Page 8 of The Most Eligible Lord in London
Chapter Four
After spending an intimate hour or so at Sarah’s house, Crispin and she had arrived separately at Almack’s and were now standing at the side of the Assembly Room, where they could see the parties arriving.
“Shall I visit you later this evening?” He was pushing his luck, but an hour hadn’t been enough.
She raised one well-arched brow. “I do not remember you being so insatiable in Paris.”
In Paris he’d had as many lovers as he wished. “I’ve missed you.”
Her glance slid to the entrance. “Your young lady has arrived.”
Crispin wasn’t stupid enough to look in the same direction she had. “You have not given me your answer.”
“Are you not interested in knowing who she is?” Her tone managed to be arch and sensuous at the same time. He adored sparring with her.
He lowered his mouth to her ear. “I am more interested in seeing to what heights I can bring you tonight.”
“Perhaps, but first you must dance to your father’s tune or you will find yourself at point nonplus.”
“Very well.” He heaved a sigh for her benefit. “Tell me about my future wife.”
“Her name is Lady Adeline Wivenly, the daughter of the Earl of Watford. She is eighteen—not quite as young as I had thought—and making her come out this year.” He raised a brow, and Sarah’s lips curled up. “Her dowry is sufficient for you to ignore your father’s threats.”
He was not going to ask the amount. If he waited, she would tell him. “She’s not beautiful.”
Sarah languidly waved her fan. “I wager that her twenty thousand will make her better looking and easier to bed.”
He’d never had a problem bedding any woman. His only concern was avoiding the French pox. “Easier to do my duty, you mean. She will never interest me as much as you do.”
A pleased smile tilted Sarah’s lips.
Mrs. Drummond-Burrell came over to them. “Lady Riverton, how are you enjoying your return to England?”
“It is delightful.” Sarah greeted the lady warmly. “Being here brings back memories.”
“Good ones, I trust.” Mrs. Drummond-Burrell smiled. Then he remembered that the two women had known each other for several years.
“Indeed they are.” With one hand, Sarah indicated Crispin. “Lord Anglesey was just asking about Lady Adeline Wivenly. He appears quite interested in the lady.”
A glint appeared in Mrs. Drummond-Burrell’s eye. “Come with me, my lord, and I shall recommend you as a suitable partner for the waltz. I am positive that will help your suit.”
“You do me a great honor, ma’am.” He bowed, then held out his arm. “I need all the help I can get.” In fact, he did not expect it to take long to fix the lady’s attentions. She was, after all, young, innocent, and not a beauty. She would be glad for his consideration.
When Mrs. Drummond-Burrell made the introductions and recommended Lady Adeline waltz with him, the chit smiled brightly. This would be even easier than Crispin had thought.
He was pleased with her obvious breeding. Her curtsey was graceful and she performed the waltz credibly well, with no blushing missishness. Unlike many of the young ladies around them, whose faces were red.
At first, he thought to entertain her with stories of his journey, but it soon became obvious that she was not interested in his Grand Tour. That more than surprised him. This plain little sparrow would take more convincing than he’d thought.
“Are you enjoying your Season?” After all, what else could one discuss with a lady just out?
Her wide, gray eyes met his and showed more interest. “So far it has been fine. As you know, it has just begun.”
“But you must like London, particularly the shopping?” In his experience, all ladies loved shopping.
“Of course, but one can only purchase so many fripperies. Do you enjoy being in Town?”
It was better than being in the country. Yet he wanted to know if she liked the country as well. She’d be spending most of her time there, and posed his question to elicit the required answer. “I do enjoy it during the Season.”
