The Unwanted Heiress by Amy Corwin Read Free Book Online Page B

just go over it one more time?”
    “What are you doing out here, Your Grace?” Lady Beatrice asked, her tone sharp. She glanced from him to Charlotte. “Miss Haywood,” she reluctantly acknowledged. Then she gazed at him, tilting her head back to make him feel taller and emphasize the lovely line of her throat and impressively bare bosom. She smiled and gave a light, tinkling laugh when his eyes followed that perfect curve of flesh. “You don’t wish to be compromised, do you? With poor Miss Haywood?”
    Her artless question made it clear she knew exactly whom he would prefer to compromise, and it wasn’t poor Miss Haywood.
    “We’re identifying moths, Lady Beatrice. I doubt seriously whether anyone will find themselves compromised. Don’t you agree, Your Excellency?”
    Charlotte said, unable to resist teasing Lady Beatrice by deliberately using the wrong title for the duke. She knew it would annoy her. Charlotte just hoped she had understood the gleam in His Grace’s eyes correctly and that it would not annoy him, at least not unduly.
    With luck, he would laugh and Lady Beatrice would become irritated. Then she’d flounce her way back inside where she belonged , assuming that was the sort of help he really wanted.
    And assuming he was n’t just another arrogant, hidebound British aristocrat who would be terribly insulted. She held her breath and eyed both of her companions with trepidation.
    As anticipated, Lady Beatrice missed the dry note in Charlotte’s comment.
    “That is ‘Your Grace,’ Miss Haywood.” She corrected her with a condescending smile. “He is the Duke of Peckham. I suppose Colonials have difficulties with the niceties of British Society.”
    “Oh, I do apologize, Your Awful Graciousness. It is so difficult to keep all these minute class distinctions straight. We Americans are so inclined to believe that rubbish about all men being created equal, are we not?” Charlotte noticed the duke appeared to be strangling. His shoulders positively shook with suppressed emotion.
    She watched him, unsure whether to laugh or take a few rapid steps backward.
    His odd expression could either mean he felt amusement or the strong desire to choke the life out of her. In her experience, some men were so affected by her sense of humor that they found the latter course nearly irresistible, especially her previous guardian, Lord Westover.
    She stepped back as a precaution.
    Lady Beatrice slipped her hand through the duke’s arm. “If you would care to return, I believe they are starting another waltz, Your Grace. You did promise this one to me, did you not?”
    He began to pull away, but she clung more tightly, her smile thinning. “I—” he said.
    “Come,” Lady Beatrice said in a playful, arch tone. “You know you promised. Surely you would not break your word to a lady?”
    The duke cast one last glance at Charlotte before he shrugged, clearly giving in to good manners. “As you wish.”
    Lady Beatrice nodded at Charlotte. “Miss Haywood, don’t stay out here too long. The nights are damp. You don’t want to catch something.”
    “No, indeed.” Charlotte gave a rather elaborate shiver. “I most certainly do not want to catch anything. Here, at least. Heaven forbid.”

Chapter Five
    All cases of homicide are presumed by law to be malicious and amounting to murder until the contrary appears. — Constable’s Pocket Guide
    “I am dreadfully sorry, Your Grace,” Lady Beatrice said as they joined the other couples on the dance floor. “I had no idea the Archers would bring that dreadful female when I invited them. I hope you will forgive me.”
    Nathaniel nodded absently. “I did not realize she would attend, either.” He should have found her earlier when she was with his uncle so he could be properly introduced. She must think him a complete dolt.
    At least she didn’t appear to be the least bit awed by his title. On the other hand, a little touch of awe might have made her less