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

But for now—how to get out of this situation?
    The last thing she wanted was to go back to London at this juncture, before the wedding had occurred. She had left society in disgrace. She intended to return in triumph.
    â€œWe’ll have to get you a ball gown,” Dolly said.
    â€œOh, but I could not—”
    â€œBut you must, Mrs. Burke.” The earl glanced around at everyone seated at the table, then back at Cilla. “You do want to make a memorable impression on society, do you not?”
    Gleeful satisfaction emanated from him even as knots twisted in Cilla’s stomach. Had he deliberately exposed her secret to the Baileys as a way to discomfit her? Edward had often done the same thing, flinging her missteps in her face and then punishing her for her transgressions. Perhaps Raventhorpe expected her to embarrass herself in front of her employers by refusing to go.
    She refused to be manipulated by spite.
    Folding her hands in her lap, she said, “Naturally I will go where my employer bids me.”
    â€œGlad to hear that,” Virgil said. “Since His Lordship is going to all the trouble of getting you an invitation and all.”
    â€œYes, thank you, my lord.” Cilla smiled at Raventhorpe, more at the frustration simmering in his eyes than gratitude for the invitation. “I appreciate your assistance.”
    Raventhorpe gave a curt nod and turned to engage Annabelle in conversation.
    Cilla smothered a smile. She would wait until the pompous earl had taken his leave and then she would explain the situation to Dolly in private. Surely she would understand why Cilla simply preferred not to show herself in society—at least not until after the success of Annabelle’s wedding.
    Perhaps leaving for London early was the answer to the gossip problem caused by the events of the night before. And if the family departed for the city and left her behind, it would give her an opportunity to try and discover more information about Samuel Breedlove.
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    â€œAre you certain you want to do this?” John asked. “You could go back again this morning. Perhaps the Baileys would be more willing to listen without Raventhorpe there.”
    Samuel tucked the last of his clothing into his satchel, trying to function beyond the grief of having lost the respect of his adopted family. “No, they were all quite adamant in their views. They think I am a fortune hunter.”
    â€œMore like a fortune finder . Did you tell them that? Sometimes gold speaks louder than words.”
    Samuel shoved the last item into the bag and closed it, then turned around. His friend and sometime coachman watched him from the doorway of his room at the inn, a smile playing about his lips. Simple clothing marked John a man of modest means, yet he had about him an air of regality that had always struck Samuel as being directly at odds with his humble appearance.
    And sometimes, John’s odd sense of humor irked him no end.
    â€œThey seem to worship gold entirely too much already. And I cannot buy back what I have lost.”
    â€œI did not come back and rescue you from that island only to have a Virginia farmer get the betterof you. If they did not listen last night, you must simply try again.”
    â€œThat’s why we’re headed to London. We’re restrategizing and moving our battle to a different field.”
    John grew serious. “Samuel, as an earl, Raventhorpe will have the advantage in London. You might have more luck here in the country.”
    â€œNo, I think this is the right move. It was you who gave me the idea when you passed on that little tidbit you learned from the servants last evening.”
    â€œBless them. I told you the servants’ network is the fastest and most accurate way to transmit knowledge.”
    â€œIt’s served us well to this point. First alerting us to where we could find Annabelle, and now with the knowledge that the Baileys travel