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

of her cheeks. She regarded his black boots, counted to ten and regained a measure of control.
    â€˜Lord Coltonby. I have returned the book to the library. It will trouble you no further.’
    â€˜I can only hope you enjoyed the ending as much as I did.’ His rich voice rolled over her. ‘I enjoy a happy ending.’
    Miranda Bolt gave a soft cough and pointedly held out her hand. Her eye lashes fluttered and her soft blonde curls quivered. ‘Lord Coltonby, it is marvellous to see you again. Such an unexpected pleasure.’
    â€˜Miss Bolt.’ Lord Coltonby inclined his head, but made no move to take the out stretched fingertips. ‘I trust your mother is well. The fruit basket she sent over was such a thoughtful, welcoming present.’
    â€˜Mama will be so pleased.’ Miss Bolt swept into a deep curtsy. ‘She told me to ask specifically after your health if we should meet. She has several tonics that you might wish to try if the Northumbrian air proves to be too chilly…’
    â€˜How kind of Lady Bolt. I have no need of attention at the moment.’
    Diana breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps Miss Bolt wasnot in his sights. She could safely take her leave, if Miss Bolt would let her have a word.
    As Miranda twittered on about the weather, Lord Coltonby languidly reached into his pocket and withdrew his snuffbox. Diana’s eyes narrowed and her body tensed as she remembered Algernon had once used that strata gem. Should she intervene? She could see Miss Bolt at war with herself over whether or not to take the proffered snuff. Diana gave a pointed cough and shook her head. Miss Bolt’s face fell, but she made no further move towards the snuffbox.
    â€˜You do not approve, Miss Clare. I can tell from the set of your eyebrows,’ Lord Coltonby said and a faint smile touched his lips. ‘The ever-so-faintly censorious Miss Clare. Always so determined to do what is right and proper.’
    â€˜Whether I approve or not is immaterial as you appear intent on taking snuff.’ Diana kept her chin up and made her gaze meet his, forced herself to ignore her natural inclination to walk away as quickly as dignity would allow. She would protect Miranda. She refused to allow an innocent to be drawn into his web. No true lady could ever do that.
    â€˜But I desire your good opinion. Your smile is so much prettier than your frown.’ Lord Coltonby slid the snuffbox back into his pocket. ‘I bow to your knowledge of the local situation as I do in all things. What is permissible in London… And it was a gift from Brummell.’
    â€˜The rules of society seldom change that much, Lord Coltonby.’ Diana drew a deep breath and tightened her grip on her reticule. Protecting herself had to come second when she was faced with a situation like this. Miss Bolt stood poised on a precipice. She did not understand the danger. Surely a small sacrifice on Diana’s part was worth pre serving Miss Bolt’s reputation. ‘I find if one exercises common sense and courtesy, most situations resolve them selves.’
    â€˜What sound and estimable advice, Miss Clare. Is it any wonder I hang on your every word?’ A dimple flashed in his cheek.
    â€˜Insincere flattery does you no favours, Lord Coltonby.’
    â€˜How do you know it is insincere?’
    â€˜It was the upward twitch of your lips that gave me the final clue,’ Diana said with crushing firmness. All she wanted was to end this exchange, to get back home where she was safe.
    He gave a barely sup pressed snort of laughter. His grey eyes shone like opals. ‘As ever, Miss Clare, I find it difficult to disconcert you…but it is so much fun to try. I can’t remember when I have been so amused.’
    â€˜My existence does not revolve around your amusement.’
    â€˜It could be arranged, if you desired it.’ His voice lowered to a purr, one that played on her senses and made promises