Desperately Seeking Suzanna by Elizabeth Michels Read Free Book Online Page A

he was here, chasing after her like some foolish schoolboy.
    Calling on the day following their meeting? He’d never stooped so low in his life. Ladies chased him , not the other way around! He ran a hand through his hair and looked across the lawn in the direction he’d come. He should leave. Taking one step backward, he was about to turn and abandon this ill-fated idea when the door opened.
    “Yes, m’lord?” the butler’s voice rang out.
    Realizing it was too late to run, Holden turned and faced the man. “Ah, I’m Viscount Steelings. I’m here to call upon…” His words were drowned out by the bright voice of a young lady inside the home.
    “Cardwell, do we have a guest? Do invite our caller in, won’t you?”
    “Yes, Miss Fairlyn.” The door was opened wide to reveal a large, echoing hall—a surprisingly empty hall.
    Holden stepped inside, glancing around the large room devoid of any furnishings. The smell of fresh paint hung thick in the closed-off air. Didn’t they know how to open a window? It’s for Suzanna. You’re enduring this for Suzanna. He sighed and offered the butler a pleasant smile as he passed.
    Aunt Penelope had mentioned the new neighbors, but he hadn’t realized how new until now. The last time he’d set foot within these walls, he’d been no more than eleven. The rooms had been stuffed to overflowing with foreign artifacts—much like his friend Thornwood’s home, only here it was to the point of excess. He could remember being worried a sarcophagus might fall on him, squashing him flat. The new neighbors appeared to agree with his views on décor for every shred of the former home’s furnishings had been stripped away, leaving behind a hollow shell.
    His eyes fell on the lady standing by the doorway that led to a parlor, if he recalled correctly. She couldn’t be more than eighteen, he would wager. She was lovely in the traditional English way—with blond ringlets surrounding pale skin and blue eyes. Yesterday, he would have thought her beautiful, but that was before a tiny lady with all the right curves had kicked her way into his life.
    “Welcome, Lord…”
    “Steelings,” he supplied, taking a step toward her and the parlor door at her back. Could Suzanna be inside the parlor? His heart sped up at the thought. Perhaps this would be easier than he’d anticipated. He would find her in the parlor, and they would be finishing what they’d begun by nightfall tonight. Splendid!
    “I’m Isabelle Fairlyn.” She dipped into a well-rehearsed curtsy. Her dimpled, rosy cheek winked at him as she smiled. “I believe we’re neighbors, aren’t we? I’ve heard your name mentioned, at any rate.”
    On any other day he would find her charming company if he were to be honest, but not today. Today she was slowing his path to Suzanna. He ground his teeth within his smile. He’d never been unkind to a lady, and he wasn’t going to begin now. This was Suzanna’s friend after all. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Fairlyn. I spend a good amount of time with my cousins at Torrent Hall, so, on their behalf, allow me to welcome you to the area.”
    “Torrent Hall seems a lovely estate. Your cousins must enjoy living there.” She glanced around him toward the butler before adding in a whisper, “The ball last night was enchanting.”
    “Yes, the masquerade was a fine evening’s entertainment. My aunt will be pleased to hear of your enjoyment. I’ll be sure to pass on your appreciation.”
    “No!” She lurched forward with the vehemence of the command, her fingers clasping the fabric of his coat. Then, seeming to collect herself, she released her grasp, straightened with a sheepish smile, and clasped her hands before her. “I mean, that’s not necessary, Lord Steelings. Why don’t we go into the parlor where it isn’t so terribly…loud? Would you like some tea?”
    “I can only stay for a minute, I’m afraid. I don’t wish to take up too much of your