A Question of Impropriety by Michelle Styles Read Free Book Online Page A

Ladywell’s High Street?’ Diana struggled to contain her temper. She started to fumble in her reticule. ‘Are you feeling unwell? Do you need smelling salts?’
    â€˜Lord Coltonby is going to acknowledge me. I know he is. He is coming towards me. We met the other day when he called on Papa. It was a very brief meeting, but somehow I knew.’ She gave a huge sigh. ‘It is in the way he says hello. And he is attainable, I know he is.’
    Diana’s hand stopped halfway out of her reticule. Someone had to warn the girl before she did something foolish, before she made a life-altering mistake. Rakes only brought scandal. ‘Miss Bolt, Lord Coltonby is definitely not one of the attainables. You will have to trust my judgement on this matter.’
    â€˜We shall see.’ Miss Bolt nodded towards where Lord Coltonby had emerged from the livery stables. His black coat contrasted with the cream of his breeches. He appeared every inch the gentleman, but there was something more in the way he moved, something untamed, something that called to her. Diana forcibly wrenched her gaze away and filled her lungs with steadying breaths. She tried to remember all the reasons why Lord Coltonby was dangerous, and found she could only think of his smile.
    â€˜It does appear that he is coming towards us, but it could be that he wishes to visit the circulating library.’ Diana prayed he would nod, acknowledge them both and move on. A civilised way out of her predicament.
    â€˜My knees grow weak. Mama will be ecstatic.’ Miss Bolt hurriedly pinched her cheeks and straightened her gown. ‘To be favoured in this way by Lord Coltonby. Do you know how far his lineage stretches back? Mama had me learning it the other night. Fortune favours the well prepared.’
    â€˜You hardly need me here.’ Diana prised Miss Bolt’s fingers from her sleeve. ‘Your mama has brought you up properly. Eschew the vulgar and you will prosper.’
    â€˜I have heard of his reputation and do not wish him to say anything untoward,’ Miss Bolt whispered. ‘Mama insists that there always be a witness. A woman of quality cannot be too careful, particularly when she means to catch an earl.’
    Diana pressed her lips together, holding back the words of warning. Poor foolish Miss Bolt. She had never expected to feel pity for the young woman. Someone needed to explain about the consequences of trying to capture a rake. Someone—but not her. Miss Bolt would dismiss her as a jealous spinster. And what could she say without betraying her own experience?
    Diana wrinkled her nose and looked again at the figure striding towards them. His top hat shrouded his expression. The only thing she could do was to try to subtly protect Miss Bolt. It was her duty.
    â€˜You always have a choice, Miss Bolt. Your mother will not be the one married to him.’
    â€˜But will I make the right decision? My future husband needs to be someone special, someone who will put me on a pedestal.’ She shook her head. ‘It is a matter that vexes me nightly. I must marry well, Miss Clare. A title or a fortune, preferably both. It is expected. Mama will not have it any other way. And some times I dream of dashing redcoats and faraway places.’
    â€˜Sometimes, the unexpected happens.’ Diana kept her voice care fully neutral, but felt her throat tighten around the last words. Suddenly she wanted Miss Bolt to experience happiness. ‘Hold fast to your dreams, Miss Bolt. Never settle for second best.’
    Miss Bolt gave a small squeak in response and grabbed Diana’s arm again.
    â€˜Ah, Miss Clare, how delightful to see you again.’ Lord Coltonby captured Diana’s hand and brought it to his lips. He held it there for an instant longer than was proper. Diana gave a little tug. His thumb lightly caressed her palm as he released it. She was grateful that the shadow of her bonnet hid the sudden flame