Tempting a Proper Lady by Debra Mullins Read Free Book Online Page A

like a man who would give up easily.” When Raventhorpe’s eyes narrowed, she wished she could call the words back.
    â€œPerhaps Captain Breedlove simply recognizes the importance of a strategic retreat, Mrs. Burke,” the earl said. “Which calls to mind a question that has been plaguing me since first I made your acquaintance.”
    Cilla raised her brows in polite inquiry. “My lord?”
    â€œI have felt since our first meeting that I have seen you before, but the connection has eluded me until this moment. Are you not the daughter of Admiral Robert Wallington-Willis?”
    Startled, Cilla set down the teacup. “Yes, but—”
    â€œAh, I thought so.” The earl turned to the Baileys. “Admiral Wallington-Willis is one of Her Majesty’s most respected and decorated naval admirals. He is accepted at the highest level of society.”
    â€œWhy, Cilla, we had no idea!” Dolly exclaimed. “I mean, you had said that you knew all about society, but I figured that was all book learning.”
    Cilla managed a smile even as she silently wished the earl to the devil. Her departure from society had been less than decorous, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the earl knew it. Or was he simply probing for a weak spot in response to her persistent questions? “I have been gone from England for several years. Certainly the connection is of little import now.”
    â€œWhy, Mrs. Burke, you are too modest,” the earl said. His tone conveyed affability while the threat of something darker lingered in his eyes. “Surely it has not been so long that all London society will have forgotten the daughter of one of our most treasured heroes.”
    â€œYou flatter me, my lord.”
    â€œNonsense.” The earl waved away her objections.
    â€œYour family lives in London?” Annabelle asked.
    Cilla nodded. “Ever since Papa retired from commanding his own vessel.”
    â€œCilla, for goodness’ sake, why didn’t you tell us?” Dolly exclaimed. “Why, we were all invited to London to attend Lady Canthrope’s ball Monday next. You simply must come with us.”
    â€œNo, no.” Cilla held up her hand in protest. “One simply does not attend a ball when one has not been invited. I am perfectly content to remain here as we planned.” Especially since my presence in London might be a detriment to Annabelle.
    â€œAn easy remedy,” Raventhorpe said, a smirk curving his lips. “I shall procure an invitation for Mrs. Burke.”
    Annabelle clapped her hands together. “How generous of you, Richard! It would simply be wonderful if Mrs. Burke could accompany us.”
    â€œI agree,” Dolly said. “I am certain Cilla still has lots of friends in London. After all, it hasn’t been that long, has it, dear?”
    â€œFour years.” Dread surged through her at the direction of the conversation. “But I really do not think my presence is appropriate.”
    â€œI will be arriving at the affair much later due to a previous engagement,” Raventhorpe said. “It would be a great favor to me if you would take my betrothed and her mama under your wing until I arrive.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œPlease, Mrs. Burke?” Annabelle wrung her hands, her lovely blue eyes wide and pleading.
    â€œYou simply must come with us, Cilla,” Dolly said. “It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce Annabelle to London folks. After all, she’s going to be a countess soon.”
    She longed to refuse. She glanced at Lord Raventhorpe, and there it was again, that slyness flashing across his face. She knew pushing him about Captain Breedlove had made an enemy of him, but she could not do otherwise. The captain’s emotional response to the confrontation still resonated with her, and Raventhorpe’s subtle attack was enough to make her question the earl’s version of events.