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

appear powerfully exciting or as devilishly handsome as Mr. Richard, but he had a certain charm, which appealed to her. She could not be certain if pity or admiration brought it on, but, regardless, she was happy to have two candidates to consider. Her next task was to spend as much time as possible with them to determine which one, if either, would be more suitable.
    Excusing herself from Jillian, Brianna slowly edged away from her mother. With an innocent expression, she headed in the gentleman’s direction, keeping her pace slow as to not betray her goal. Stopping a few feet from him, she took a deep breath, smiled, then turned and went up to him.
    “Excuse me, I have misplaced my dance card, and I don’t wish for my mother to find out. Would you mind partnering me in this dance, so she will not be suspicious?”
    His mouth popped open, then turned to a smile. “I would be honored.”
    “Thank you,” Brianna said politely with a coy smile.
    “I’m Gregory Locke. May I have the pleasure of your name?” he asked, after executing the first steps of the dance.
    “I’m Lady Brianna Denton. I apologize for the improper introduction. My mother would be quite upset if she noticed me sitting out,” she expertly lied.
    Mr. Gregory laughed, apparently delighted by her brazenness. “How are you enjoying the Season?”
    “I like the parties and dancing very much. What about you? Have you found the debutantes to your liking?” she asked, hoping to keep the conversation away from pleasantries.
    “They all seem quite agreeable. You, however, are the first one to ask me to dance.”
    Brianna blushed, not sure if he intended the remark as a compliment or not. As the dance steps separated them, she took the time to determine her response. Examining him more closely, she noticed he was not the most skilled dancer, but he did appear to be trying. His lack of technique didn’t bother her, for his good looks gave her leave to excuse a small flaw or two. He raised a brow, waiting for her reply. Still unsure, she kept quiet.
    “I’m glad you asked me,” he said with a boyish smile that called her to smile back.
    As the song ended, Mr. Gregory hesitated, and she realized he didn’t know who to return her to. Then she became aware of the dilemma; she didn’t know who he should return her to either. Alarm prickled her skin. Her mother was sure to disapprove and could potentially say something so Mr. Gregory would see through her flimsy excuse to dance with him.
    Inwardly sighing in relief, she saw her father exiting the card room, so she motioned for Mr. Gregory to take her to him. Stopping a few steps from her father, Mr. Gregory turned to her.
    “Lady Brianna, it was a pleasure,” he said, bowing.
    “Thank you for the dance, Mr. Gregory. I do hope we can share another in the future.” She kept her voice low, hoping her father could not overhear her words.
    Mr. Gregory gave her a strange look in response, making her feel slightly uncomfortable, but he quickly masked it with a smile before walking away. Turning to her father, she prepared for a lecture, but he only shook his head and offered his arm.
    “I’m sorry, Father, but with the number of guests, we were unable to locate Mother.”
    “Then allow me to escort you. I’m sure she will be fascinated to hear of your dance with Gregory Locke. Although I know you will soon hear it from her, I must say he is unsuitable for you. For you and your mother’s well being, you should stay away from him.”
    “I understand, Father,” she replied obediently.
    Her father didn’t have any idea what was good for her, and she had no intention of staying away from Mr. Gregory, at least not until she discovered if he would suit her or not.
    Over the next several gatherings, Brianna managed to spare a considerable amount of time for Mr. Gregory. He appeared to be a decent gentleman, and she found she enjoyed his company. Fortunately, she also avoided the impending meeting with the