His Perfect Bride by Jenn Langston Read Free Book Online Page A

her. Although not the worst she had done, she knew her behavior verged on improper. Still, her actions had not warranted his immediate departure.
    Now Brianna once again searched for him, while doing her best to appear nonchalant so as to not alert her mother. She desperately wanted to apologize to Mr. Richard if she offended him, and, if not, she wanted an explanation. Spending time with him was necessary in order to determine if he would be a suitable husband, and she tired of waiting.
    Casting him from her mind, she scanned the ballroom for another target. If Mr. Richard was unavailable, she would have to find another potential candidate for the position. Spending all her time looking for someone who was not there did nothing to aid her search. In addition, the activity only served to depress her.
    “Hello, Brianna. Has any gentleman caught your eye as of yet?” Jillian asked as she appeared by Brianna’s side. This was also Jillian’s first Season, and although Brianna had not spent time getting to know any of the other girls, she was on favorable terms with Jillian.
    “Not exactly, though my mother has found her pick.”
    “Mine, too. Let me guess, your mother has her sights on the Marquis of Stonemede?”
    “Of course, as I’m sure your mother has the same idea. Have you been introduced?” Brianna asked, although she suspected Jillian’s mother had been first in line. “I have not had the pleasure, much to my mother’s dismay.”
    “We were introduced, and I was able to share one dance with him. I must say, he is an exceptional dancer.”
    “How wonderful,” Brianna responded, trying to keep the surprise from her voice. She had imagined someone with his advanced years would have trouble walking, and therefore dancing would not be an option.
    “You will soon have your chance, although he has not appeared this evening.”
    “That is quite all right. My mother may hope for the marquis, but, between us, I have an entirely different agenda,” Brianna replied proudly.
    “Really? Then you would not be competition should I decide to pursue him?”
    “Certainly not, and I wish you luck, for I imagine you are not the only one who has shown preference to him.”
    As the two girls enjoyed their light-hearted conversation, Brianna allowed her tense body to relax. If the marquis was not in attendance, she had no reason to fear her mother tonight. She looked around and noticed a striking man walk past her. His hair shone like gold, and his face boyishly handsome. She had never seen him before, so she watched as he approached a chaperone. After a few words, she deduced he was being denied a dance with her charge. Brianna had never witnessed such a display, and her curiosity as to why he would be turned away piqued.
    “Jillian, do you know who that gentleman is?” Brianna nodded to him.
    “I believe he is Baron Marks’s youngest son.”
    “Why do you suppose Sarah’s chaperone denied him a dance?” She hoped Jillian would fill her in. It was commonly known that Jillian’s mother was a considerable gossip. After beginning her Season, Jillian saw the trouble such a practice caused, so she kept away from anyone she believed would spread gossip around.
    “I’m not certain.” Jillian pressed her lips in a tight line.
    “The information shall not be passed on from me. I simply don’t wish for my mother to grant him dances with me if he should be avoided.” Brianna widened her eyes in sincerity. It was obvious Jillian knew more than she let on, and Brianna’s curiosity always got the best of her.
    “Well, as I said, I’m not certain,” Jillian replied hesitantly. “However, I have heard his father cut him off, so he is penniless. It’s also said that he is anxious to find an heiress to set himself up and prove his worth to his father.”
    Brianna swiveled back toward the gentleman in question to see him through new eyes. His financial situation suited her perfectly, as well as his good looks. He didn’t