A False Proposal by Pam Mingle Read Free Book Online Page B

your backing, which may entail a few trips to Surrey, but I don’t anticipate needing your blunt unless something unanticipated arises.”
    Jack looked amused. “As you say. I’ll get the letter off to Sir William this afternoon.”
    The two men claimed hats, gloves, and walking sticks and strolled toward the street to wait for their conveyances to be brought round. “Mother and I are hosting a house party at her country home,” Adam said. “She’s sending the invitations today.”
    “Ah,” Jack said. “We shall look forward to it.”
    Adam noted the confusion on his friend’s face, and the merest hint of hesitation in his voice. “We’ve invited Miss Farrington as well. No need to worry about that.”
    “Well, in that case, I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be. You have my support, Adam,” Jack said, gripping his friend’s hand. “I’ll help in any way I can.”
    Adam gave a decisive nod. “Thank you. You won’t regret it.”

Chapter Six
    Cass stood nervously looking around the Grey drawing room, secretly studying the other guests. Secretly studying Adam, to be perfectly honest. She, Jack, and Louisa had been escorted upstairs by a footman, where Adam and his family awaited them. Jenny and her mother and father entered the room shortly thereafter. Cass was shocked to find Hugh there, but politely offered her hand. Also present were the Incomparable, Elizabeth Morgan, and her mother. Cass had felt painfully drab and old when she was introduced to them. Elizabeth in her virginal pastel, she in her spinster colors.
    What made her feel even worse was that, other than an obligatory greeting when he shook her hand, Adam had made no attempt to talk to her. She had to force herself not to stare at him, because from the moment she’d entered the room and clapped eyes on him, she realized with stunning clarity that he was the handsomest man she’d ever seen. He was wearing tight black pantaloons, which buttoned at the ankle, and a corbeau coat with covered buttons. His waistcoat was of pale green silk. Fortunately, her attention was diverted by Adam’s mother, who had made her way unobtrusively to Cass’s side.
    “Cassandra, how good it is to see you out in society again,” she said.
    Cass considered the older woman, trying to judge the sincerity of the remark. In the years when they’d been summer neighbors, no one in Cass’s family had seen much of Deborah, although Cass knew Adam had a great attachment to her. She hadn’t attended the balls or assemblies, according to Lady Linford; nor had she made calls. As a result, the other families who might have been in a position to do so did not call upon her. To Cass’s recollection, she’d only met Deborah once or twice during her childhood, and certainly hadn’t seen her since.
    “Thank you, ma’am. You have a lovely home.”
    “It belongs to Adam and Hugh’s father. He has allowed me to live here these past ten years and decorate as I wish.”
    So she referred to Benjamin Grey as “Adam and Hugh’s father,” rather than as her husband. Well, Cass supposed that made sense. Especially if the man was the “devil incarnate,” as Adam had confided to her at the ball.
    “Tell me what occupies you these days, my dear.”
    Before answering, Cass studied Deborah’s face. Adam resembled his mother. Although slightly faded and showing some gray, her hair had obviously once been the same rich gold as his. And her eyes were a brilliant blue. Cass couldn’t find in their depths anything foreboding. “I spend most of my time tutoring my sister, Philippa. She is without a governess at present.”
    “Oh, quite a challenge for you, I’m sure,” Deborah said merrily. “I’d nearly forgotten you had a younger sibling.”
    The entry of the remaining guests distracted them. “Pardon me, dear. I must perform my hostess duties,” Deborah said with a chuckle and a roll of her bright eyes.
    Cass’s jaw dropped when she caught sight of Lady Leonora