The Courtship by Catherine Coulter Read Free Book Online

now. Tell me why you have invited Lord Beecham—a man of many parts, most of them dangerous—to dinner.”
    Helen raised her hand and lightly touched her father’s cheek. “I ordered champagne.”
    â€œAt least we will see if the fellow’s a real man. If he desires some of that filthy brandy instead, I will boot him out of here myself.”
    â€œI will assist you and apply my own slipper.”
    â€œYou mock me, girl. Why is he coming?”
    Helen slowly walked away from her father, who stood a good head taller than she. He was, in fact, quite the tallest man she had ever seen. She couldn’t wait to see what Lord Beecham had to say when he craned his neck to look up at him. She walked to the lovely little bow windows in the parlor of their suite. She pulled back the curtain. The month of May was glorious even in London, she thought. At least today was. So many people, all in such a hurry. She hoped they knew where they were going. Sometimes it was very difficult to know.
    â€œI have a use for him, Father. But I just don’t know him well enough. The fact is, I want to see what you think of him. If you do not wish me ever to see him again, you will tell me, and I will show him to the door.”
    He beetled his thick arched brows, sleek and white. “I have heard all about Lord Beecham. I have heard no scurrilous tales about him. He appears honorable, though he is a renowned satyr. At least he is tall, I’ll give you that. He’s rich, but you don’t care about that. Are you thinking you’ll marry the fellow, Nell?”
    â€œYou know I don’t wish to wed, Papa.”
    He looked at her thoughtfully for a long time, then turned and said over his shoulder, “I’ll order two bottles of champagne.”
    Of course he had not thought to order the dinner with the champagne. She smiled as she rang the bell for their butler, Flock. Flock, so small he fit quite nicely under her arm, could deal well with the Prince Regent himself were the need to arise. He said to his mistress, “Miss Helen, I understand that Lord Beecham is a very intelligent man.”
    â€œYes, I have heard that too, Flock.”
    â€œYou will not worry. I will speak to him when he arrives. If he impresses me with his wit, I will give you a single wink. If he does not impress me, I will open the windows so Lord Prith may toss him out.”
    â€œI could do it just as well, Flock,” she said mildly.
    â€œYes, I know, but I fancy you will be wearing a lovely gown and I wouldn’t want you to wrinkle it.”
    â€œVery well, Flock.” She couldn’t wait to see whether she got a wink or an open window.
    Helen spent more time than usual on her appearance that evening. When her maid Teeny fastened pearls around her neck, Helen said to her image in the mirror, “Have you decided to marry Flock?”
    There was a big sigh behind her. “Oh, Miss Helen, I can’t do it, I just can’t.”
    â€œWhy ever not? He is an excellent man. He is kind, he is competent. He is ever so forceful, and I have seen you shudder in delight when he tells you he will discipline you if you don’t do as he wishes. He would take good care of you.”
    â€œI know all that, Miss Helen. But don’t you see—my name would be Teeny Flock. It makes my teeth ache just to say it.”
    â€œGood God,” Helen said as she rose and smoothed her skirts. She leaned down to give Teeny a hug. “I hadn’t realized. Let me think about that. It is an obstacle, you’re right about that, but it is not insurmountable.”
    When Flock announced Lord Beecham, Helen was already on her feet. Why the devil was she nervous? It was absurd.
    Flock gave her a wink.
    Lord Beecham, wearing evening clothes that perfectly complemented the arrogance of the man, strode into the room, spotted her, and was before her quickly. He bowed over her hand but didn’t kiss either her