Unconventional Suitors 02 - Her Unconventional Hero by Ginny Hartman Read Free Book Online Page B

consider it.”
    “Don’t be stubborn,” he scolded gently.
    Before Adel could respond, the longest waltz in the history of waltzes finally came to a blessed end. The minute Lord Straton began escorting her from the floor, she asked anxiously, “What is the lady’s name?”
    “Which lady?” he asked with a mock ignorance.
    Adel wanted to hit him, but somehow managed to refrain. “Tell me before I step on your foot.”
    Lord Straton laughed. “I’m learning a great many things about you this night—you have a penchant for foul language and for violence. I shouldn’t be surprised by anything you do, but I find that I am.”
    “You forgot to mention my unpleasant appearance.”
    Lord Straton pulled her to halt, turning quizzical eyes upon her. “Your unpleasant appearance?”
    One hand went up to her face. “Yes. Have you already forgotten the dark circles under my eyes that you were so critical of?”
    “You misinterpret my concern if you take it to mean that I was being critical of your appearance in any way. Quite the opposite is true, for I find your appearance to be quite pleasing. I was merely making conversation.”
    In an effort to ignore the pleasure his compliment produced, she offered him some advice, “Do yourself a favor and please refrain from ever mentioning a lady’s poor appearance during polite conversation again. Most will not take it as well as I.”
    “If that was taking an imagined insult well, I dread seeing how you handle one in poor fashion.”
    Closing her eyes and exhaling in irritation, she said firmly, “Just tell me the lady’s name. I kept my end of the bargain, now you would do well to keep yours.”
    “And if I do not?”
    “You would do well not to try my patience any further.”
    “That sounds like a challenge.”
    “I assure you, my lord, it is not. Please, just tell me her name.”
    Lord Straton stared at her as if he were weighing whether or not he should tell her in his mind. She felt as if her already-worn patience was about to vanish completely when he finally said, “Her name is Lady Grace.”
    Adel couldn’t contain the smile that spread across her face. “Thank you,” she replied as she turned to leave.
    “Wait,” Lord Straton called after her. “Why do you want to know her name?”
    “I was curious was all,” she vaguely replied.
    “Curious about your perceived competition?”
    Adel turned once more to face him, the glee she felt at learning the mystery woman’s name evaporating as quickly as it had come. “Why do you insist on constantly goading me? You are the most irritating man I have ever met.”
    Deciding she would not wait around for an answer, Adel turned on her heel and fled, for no explanation he could give her would satisfy.

Chapter 6
    Griffin sat in a comfortable leather chair in Benedict’s study, one booted foot propped up on his thigh, as he reclined casually. Benedict was sitting behind his desk, several of the day’s papers stacked before him.
    “Have you come to share the announcement of your engagement with me?” Benedict inquired, his eyes scanning the paper in front of him.
    “On the contrary. I came to tell you that Lady Adel refused my pursuit.”
    Benedict looked at him over the paper, “That is not news-worthy, for she has been refusing your pursuit all season long.”
    Griffin bristled. “I have not been pursuing her the entire season.” Benedict gave him a disbelieving look. “I asked her to wed me the other evening, and she boldly told me she would not. I came to tell you that you must pick another lady for me to wed.”
    Laying the papers aside, Benedict rose and retrieved a decanter of brandy and two glasses. He poured a measure into both, handing one to Griffin before leaning casually against the edge of his desk and saying, “I suggest you try harder.”
    “Blast it, man, I have tried. She is not interested in my affections.”
    “It’s only been a matter of days since you learned that you were to wed