His Reluctant Lady by Ruth Ann Nordin Read Free Book Online

do is dance. We have
other gentlemen here to consider.”
    She nodded her consent and Agatha
arranged it so that they were dancing. Thankful for the reprieve,
Agatha found a vacant settee and sat down, mindful to examine the
other gentlemen.
    “ Mind if I sit next to
you?”
    She looked up at a lady who seemed
familiar. “I know you from somewhere.”
    “ I’m Lady Roderick. I was at
Lord Edon’s dinner party.”
    “ Oh, of course! I’m sorry I
didn’t remember who you were.” She patted the seat next to her.
“Sit, please.” It’d be nice to have a conversation with a lady who
wasn’t trying to find a husband. “You’re married to the gentleman
well noted for his expertise in politics.”
    She smiled and folded her hands in her
lap. “Yes, that’s him. He loves to engage in political discussions
with other gentlemen.”
    Agatha often envied the gentlemen for
their ability to speak their political opinions so openly. “Well,
he seems like an intelligent person.”
    “ He is.” After a moment,
Lady Roderick asked, “Are you here to find a husband?”
    “ Me?” She laughed and shook
her head. “Goodness, no. I have no desire to go through that
headache again. I’m here on behalf of my sister. She wishes for a
husband, hopefully one with a title and a substantial amount of
money.”
    “ So you’re here as a
chaperone?”
    “ Yes, and I never imagined
it could be so dull. I can think of many things I’d rather be
doing. But what about you? Are you here for pleasure?”
    “ Yes, I am. My husband and I
like to attend a few balls, mostly so we can talk to our friends
and dance. But tonight, we’re also here to help our friend find a
wife.”
    Her eyebrows rose in interest.
“Interesting. I’m seeking a husband for my sister and you’re
seeking a wife for your friend. Who is your friend?”
    “ Lord Clement.”
    “ The host of this ball?” She
tried to remember who Lord Clement was, but her mind drew a blank.
“Where is he?”
    Lady Roderick stood up and scanned the
room before pointing to him. “He’s talking with my husband. He’s
the one with the cane.”
    Agatha rose to her feet and looked in
the direction she indicated. She smiled. He was young enough for
Sophie and, better yet, he had money. Her gaze traveled the room.
“Does he own this townhouse?”
    “ Yes.”
    Perfect. He didn’t rent the townhouse.
He owned it. And he had a gold handle on his cane and dressed in
fine clothes. “I have a terrific idea. You say your friend is
looking for a wife?”
    “ Has been for a couple
years.”
    “ Why don’t we give fate a
little nudge? Perhaps my sister and your friend will make a good
match?”
    “ Where is your
sister?”
    Agatha motioned to Sophie who was
finishing her dance with Lord Sheldon. “She doesn’t fancy him. She
thinks he’s too old for her. Lord Clement, however, is younger so
he might be more to her liking.”
    “ There’s no denying she’s
pretty. I think he’ll like the match.”
    Agatha gestured for her sister to join
her. This might just be the break she needed. If she could secure a
husband for her sister tonight, then she didn’t need to waste
another evening at a ball.
    Sophie reached them and shook her head.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t bear to spend the rest of my life with him,
even if he has a title. He’s absolutely dull.”
    Agatha resisted the urge to tell her
Lord Dabney was worse and said, “Lady Roderick happens to know the
gentleman who is hosting tonight’s ball and he’s available. We’re
going to introduce you to him.”
    “ Does that mean I don’t have
to talk to Lord Sheldon?”
    “ There are plenty of
available gentleman here. All you need is one.”
    With a look of relief, she nodded. “All
right. Where is this gentleman you wish to introduce me
to?”
    “ This way.” Agatha slipped
her arm around her sister’s and followed Lady Roderick. “I have a
good feeling about this one,” she whispered to her sister. “I want
you