Chills by Heather Boyd Read Free Book Online Page B

their earlier conversation and started the list with Lord Hallam’s name.
    “This is just the beginning. If you are to make a good choice, you need to learn as much as you can about them all. I shall make sure to introduce you to as many of the gentlemen on the list as I see at the Huntley Ball. And we can add or subtract other names after each entertainment.”
    Now that Virginia had a purpose ahead of her, she was embracing her return to society with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, Constance had lost hers. Panic filled her as she contemplated marrying for money. She had always despised the women who did. “I don’t understand how my life could get any worse.”
    “Why such maudlin thoughts so early in the day, Miss Grange?”
    The marquess slid into the chair next to Constance and she glanced across at his gleaming boots. Was the man always perfectly turned out? She didn’t bother raising her eyes to his, but glanced back at the list. “Some of us started our day hours ago.”
    “Ah, well, you will soon get used to Town hours. Everyone fresh from the country has trouble adapting at first.”
    Constance gritted her teeth at the condescension in his tone, struggling to keep a rebuke behind her teeth. She really didn’t want to argue with him so soon. She had many more problems ahead of the marquess’ little irritations.
    “Are we hosting a party? It looks like quite a guest list.”
    Constance folded the list without comment. He didn’t need to know what she planned. Given how hard his sister had been pursued before her marriage for her dowry alone, Ettington had a well-known scorn for fortune hunters. With horror, she realized she was now of that same class of scoundrel. Albeit, the female kind.
    “When is it to be?” The long-legged man settled himself more comfortably, seeming excited by the prospect of entertaining.
    “Oh, there isn’t a party in the planning, brother. The list is for something else entirely. Pixie has thought of a way around her financial difficulties and has asked for help. Actually, since you owe me a favor, you shall help with our scheme as well. We will need your expertise.”
    Constance hadn’t wanted to involve the marquess with this plan to save herself. “Virginia, I’m sure you shouldn’t waste your favor on me. You should make sure you get a greater benefit than this.”
    The marquess twisted to face Constance. His knee brushed briefly against hers as he turned. “I shall admit I am intrigued. What is going on?”
    Embarrassment flooded Constance’s face with heat.
    Virginia chuckled. “Give him the list, Pixie. Let us see if my brother can work it out on his own.”
    Constance’s hands shook as she turned the paper over and over between her cold fingers. She didn’t want to show him. He would laugh. She started to shake her head, but his annoying, long-fingered hand snatched the list before she could stop him. He stood, opened the paper, and began to read. He took a few steps toward the window and then his lean body grew rigid.
    Constance closed her eyes, waiting for him to say something that would embarrass her, but the silence grew deafening. She risked a peek. He stared out the window, but one hand clenched and unclenched over the paper.
    She switched her gaze to Virginia and found her pale. What was it she could see from her position?
    The marquess raised the list, now crushed in his fingers. “This is utterly unacceptable. How could you involve yourself in this folly, Virginia? I thought you had better sense.”
    Virginia’s chin dropped. “It is the only way. With your support, her lack of dowry will not matter and men will flock to propose.”
    Constance stood. “It was my idea, not Virginia’s. Kindly direct your venom toward me.”
    The marquess advanced, bristling with rage. He tossed the list onto the table between them. “So you’ve finally tossed out the notion of marrying Brampton, in favor of marrying for money. How practical of you. Enjoy your