Never Miss a Chance by Maureen Driscoll Read Free Book Online Page B

Hal,” said Arthur, giving him his glass. 
“No one wants to hear how Lizzie’s activities are cutting into your social
life.”
    “No, we most certainly do not,” said Lynwood.  “Ah, Aunt
Prue and Miss Mariah please do come in.”
    The two ladies swept into the room, concern for Lizzie clear
in their faces.  As the gentlemen found seats for them, Aunt Prue recounted
their efforts at the Tarlington ball.
    “Unfortunately, we were unable to make much progress,” said Aunt
Prue.  “Lady Halliwell – with her horrid daughter in tow – was telling everyone
what they’d witnessed on the terrace, embellishing along the way.  The daughter
was even worse.  I would never have thought Gwendolyn even had an imagination,
but apparently the chit has quite an ability to tell a story.   All of it lies,
of course.  Hal, pour Mariah and me a spot of brandy, if you please.”
    “Why does no one ever ask Arthur to pour?” grumbled Hal on
his way to the sideboard.
    “Did Gwendolyn and her mother mention Sir John?” asked
Lizzie.
    “Is that who it was?  I wouldn’t think he had enough nerve to
even address you.  I would’ve forbidden the match even if that buffoon hadn’t
had the criminal effrontery to press his affections.  His fond mama is like
something out of Grimm’s fairy tales.  Mark my words.  If Sir John ever does
marry, it shall be to a girl who’s deaf in both ears.  Or handy with a gun and
not opposed to matricide.  But on to you, my dear Lizzie.  I’ve come up with
the perfect solution: You’ll get married.  Oh, hullo Riverton,” she said as she
gave the marquess a pointed look.  “I didn’t see you when we came in.”
    Prue took a glass from Hal, then downed half of it in one
gulp, as everyone else looked on.
    “I think you’re right,” said Lynwood.  “Marriage may be the
only way to salvage this.   You danced with the Earl of Stalford tonight, Elizabeth. 
He’s from an old family and respected in Lords.   He’s not known for gaming, is
he Arthur?”
     “I’ve been across the table from him a time or two, but
I’ve never heard of any excesses.”
    “Hal, does he have a reputation with certain establishments
you frequent?” Lynwood asked, with an eye toward the ladies in the room.
    “I’ve never heard of anything.  But I don’t go to ‘certain
establishments’ for gossip.”
    “So, I take it the man doesn’t have a bad reputation,” said
Lynwood, looking for the world like he was about to draw up marriage contracts. 
    “Now stop right there,” said Lizzie.  “I’ll not have my
husband chosen for me.”
    “Of course you won’t,” said Aunt Prue.  “And certainly not
by your brothers tonight.  Let’s all get a good night’s sleep and convene again
on the morrow.  For myself, Lynwood, I’m not sure that Stalford is at all the
thing, but perhaps we shall think of another candidate.  Riverton, thank you so
much for your kind service to my niece.  You’re a good man.”
    Then an exuberant Aunt Prue ushered everyone out of the
room, leaving Lynwood with Riverton, a slight smile on her lips and her head
filled with wedding plans.
    *                    *                    *
    “Good God, Riverton, what am I to do?”  Lynwood asked as he motioned
for his friend to take the chair opposite him.  “My sister has been thoroughly compromised. 
She must marry.  Yet I cannot force a match upon her.”
    Riverton had always known this day would come and he should
probably be glad of it, but the thought of Lizzie married to someone else was
rather like a kick to the stomach.  Lizzie, another man’s wife.  In another
man’s bed. 
    The lucky bastard would get to wake up next to her every
day, then take her, warm from sleep.  Her beautiful hair would be spread out on
the pillows and she’d smile up at him, just as he sank into her lush body.  The
morning lovemaking would be slow, tender and warm.  Making love to