The Naked Prince by Sally Mackenzie Read Free Book Online

wife’s waist and bussed her noisily on the cheek. “Gentlemen, though it’s not yet Valentine’s Day, I’m sure no one will object if you begin your wooing now.”
    â€œHuzzah!” Mr. Dellingcourt shouted, grabbing Lady Imogene in a most lascivious manner. All the men in the room except Lord Kenderly and Mr. Parker-Roth embraced their companions. Mr. Parker-Roth didn’t have to; Lady Noughton threw her arms around him and pulled his head down for a kiss. His hands landed on her derriere.
    Jo looked away. How mortifying. She quickly stepped back from Lord Kenderly. Was he going to maul her in the same fashion?
    No, he merely offered her his arm. She took it, swallowing a ridiculous feeling of disappointment. She was relieved. Of course she was relieved. “I’m afraid I’m not used to . . .” She waved her free hand, not quite certain how to describe the scene.
    â€œYes, well, I’m not used to it either.” He was frowning at Mr. Parker-Roth and Lady Noughton.
    â€œThen why did you come?” Dear God, Lady Noughton had her hand on the front of Mr. Parker-Roth’s breeches.
    Lord Kenderly put some distance between them and his friend. “To keep an eye on Stephen. I can’t shake the feeling that Maria means to trap him into marrying her.”
    Mr. Parker-Roth and Lady Noughton appeared to be on extremely intimate terms already. “Would that be such a terrible thing?”
    â€œIt would be a disaster.” He bent his head and dropped his voice so they wouldn’t be overheard, not that anyone was paying them the least bit of attention—everyone else was far too involved in sinful behavior. Sir Humphrey had his hand on Mrs. Butterwick’s breasts, and Mr. Dellingcourt was nibbling on Lady Imogene’s ear as they made their way toward the dining room.
    â€œMaria is a creature of London. She thinks Stephen would be happy living in Town; she seems not to have noticed he never stays there more than a few weeks before he’s off searching for new plant species.”
    â€œOh.” Mr. Parker-Roth and Lady Noughton were strolling toward the door now. “Perhaps she could accompany him.”
    Lord Kenderly snorted. “Pigs will fly long before Maria will set her expensively shod toe into the heat and mud of South America.”
    â€œI see.” She watched Lady Noughton’s elegant derriere swish out the door. He had a point.
    â€œAnd Stephen comes from a large, close family. When he does wed, he’ll want several children. Maria would never agree to so inconvenience herself or her figure.”
    â€œAh.” And how many children would Lord Kenderly like? He was an earl. He must plan to have an heir and a spare at least. She flushed. That was none of her concern. “But if Lady Noughton loves—”
    Lord Kenderly scowled at her. “Maria loves no one but herself.”
    Was the earl a dog in the manger? An unpleasant, but unfortunately reasonable thought. Lady Noughton was very beautiful in a brittle sort of way. “Then why would she wish to marry?”
    â€œI don’t know. The current Lord Noughton disapproves of her, so her funds may be in jeopardy. Likely it’s desperation that persuades her she’s in love with Stephen.”
    â€œBut how could she trap Mr. Parker-Roth? She’s a widow, not a debutante.”
    Lord Kenderly looked away—and must have realized they were the only people left in the parlor. He started toward the door. “I admit that has me puzzled.”
    â€œPerhaps you are imagining problems where there are none.”
    â€œI am not. I overheard Maria talking to Lady Greyham at the Wainwright soiree last week.”
    â€œEavesdropping?”
    The man didn’t even blush. “Yes. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear the whole of it, so I don’t know exactly what kind of trap Maria plans to set—which is why I’m telling you all