The Dangerous Lord by Sabrina Jeffries Read Free Book Online Page A

couldn’t possibly write such a blatant lie. I’d be laughed out of town.”
    A new admiration flickered in his gaze. “What makes you think it’s a lie?”
    â€œIf Miss Greenaway’s brother had been your friend and this had been a favor to him, her gratitude would immediately have compelled her to tell me of your generosity. But it didn’t.” She lined through the words she’d just written, then tossed her article on her desk. “Besides, rich heirs to a title rarely fight in wars. Why should they, when there are younger sons to buy commissions? No, I’m sure you were doing on the Continent exactly what you’re doing here…gulling stupid women.”
    For the first time that afternoon, she seemed to have roused his anger. A muscle in his jaw worked convulsively. “I don’t give a bloody damn what you think of me, but I won’t have you putting your speculations about Miss Greenaway into print.”
    â€œWhy not? You should thank me for enhancing your reputation among your peers. No doubt they’re all congratulating you on your beautiful mistress.”
    â€œIndeed they are,” he said without a trace of shame. “But it isn’t my reputation that concerns me. It’s Miss Greenaway’s and that of her child. She doesn’t deserve to have you ruin her with your gossip.”
    â€œDon’t be absurd—I haven’t ruined her. I didn’t print her name nor the address of your house. I didn’t even mention the child. I wouldn’t be that cruel to one of my sex. Besides, you should have been concerned about ruining her before you sired her child.”
    â€œI did not —” He broke off with a curse that was decidedly ungentlemanly. “Very well, believe what you wish. But consider whom else you’re harming—like Katherine, a woman you claim is your friend. Your article publicly humiliated her.”
    â€œThat was not my intention.” Indeed, she’d debated endlessly over taking such a drastic step. If it had only been Katherine’s timidity standing in the way of her happiness, Felicity might have kept quiet, for a considerate husband could get past that. But this man couldn’t possibly be a considerate husband, not if he kept a mistress.
    There was also the person Katherine claimed to love. Lady Hastings had forced Katherine to refuse a man’s suit because he was beneath her. Knowing Lady Hastings, that meant he was a younger son of a knight or a merchant or some such. Katherine hadn’t revealed his name, but she still clearly adored him. Yet she wouldn’t face down her harridan of a mother to accept his suit.
    Not without a push. A very large, very public push that would make even her mother take notice. And that’s what Felicity had given her.
    â€œI don’t regret my actions,” she added forcefully. “She and her family had to be made aware of what kind of man you are.”
    He cast her an incredulous look. “What kind is that? A man of wealth, position, and rank—a man who possesses all a woman could require for a comfortable marriage? MyGod, you have strange notions. Do you think Katherine will appreciate your meddling? Do you want her to remain a spinster all her life? To deprive her of an opportunity to have her own household, her own children?”
    The question stung, reminding her painfully of her own situation. “Thank you so much for pointing out the grievous fate awaiting me and my kind.”
    â€œYou’re not old enough to understand the ramifications of being a spinster.”
    â€œAnd you’re not the right sex to understand it,” she snapped. “Besides, you mustn’t let my size fool you, my lord. I’m already three and twenty.”
    â€œA great age indeed,” he said sarcastically, one eyebrow crooking upward.
    Amazing how the mere arch of his eyebrow could make her feel as much a child as the