Are you feeling better, Miss Baldwin?”
    “Immensely so, I thank you for asking.”
    “So tell me why a lovely lady like yourself hasn’t been coerced into marriage yet.”
    She laughed. “It seems, my lord, that is a very interesting question—one I wish I knew how to answer.”
    “I would assume you would have a flock of men standing at your doorstep, waiting for the chance to woo you.”
    “You assume wrongly, then.”
    His gaze moved all over her. Tingles erupted inside her chest, creating sensitive bumps all over her skin. She wished he didn’t have the ability to make her react in such a way, yet in a way she cherished this newfound feeling.
    “Impossible.” He shook his head. “Tell me truthfully, my dear. Why am I the fortunate man who gets to escort you outside tonight?”
    She couldn’t believe how sincere his tone of voice was. Perhaps he hadn’t heard the rumors. No, that couldn’t be right. Knowing Lady Jane and her friends, Diana was certain the whole party knew by now. “You are flattering me, my lord. I assure you, I don’t deserve it.”
    They stopped by the tree where she’d been sitting when she first saw him earlier today. Even if they sat on the wooden bench, the lanterns surrounding the area would not make their time very private. Wasn’t that what she wanted? Yet, the more she gazed into his sultry eyes, the more she wanted him to herself for a little while without curious eyes watching.
    “Would you like to sit?” He pointed to the bench.
    She grinned. “I hesitate sitting here with you, my lord. I would hate to be bothered by a bee again and have you believe I’m blowing kisses at you.”
    He tilted back his head and laughed. It made her happy to think she could do this. As she studied his handsome face, dark eyes, dark hair, and especially his tempting mouth, she realized no other man had made her feel so comfortable. And for certain, no other man had made her insides jump with excitement.
    A movement from back by the house drew her attention when three women poked their heads out of the door. Diana groaned. Where those girls really trying to be her watchdogs?
    Lord Tristan frowned. “What’s amiss? You look upset.” He swung his head in the direction she’d been looking. “Oh, dear. Lady Jane and her entourage,” he mumbled.
    “Lord Tristan, do you mind if we go someplace else? I really don’t want to talk to them right now.” She looked back at Jane. The gossipmonger