To Love A Lord of London (Wardington Park; Raptures of Royalty) by Eleanor Meyers Read Free Book Online Page A

grunted.
    “And, you’ve sisters to chaperone.”
    “Catherine can handle herself.”
    “Jane?” Nathaniel asked.
    Joseph frowned, and his eyes began to scan the large gathering.
    Nathaniel’s eyes took in the room as well. No one threw a party like the Dowager Cartridge. Last year, she’d hosted her own zoo in her gardens with lanterns lighting the way, leading her guests down paths of danger and wonder. This year, she’d had a section of her house set up as an exhibit of archaeological discoveries from Greece. Nathaniel had taken the tour and had been amazed. Many men might have dreaded the season, but no one wished to miss a Cartridge affair.

    M usic and cheerful chatter poured through the room and ran out into the open balconies and other rooms of the house. It was a happy event, but then there was Joseph. Nathaniel turned to look at Joseph and knew why he really hadn’t wanted to come. The job of escort hadn’t been his to begin with, but an elder brother who’d died in the war.
    Joseph let out a breath, “Jane is not on the dance floor, and she’s not standing by my mother or Catherine. The little elf is always running off.”
    Nathaniel turned to him. “I don’t believe you’re doing the whole escort thing correctly.”
    Joseph stared at him, “I’m standing by the most dangerous person in the house. I believe I’m doing it quite well.” Then he grinned.
    Nathaniel laughed, “Touché.” The words had been said in jest. Nathaniel had no intentions where Jane was concerned. The girl was more family than anything. Like a little sister, but that didn’t stop Nathaniel from teasing Joseph. “Perhaps, I’d have a better shot at finding her.” When Joseph didn’t respond, Nathaniel looked over at him and noticed his eyes fixed in a singular direction. Following his eyes, he saw a glimpse of shimmering white before it was engorged in the presence of those around. A rush of whispers around him let him know it was someone of importance. Someone new had shown their face in London, but who?

    A crowd was drawn in the direction of the ballroom entrance.
    Lady Cartridge’s voice boomed over those present, “Oh, I’m so glad you could come, dear.”
    “Dear?” Nathaniel asked. He shook his head. “Lady Cartridge never calls anyone dear .”
    Joseph grinned, “Well, if you’d seen the lady, you might wish she were your own dear.”
    That would never happen , Nathaniel thought.
    The dowager's voice rang again, “Miss Ott, you’re the most beautiful woman here tonight!”
    Nathaniel stilled at the name. Miss Ott? His Miss Ott? The hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention, and before he knew it, he was moving across the room. When he finally reached the group that surrounded her, a few people pulled back, and there she was
    Brown eyes looked up at him, and Nathaniel felt everything inside of him light up.
    Lady Cartridge spoke, “Oh, Miss Ott, have you met Lord Nathaniel Dawnton?”
    Her lashes fluttered, causing his heart to follow suit. His eyes were moved to her pale lips as she spoke, “Oh, Lady Cartridge, I do believe we have.”
    Believe? There was no doubt about it. Nathaniel could vividly recall their meeting. The moment was paramount in his head. And then their kiss on the balcony. If asked, he would write poetry about her lips. Lush, soft, innocent.

    L ady Cartridge spoke again . This time to Nathaniel. “Don’t be rude, my lord.”
    Nathaniel’s face felt flush, and he noticed something dance in Amy’s eyes. Her face, hair, eyes… they were all the same, but there was something about her that seemed… different. He cleared his throat and extended his hand, “Miss Ott. It’s so good to see you again.”
    The corners of her lips lifted, “You as well, my lord.”
    “This must be your first event of the season. I didn’t see you at any others.”
    “Looking for me, were you?”
    He grinned, “I would not have missed you had you been present.”
    Her voice was soft.