The Countess Intrigue by Wendy May Andrews Read Free Book Online

so much for coming,” Lady Oliver greeted kindly. Elizabeth admired her calm and ability to focus on each guest. Often at functions such as these the hostess appeared harried or bored, merely going through the motions of welcoming the arriving guests. But Lady Oliver appeared sincerely delighted to have Lady Castleton and Lady Elizabeth attend her ball. Elizabeth began to look forward to the evening. If the hostess were that appealing, surely the entertainments she provided would be worth her time, Elizabeth reasoned.
    As she followed her mother toward the ballroom she could recognize that many of her acquaintances and friends were also in attendance. That ought not to be surprising in the rarified world of the ton but Elizabeth did wish there would be something novel to liven up the evening. Ladies Emmaline and Constance hailed her.
    “You go on with your friends, my dear,” Elizabeth’s mother advised. “I will join the other chaperones and keep an eye on the proceedings. And don’t forget to smile, my dear. Gentlemen prefer a cheerful countenance.”
    Elizabeth gave up being irritated with her mother’s determination. She knew it came from a place of love and a desire to see her settled, as well as the spirit of competition with her sister and best friend. She finally felt amusement over her mother’s reminder. With a bright smile she replied to her mother, “I will certainly keep that in mind.”
    She started walking toward her friends when she felt a shiver of awareness shimmy up her neck just before a deep voice spoke softly in her ear. “What has tickled your amusement, my dear lady?”
    Willing herself not to shiver again, Elizabeth turned to the earl, determined to put him in his place. But when her eyes collided with his intelligent, blue gaze she felt another shiver threaten and her smile turned into a frown. “Are you stalking me, my lord? I really find it quite surprising that we have gone weeks without ever exchanging words and now it seems as though you are always underfoot.”
    “That is no way to speak to a wealthy, unattached earl, my dear. What would your mama say?” He chuckled over her indignation, causing it to ratchet up another notch. She tried to turn away, she wasn’t going to bother dignifying him with a response, but his warm hand closed over her elbow.
    “I beg of you, my dear lady, do not turn away, I was merely teasing you. Please, dance with me. I do believe this is our song playing.”
    Elizabeth blinked at him in surprise. As her ears attuned to the melody the orchestra was playing she was taken aback to realize he was right — it was the same waltz they had danced to the night before. She wanted to refuse but could feel speculative gazes looking at them. And he really was a handsome man as well as a skilled dancer. It needn’t be a trial to spend the next moments with him. And it would be easier to explain than her refusal, especially if her mother had seen them talking.
    With a less than gracious sigh Elizabeth accepted the earl’s hand. “Why are you all of a sudden paying so much attention to me, my lord? I really do not think we would suit.” Elizabeth had heard the rumours that the notorious earl was looking for a new countess but she did not think the man was stupid enough to pursue her after she had told him her views of marriage. She was quite certain there were other, more biddable ladies who would serve his needs far better than she could. I have no intention of being his next dead countess, she thought with a less enjoyable shiver.
    Elizabeth felt his gaze sharpen on her face at the tell tale movement. She pasted a serene smile to her face awaiting his response. She was glad the waltz did not require them to be constantly separated at regular intervals, as he would have to answer her question promptly.
    “Is it so difficult to believe I might find you irresistible?” he countered with a question of his own.
    “Yes, it is, now tell the truth.” Elizabeth