Page 21 of The Tempting of a Devilish Lord

“Oh goodness, can we go now?” Mary-Anne demanded.

“No!” Lucinda snapped. “We are returning to our lodgings right this moment.” She looped her arm forcibly through Mary-Anne’s.

“But—”

“Good day, my lords.” She swung a glance at the other ladies. “Mrs. Lonsdale, Miss Lonsdale, Miss Ivy.” She briefly met Alex’s gaze. “We shall leave you to it.” With a swift dip, Lucinda hauled her sister back toward their mother, not allowing a response from any of them.

“Well, that was rude!” Mary-Anne muttered.

“You were already rude, dashing in like that. You know we have not been introduced properly yet and if Mama has it her way, we will never be introduced.”

“I do not know what Mama has against the nobility. Anyone would think she would be thrusting you at them just like Mrs. Lonsdale did with Ivy and Beth.”

“I have Bernie. I do not needthrustingat anyone.”

Especially not someone like Alex. The man had the gall to flirt with her a mere minute or so after charming the Lonsdale sisters.

“Bernard is boring.”

“He is...sensible,” Lucinda countered. “And reliable.”

“Which means boring.” Her sister pulled her close. “You know, Alex looked intently at you. I think he likes you. And he is not boring at all.”

“A rake like him likes every woman of age,” Lucinda pointed out. She’d even seen the proof of that. So if she could not recall that whenever she thought of his dark eyes or his generous lips, she was more of a fool than she realized.

Chapter Seven

Alex paced to the window of his study and peered out across the lawns. He should be replying to letters but for some reason the sudden urge to stretch his legs struck. He shook his head to himself. Perhaps he should turn his attentions to fortune telling or communicating with the dead.

Miss Lucinda Evans scurried across the grass, a hand to her hat. He knew it was her from the curls and the manner of dress. He knew it was her instinctively. His gut clenched at the mere sight of her. Lucy disapproved of him, he’d garnered that much from their meeting two days ago, and for some wretched reason, that made himmoreinterested in her.

Despite himself, he hastened down the stairs and reached the door before the bell sounded across the house and Quigley could answer. The butler lifted a brow, no doubt wondering what the devil had got into his master who rushed to the door like a bloody schoolboy seeing his mother after a term away.

“I’ll speak with her,” is all he muttered before opening the door and stepping outside.

Lucy blinked and took a startled step back when he emerged to find her with her nose practically pressed to the door.

“Oh.”

He grinned. “Oh?”

“I did not expect...that is...” She huffed and wound her gloved hands together.

He glanced around her. “No escort?”

She shook her head rapidly. “I have need of your help.”

“Mine?”

“Yes,” she said tightly. “Mary-Anne has gone missing.”

He dropped the smile rapidly. “When? How?”

“She slipped out this morning whilst I was asleep.” She pressed a hand to her mouth. “I should have known she might try something while Mama is gone. Our escort, Mrs. Hilton, is half-blind and always napping but our mother was relying on me to keep her safe.”

“Do you know where she would go?” He held up a finger. “One moment.” Slipping into the house, he requested his coat, hat and gloves from Quigley. Once they were handed over, he also asked for the buggy to be made ready.

“You are going to help me?” Her eyes were wide when he stepped out whilst shoving his arms into his jacket.

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