The Scoundrel's Lover by Jess Michaels Read Free Book Online Page B

damaging.
    She might have said that, defended them, but suddenly Georgina’s attention shifted to something behind her.
    “Oh my,” Georgina whispered, her eyes lighting up. “I see Lord Claybrook coming this way, and he is looking right at you.”
    “Lord Claybrook?” Annabelle repeated, panic gripping her as she tried to remember to whom her friend referred.
    “He’s an earl,” Georgina whispered swiftly. “His annual income is above ten thousand. Forty years of age, but he looks thirty.”
    Annabelle nodded with a look of gratitude just as Lord Claybrook reached them, with their hostess Lady Warren in tow.
    “Good evening,” Annabelle murmured, casting her eyes downward as she had been told was proper, at least by Georgina.
    “Good evening,” Lady Warren responded. “Miss Hickson, Miss Flynn, I would like to introduce you to the Earl of Claybrook.”
    Both Georgina and Annabelle curtseyed low at the same time, but while Georgina kept her eyes downcast, Annabelle couldn’t help but steal a glance at Claybrook.
    He was handsome in his own way, tall and lean with a pronounced nose and angular features. His hands looked very soft and he was perfectly manicured and primped. Yet he didn’t seem to be a dandy.
    Not that she had much room to be choosy, considering her lack of partners throughout the evening.
    “Ladies,” he said, his voice deep and low.
    “My lord,” they responded in kind.
    Lady Warren’s eyebrows knitted together as she searched across the ballroom. “Excuse me, I must attend to an issue.”
    Once she had gone, Claybrook smiled. It was a nice smile, after all, and Annabelle found herself returning it with ease.
    “I hope you will forgive my forwardness, ladies,” he said. “I had been waiting for an opportunity to be introduced to you by the Duke of Hartholm, but I have never quite caught him to make the inquiry. I hope my use of Lady Warren is acceptable.”
    Georgina elbowed Annabelle lightly when she didn’t answer for a moment, and she was forced to do so.
    “Of course, my lord,” she said. “That is most agreeable. I’m very pleased you approached us, though I’m certain my brother would have been more than happy to make the introduction.”
    She shot a side glance toward Georgina, who smiled with encouragement, right before she leaned in and said, “It was a very great pleasure to meet you, my lord. However, I see my mother motioning to me and I’m afraid I must go to her. I’m sure you will find Miss Flynn a very happy companion.”
    Claybrook nodded. “I’m certain I will. Good evening, Miss Hickson.”
    Georgina gave a very proper incline of her head, but the moment she was behind Claybrook’s back, out of his line of sight, she shot Annabelle a look filled with meaning that only served to ratchet Annabelle’s nervousness all the higher.
    She took a deep breath. “How do you find the party, my lord?” she asked, although she certainly couldn’t say she cared greatly about the answer. But it was small talk—and the ton adored their small talk.
    “It is very lovely,” he answered. “A bit crowded, though.”
    She looked around. Every corner did seem packed with people. “It is that,” she agreed.
    “Perhaps you would like to take a turn with me around the room?” he suggested.
    Annabelle glanced down at her hands, clenched before her. She had rather hoped Claybrook would ask her to dance, but it seemed that was not to be. Still, a walk around the room couldn’t be sneezed at. At least they would be seen together.
    “Certainly.”
    He held out an elbow and she slipped her hand into the crook of it. She was surprised at the wiry strength of his arm and the certain way he led her out to walk the large room.
    “I have not seen you in Society before, I don’t think.”
    Annabelle pursed her lips. He was touching on a very delicate subject. One she had been training herself to deal with.
    “My family is a bit unconventional,” she said, the words tasting as