The Virgin at Goodrich Hall by Danielle Lisle Read Free Book Online Page A

Belfort who first gained his notice, then his eyes moved over the two women with him. The taller woman was no doubt Lady Belfort. He had heard talk amongst the ton of his friend’s new wife, though he was yet to meet her himself. It was the girl by her side who held his attention.
    Her auburn hair was pinned up high, tendrils hanging around her face. She turned to speak with Lady Belfort and his breath caught. She was stunning! Her high cheekbones shimmered in the soft light as her lips moved into a smile. He knew those lips—they were lips he’d kissed but a day ago.
    His view of her was obstructed by Belfort and he wished for the man to pass, but they did not. He focused on Belfort, only to note he was approaching Victor, his face as guarded as it always was.
    Victor nodded to his friend. Belfort said nothing but came up and stood beside him, facing back towards the crowd. Victor moved his eyes back to the woman he was sure was his Maggie.
    “You went to Goodrich last night.”
    Victor stiffened slightly. Belfort did not phrase it as a question, simply as a comment. “Did I?” he asked, slanting a look at Belfort.
    Belfort took a sip of his drink and eyed him for a moment. “Last eve my wife received a letter from a dear friend, announcing she had learned what occurred at Goodrich Hall and had decided to attend. Claire fretted for her safety and demanded we come to London to check on her.”
    There was knowledge in Belfort’s eyes adding to what he said, and what he didn’t voice. Belfort knew in depth what happened at Goodrich Hall. He was not one to attend although Anna had tried to convince him. “And is her friend well?”
    Belfort shrugged slightly. “That would depend on your point of view.”
    “How so?” Victor asked, unsurprised at how demanding his words sounded as they left his lips.
    Belfort raised an eyebrow but did not face him. Victor knew at whom his friend’s vision was directed, and it took all of his self-control not to follow it.
    “Why are you here, Duke?” Belfort asked, using his title in a malicious tone. “You hate the theatre.”
    “I do,” he confirmed, and allowed his gaze to seek out whom he desired. The women were laughing now. Maggie snatched a hankie out of her friend’s hand and dried her eyes as she chuckled. But he still felt a sadness from her.
    “Is there a woman you seek tonight, Duke?”
    “Yes.”
    “Would you like an introduction?”
    Victor snapped his gaze to the man who so many feared, but whom he had always got along with. Still, he sensed danger from Belfort at that moment.
    “What do you know of last night?”
    Belfort shrugged. “Only what my wife has told me, and I think she left out a great deal,” he muttered. “Your only saving grace is that you didn’t bed her.”
    “Did you not bed your wife before your marriage?” Victor snapped, irritated.
    Belfort turned to him. His expression held restraint, but his jaw was clenched and there was a look in his eyes that could send several men running. “Yes, but I declared my intention. You have not.”
    “And therefore I have not bedded her,” he snapped back.
    Belfort arched an eyebrow, then took a deep breath. “Are you planning to claim her as your wife? If not, leave and we will not speak of this again. She may know your face, but she does not know your name. I will ensure that stays the case until she marries.”
    Victor sighed. Belfort was protecting Maggie. How could he be angry with the man for doing what he wished he himself could? Belfort was the husband of her friend, whereas Victor and Maggie had never been formally introduced.
    “No, I do not want an introduction.”
    Belfort’s features hardened once more.
    “But I would like a favour.”  

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    The clatter of hooves stopped as his carriage came to rest outside the Park Street house. It was a grand home, he had noted while his carriage had been parked down the street, the driver waiting for the opportune moment