The Marriage Lesson by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online Page B

rather relished the idea of pitting his determination against these stubborn sisters. One in particular.
    He stepped to Marianne and cast her his most devastating smile. The very one that had served him so well in the past. The smile virtually guaranteed to melt the resistance of even the most resilient woman. He took her hand and raised it to his lips. His smile never faltered. His gaze caught hers.
“My dear Lady Marianne. I trust you are well this morning?”
    “Odd that he remembers her name,” Jocelyn said in a sidelong whisper to Becky just loud enough for him to hear.
    He ignored her, his gaze lingering on Marianne’s.
    “Quite.” She stared back at him, her eyes twinkled with amusement. “And what of you, my lord? Did you sleep well? No unusual dreams or disturbing visions late in the night?”
    “Odd perhaps but not in the least disturbing.” He couldn’t resist a grin. “Although I daresay I shan’t be troubled in the future.”
    “Oh?” She raised a skeptical brow. “Then you intend to give up evenings of drunken revelry?”
    “Not at all.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice, his words meant for her ears alone. “I was not drunk and I intend to find you a husband as quickly as possible to take you in hand and keep you from accosting virtual strangers in libraries late at night.”
    “We shall see, my lord,” she said softly, the corners of her mouth curving upward in a decidedly superior manner. “We shall see.”
    He’d dismissed her parting comment last night as being nothing more than the effect of the brandy, but today those same words carried a distinct challenge. A challenge he was more than willing to meet. And enjoy. And best. She withdrew her hand but her gaze lingered on his.
“This is the dancing master, Monsieur Sabatier.” Lady Dragon nodded toward a fashionably dressed man who surveyed him with an expression of haughty superiority.
    “Good day, my lord,” the Frenchman said in a pronounced accent and bowed in a too courtly manner. “We are most grateful for your assistance. You do us a great honor.” A polite smile hovered on his lips but a speculative gleam flashed in his eye.
    “Monsieur Sabatier has done an excellent job.” Lady Dragon nodded with approval.
    “You are too kind, madame.”
    “I’m sure he has,” Thomas murmured and studied the other man discreetly.
    Although Monsieur Sabatier’s clothes were the height of fashion, closer inspection showed they were well-worn, not unexpected given his means of making a living. The Frenchmen himself bore further scrutiny much better than his attire. It was obvious the breadth of his shoulders and fit of his jacket owed little to the skill of a tailor. His face was surprisingly handsome—too handsome, in Thomas’s opinion, for someone entrusted with teaching young ladies to dance. Sabatier was not at all like any dancing master Thomas had ever met.
    “This is their final lesson and yet I feel they still need a bit more practice,” Lady Dragon said. “Unfortunately, Monsieur Sabatier’s other obligations prohibit him from staying beyond today’s allotted time.”
    “A thousand pardons, madame. I regret any inconvenience, but I have an appointment of some impor tance.” Monsieur Sabatier smiled apologetically and Thomas could have sworn a collective sigh went up from the three younger women. He wasn’t entirely certain Lady Dragon hadn’t joined them.
“You have done more than expected, Monsieur.” Lady Dragon returned his smile. “We are in your debt.”
    “It is my business, madame, mademoiselles.” Monsieur Sabatier bowed slightly. “And my pleasure.” He nodded at Thomas, then turned and strode down the long ballroom.
    The gazes of all four females followed him as one.
    Thomas cleared his throat. “Ladies?” Three, perhaps four, wistful expressions turned toward him. “The dance?”
    “Ah, yes.” Lady Dragon was once more a commanding presence, but for a moment he wondered if he