Dare to Love by Alleigh Burrows Read Free Book Online Page A

irritation, William chuckled. “Yes, yes, I’d heard. Father said you had to ride here…on horseback, no less. Nivvy, I never would have expected it of you. Quite the shock I must say. Landis, you must have had the fight of your life getting her to agree to that. What did you do, douse her with laudanum and toss her over your saddle?”
    Dare gave a half smile before responding. “No, nothing quite so dramatic. After some initial protest, she handled herself quite ably.”
    “Initial protest, my arse. She must have cursed a blue streak at the prospect.”
    Oh, dear Lord. Nivea flashed her brother a look of annoyance. Couldn’t he, for once, build her up in front of Dare?
    Too embarrassed to remain, Nivea forced a smile and excused herself to join her favorite aunt, Mildred, at the other end of the room.
    A few minutes later, warm fingers stroked her elbow and she jumped. Turning to see who had startled her, she fell into Dare’s dark, hooded gaze. Her pulse kicked up.
    “Excuse me,” he purred silkily at Aunt Mildred, “I would like a minute to speak with Miss Horsham. Do you mind?” Then he flashed a devilish grin at the old dear, bringing a definite blush to her cheeks. Nivea had to choke down a smile as Mildred stuttered her response. “No…not at all. I’m sure she would much rather talk with you than me.”
    Now it was Nivea’s turn to stammer. “Oh, no Auntie—you know—”
    “Hush, just go,” ordered Mildred as she waved her away.
    Dare took her arm and drew her aside. Once alone, he leaned close enough for her to feel his breath on her ear. “I owe you an apology.”
    “What do you mean?” Her heart raced at his nearness.
    “All that with your family. I realize you may have been right regarding your family’s opinion. Trifling with the footman might have been less of a shock than your horse riding.”
    She chuckled. “I did warn you.”
    “Well, I’m pleased I was able to restore your honor within your family.”
    “Yes, you will forever be a legend in Horsham family lore. You have my deepest gratitude.” She curtsied.
    “That has always been my most sincere desire in life.” With a twist of his lips he offered her a quick, sardonic bow, before turning to join the other guests.
    Flushing with pleasure, Nivea stood there a moment, watching him. That was one of the nicest conversations she’d had with Dare in years. Maybe the trip had been a success. With a light heart, she rejoined the party.
     

Chapter 7
    Dare congratulated himself.
    He’d done quite well showing William nothing improper had occurred with his sister during their travels. It hadn’t, of course, but he did have to admit to certain uncomfortable thoughts about her, as unexpected as they were unappreciated. She was a nice enough girl, but it wasn’t as though she was his usual fare. She was an unmarried miss, not to mention his best friend’s sister. He couldn’t very well go lusting after her.
    Determined to put her out of his mind, he turned his attention to more appropriate quarry. While the Horshams were known more for their sportsmanship than their love of fashion, they still had managed to invite a promising crop of ladies. Some were acquaintances from London, and others were fresh faces, no doubt from nearby land. A number were sneaking glances at him from behind fans or around shoulders, twittering with glee. Sometimes, it was almost too easy.
    Secure in the knowledge he would have no trouble finding someone to warm his bed, he turned his attention to more conventional pursuits. “Well, Horsham, where are you keeping the best brandy? If I have to drink anymore of this blasted lemonade, I will throw myself through the window.”
    William turned with a smile. “One moment, Landis. Let me introduce Nicholas Beecham, my soon-to-be brother-in-law. And this is Sir Beecham, Nicholas’s father.”
    Dare dipped a bow at each of them. They were obviously father and son, both with thinning sandy hair and ruddy