The Rogue's Reluctant Rose by Daphne du Bois Read Free Book Online Page A

left, and Lord Harris on her right. The latter had been very kind, smiling at her and enquiring after her health.
    Araminta was half-way through the first course, a delicate prawn bisque, when she felt eyes boring into her. She raised her head to attempt to find the source of the peculiar sensation, when her attention was drawn by Sir Timothy, asking her if the bisque was to her liking.
    “It’s a French recipe, you know, Miss Barrington. Very fashionable, I understand, but I myself could never quite come to terms with French cooking.” He looked at her warmly, and she felt quite flattered by the attention.
    Still, the feeling of being watched persisted. Thanking Sir Timothy for his concern and assuring him that the bisque was just right, she looked up and scanned the faces of the other guests. She could see Susan, seated not far from her, and chatting happily with a middle aged woman, and a few other friends she recognised and made a mental note to speak to after dinner was over. She continued her scrutiny of the people facing her. Her eyes came to rest on a pair of unreadable grey ones before she realised what was happening.
    Araminta stifled a gasp, recognising Lord Chestleton, whose eyes were fixed intently upon hers. A corner of his sensual mouth curled in a mocking half-smile as he nodded to her. Her eyes widened, and she returned his nod stiffly, before quickly looking away. She fought to keep down her blush.
    “My dear, isn’t that the infamous Lord Chestleton?” asked Sir Timothy, following her gaze.
    “Yes, yes it is, Sir Timothy,” she replied, hoping not to sound out-of-sorts as she did so. Her mind was in turmoil. What was he doing there? He hadn’t been at the fireworks, and it was not fair that he should startle her so when she had quite decided that he would not be in attendance. She wondered if he would come and speak with her. I hope that he will not. she thought fervently, though a treacherous voice in the depths of her mind laughed at her. Liar , it mocked her. She wondered why he had been watching her, and why he had smiled at her. Why, everyone might have seen it!
    “Hmm. The fellow has quite a reputation, I understand. Especially after that unfortunate incident with Miss Grey, who still hardly dares to show her face in society. Do you know him, Miss Barrington?”
    “I do, though not at all well. The marquis was a friend of my late brother’s.”
    Sir Timothy nodded at this, seemingly satisfied.
    “Well, that is quite all right, my dear. He is, after all, a very wealthy man, and no doubt an acceptable friend for a gentleman. Will you have a bit more soup, Miss Barrington?”
    Araminta smiled, grateful for the change of topic. But she still felt Chestleton’s searing gaze upon her, though she was sure he would not dare stare at her so in public. She felt her cheeks warm and found that she could not eat under the intense scrutiny.
    ***
    After the meal, the guests proceeded into a wider hall, meant for talking and dancing. Sir Timothy excused himself regretfully to speak with an acquaintance, and Araminta sought out a few of her own friends.
    “…and did you see, the Marquis of Chestleton is here.” Lavinia Snowe looked quite breathless, and giggled quietly. She was younger than Araminta and Susan and was very excited about every aspect of her first season out.
    “Shhh! My dear. You must not be so gauche.” reproached Susan gently, looking around them.
    “Oh, no, my dear Susan. It’s quite all right. He is a friend of Papa’s, you know, because his father used to be.”
    “He is very handsome, to be sure,” observed Evangeline Sullivan.
    “Excuse me, ladies,” a voice cut in, and Araminta looked up at Sir Timothy, who had fixed his eyes on Araminta. “I wonder if I might steal Miss Barrington from you for a while.”
    “Certainly, Sir Timothy,” said Evangeline, smiling demurely at him.
    Once more taking the baronet’s elbow, Araminta let him lead her out of the crowded room