The Most Eligible Lord in London Read online

  “She is entirely too cheerful,” Frits said, more to himself than his friend. When she’d informed him that she would be in Town with him this Season, she’d refused to answer his questions about what exactly she was going to do.

  “Well, at least she’ll keep you from making a muck of it around the marriageable ladies.” Turley chuckled. “You need to keep in mind that being wed is for life, not a night or two.”

  “I am well aware of that. It’s not like I planned to get myself into so much trouble.” Frits glared at his friend. It was so much easier when his only interest in a woman was slaking his lust and hers.

  “It will take me about half an hour to change,” Turley said.

  “I’ll see you at Brooks’s in just under an hour.” Frits saluted his friend as he rode toward Grosvenor Square.

  Maybe he should just go home again. Then the image of a pair of intelligent, silvery gray eyes formed in his brain. On the other hand, perhaps he’d stay and see what happened. There was just something about Lady Adeline—beyond her lips and breasts—that made him want to know her better. The one difficulty was that she was a friend of Lady Dorie’s, and that wouldn’t help him at all.

  Chapter Two

  Adeline almost gasped at Dorie’s comment about Lord Littleton. Only by giving him the cut direct could she have insulted him more. He must have done something horrible to her.

  Yet, despite her friend’s obvious dislike of the man, Adeline could not help but notice Lord Littleton as he rode away. He sat his horse as if he’d been born riding. And that horse. She had seen pictures of Friesians before, but had never seen a real one. She would have loved to have been able to at least stroke the magnificent animal. If not for watching the horse trot toward them, she would have failed to notice how Lord Littleton’s broad shoulders flexed under the well-fitting jacket, and his muscular legs incased in the tight pantaloons were works of art. When he had gazed at her, a lock of his curling black hair had fallen forward, making her want to touch it. And as their eyes met, his emerald ones seemed to warm, making her feel as if she was the only lady, the only person, he could see. Then a dimple appeared on his left cheek. It was a shame he was ineligible; he really was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

  “What makes him ineligible?” Georgie asked more bluntly than Adeline ever would have put it.

  Adeline glanced at Dorie, waiting to hear the answer.

  “He has no desire to marry.” Her tone was sharp and bitter. “But he will make a lady think she is his sun, moon, and stars.”

  In other words, a rake.

  Adeline bit down on her lip. Dorie was probably not the only lady he had led on. Adeline knew all about rakes: men who merely played with a lady’s heart and did not care how badly he hurt her. Her brother Wivenly had been one, and he’d broken a lot of hearts. At least, that is what she had gathered from overhearing parts of her parents’ conversations. He had even offered to ruin a lady and not marry her.

  As far as she was concerned, they did not make good husbands. Not that her brother would stray. He was devoted to his wife, but he certainly was not a comfortable man. She was sure that came from being a rake and having his way for far too long.

  Adeline was not exactly certain what she wanted, but she knew she did not wish for a life like her mother’s. She might not know everything she wanted in a gentleman, but she knew what she did not want, and a rake was at the top of the list, followed by excesses in drinking, gambling, wenching, club attendance, and politics. She wished for a gentleman who did not pull-cuffs with her every time she turned around, but could enjoy a quiet evening and remain in the country most of the year. Unlike her mother, she would spend time with her children. And she would have a dog—in the house. Something that she had never been allowed to have.

  That Lord Littleton was a rake was more than a bit disappointing. He was very handsome. Adeline mentally crossed him off her list of none. In any event, it would have been too much to hope that she would meet her true love on her first stroll in the Park.

  Ah, well, she sighed to herself. There would be other fish in the sea.

  Another gentleman rode up and was introduced as Lord Turley. He was good-looking as well, though his fair, blond looks were not nearly as compelling as Lord Littleton’s black hair and emerald-green eyes. But most rakes were handsome and interesting. That was the only way they got away with breaking hearts. Lord Turley was much safer, but Georgie seemed interested in him, and Adeline did not wish to run afoul of her new friend. She was fortunate to have found four ladies she got on so well with in such a short time. She let out a soft sigh. At least she knew which gentleman she would avoid.

  The talk turned to Almack’s and balls, particularly Augusta’s come out ball, which would be the first to be held. Adeline’s was not until a few weeks later. They also discussed ways to protect each other from unwanted attention from gentlemen.

  Apparently Lord Littleton was not the only rake in Town. “We could even think up some scenarios to help each other,” she suggested. “Augusta, can you arrange for us to come to Rothwell House so that we can learn where everything is?”

  “Of course,” Augusta agreed, but appeared confused. “How will that aid us when we will not know the other houses?”

  “We will practice slipping away to be found.” Not that Adeline thought she had anything to worry about. She was passably pretty, but not beautiful like her friends were.

  “Like the game Sardines,” Augusta said. Adeline had never heard of the game. Fortunately, her friend saw their confused expressions and explained, “In Sardines, one person hides and the others find her. It is played in Spain.”

  “Sardines it is.” Henrietta laughed.

  It did sound like fun. Adeline looked forward to learning how to help her friends avoid rakes.

  “Will you attend Almack’s this week?” Augusta’s forehead had furrowed. She really wasn’t looking forward to going.

  “I’ll be there with Dotty and Merton.” Henrietta used a reassuring tone. “It will be interesting. Think of it as an experiment.”

  “I suppose I could do that.” Augusta did not sound convinced.

  “Interesting is one way to put it,” Georgie muttered. “I hear that the refreshments leave much to be desired. My mother, brother, and sister will escort me.”

  “Caro and Huntley are bringing me.” Dorie’s nose wrinkled. “Supper consists of thinly sliced stale bread and butter, weak tea, and orgeat.”

  It appeared as if all of them were being accompanied by their brothers or sisters. Adeline had wanted her mother to attend with her for the first time, but Mama had a political event she was helping to host. If Adeline heard another word about politics she was going to—to—well, she would have to think of something that was not too painful as she would no doubt be unable to avoid that topic. The Lords was in session, and most peers were involved in government.

  “I will be there with my brother and sister-in-law. Wivenly complained about going, but Eugénie said he could remain home if he wished, and she would dance with whom she pleased.” Remembering the look of pure outrage on his face, Adeline had to giggle. “She says it in such a way that makes one think she doesn’t care one way or the other, but my brother hates whenever another gentleman stands up with her. So, he will escort us.” Not that he would be much help when it came to knowing who was eligible and who was not. It was most depressing. How was she supposed to know who to encourage and who to discourage? Well, that was what friends were for. Especially Dorie. This was her second Season, and that gave her a great deal of knowledge Adeline and the others did not have.

  As they strolled farther, Georgie fell in beside Adeline. “You look blue-deviled,” Georgie said. “Did you not wish to come to Town?”

  It occurred to Adeline that no one had actually asked if she wanted to come out this year. She had turned eighteen last autumn, and none of the gentlemen in her home county had interested her. Ergo, she had to make her come out at some point, so
this Season was as good as any. “Coming to Town is fine. London seems interesting. The problem is that I have no idea how to go about looking for a husband.”

  Her friend laughed lightly. “I do not think any of us do. From what I have gathered, even Dorie does not know. My sister, Meg, took over three years to decide on a husband. She had a couple of bad experiences. If one thinks about it for too long, it’s enough to put one off the whole thing.”

  That made Adeline feel somewhat better. Not that she wanted another lady to have had a hard time, but at least she was not the only one who felt at a loss. “We practice all sorts of things: manners, dancing, musical instruments, languages, and a host of other subjects. Then we arrive here and are told that gentlemen do not wish a lady to be intelligent. But my elder brother and my father married rational ladies. It is very confusing.”

  Georgie’s brows came together as she frowned. “Did your family tell you that? Mine told me that if a gentleman did not want an intelligent female, he could look somewhere else for a wife.”

  Adeline had to think about that. “No. Not my family, so much as other ladies with whom I have spoken. My mother is so busy with her political events, she has not paid much attention to my come out at all.”

  “I do not know if that is good or bad,” Georgie mused. “Sometimes I feel as if I would like everyone in my family to spend less time thinking about me.” She grinned. “Fortunately, I only have my mother and grandmother. My older sister has been busy setting her husband’s family to rights.”

  Adeline wondered what that meant, but decided she would find out at some point. “My sister-in-law has promised help, but she was raised in the Danish West Indies and has not spent much time in Town.”

  “That must have been interesting. Do not be concerned. It will work out.” Georgie linked her arm with Adeline’s. “We all have one another now. That will help.”

  “Yes. You are correct. I should not worry so much.” Instead, Adeline would enjoy the company of new friends and take in the beauty of the Park as the leaves began to unfurl. Crocuses were popping up, making bright patterns against the green of the grass. She looked forward to the other spring flowers making a showing. “I shall focus on enjoying my time here. And if I am not married this Season, there is always the next one.”

  “That is it exactly and how it should be. I feel deeply for the ladies who are being pressured to wed in their first Season.” Georgie stopped and peered at the carriageway. “Who is that?”

  A gentleman with curling guinea-gold hair riding a bay gelding had stopped and was talking to a lady in a high-perched phaeton. He too was extremely good-looking. Did all the handsome men in England come to Town for the Season? “I have no idea.” Although Adeline would like to be introduced. “Perhaps Dorie knows him.”

  “Dorie?” Georgie raised her voice just enough for their friend, who was walking directly in front of them, to hear and inclined her head in the direction of the newcomer. “Do you know that gentleman?”

  “No.” Dorie shook her head. “I’ve not seen him before. He must be new in Town. He is speaking with Lady Riverton. She is my sister-in-law’s dead brother’s widow. Perhaps he has recently returned from his Grand Tour. She was in Paris until recently, and he does not appear to be in more than his middle twenties.”

  “I agree,” Henrietta commented. “No more than six and twenty, I would say. Well, we can only trust we shall see him at one of the events.”

  “If he is looking for a wife.” Georgie sounded dubious.

  Adeline glanced at the man. He was bowing over her ladyship’s hand, but there was really nothing in that.

  “If he’s not, then I do not care to meet him.” A line formed between Dorie’s brows. She was probably thinking about Lord Littleton. And truly, there was no point in meeting men who were not interested in marriage.

  Adeline was still looking at the blond-haired gentleman when he raised his eyes and stared straight at her. She turned her head, but not before she saw his lips tilt slightly. Was it possible she had interested him? That would make two gentlemen—though she could not count the first—in one day who showed an interest in her. Goodness, the Season might not be as bad as she thought it would be. Of course, she must meet more eligible gentlemen. She glanced at the blond man next to Lady Riverton.

  As much as Adeline wanted to marry and set up her own household, she had to be certain the gentleman she married met all of her qualifications—such as they were—and that it was a love match.

  * * *

  Crispin, Earl of Anglesey, eldest son of the Marquis of Normanby, held the light gray gaze of one of a bevy of young ladies strolling along the verge. He wondered how long he could keep her looking at him, but the lady next to her caught her attention and the gray-eyed lady turned away.

  “I see you are already affecting the just-out-of-the-schoolroom set.” The tone of Sarah, the widowed Countess of Riverton was irritable, and he wasn’t in the mood for it. Still, for the time being, he needed her.

  “I do not know why you are put out.” He allowed his eyes to drop to hers. “You will not marry me, and my father has demanded I wed this Season or lose my allowance.”

  “You know very well I shall not wed again.” She gave a dramatic shudder. “Once was more than enough. I did my duty, and thanks to my very generous settlements am able to pursue my own pleasures.”

  Except that she was not thinking of those pleasures at the moment. One of which included him. Crispin decided to change the subject. He always knew when Sarah thought too much about her sons. She became maudlin. She was allowed to see them as much as she wished, but they resided with their grandparents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Broadhurst, and were never brought to Town. Meaning Sarah had to go to the country to visit her children. Not that Crispin blamed her husband for leaving guardianship with his parents. That was the proper thing to do. It just made her less than companionable at times.

  He knew one way to cheer her, and him. “Would you like me to stop by this evening?”

  “If you wish.” As she spoke, she lifted one shoulder in an uncaring shrug. “However, you may not stay the night. I must be more careful here than in Paris.”

  “Naturally.” She wasn’t the only one who had to watch herself. He did as well. Any number of people could report his activities to his father. Taking her hand, he kissed the air above the fine kid glove, but as he did, he softly stroked her wrist, and she gave him a seductive look. “Dinner, then dessert?”

  “Definitely dessert.” He was already picturing her naked and in bed.

  Her lips parted in a smile. “I shall see you at eight.”

  “Until then.” Crispin moved on until Mrs. Drummond-Burrell caught his attention. She was a rather homely woman with a long face, riding in a landau with another lady he did not know. Mrs. Drummond-Burrell knew his mother, but, more importantly, she would give him access to Almack’s, thus granting him entrée to all the most eligible ladies. And birth was an essential consideration in a wife to his parents, and therefore to him. His wife’s bloodlines had to be pure. “Ma’am, it is a pleasure to meet you again.”

  “Anglesey, I am glad to see you back home again.” She held out her hand, and he made his bow. “Your mother wrote to me saying you would be here.”

  “Paris is lovely but nothing can compare with England,” he lied. He’d still be there if not for his mother’s demands.

  “Lady Bellamny”—Mrs. Drummond-Burrell glanced at the other lady—“may I make known to you Lord Anglesey?”

  The older woman regally inclined her head. “Good day, my lord. I visited your mother before coming to Town.”

  He’d been wondering how to bring up his search for a wife. As both ladies obviously knew he was in the market, this was his opportunity. “Did she also tell you that I have been told not to show my face until I am betrothed?”

  The woman chuckled. “I believe she did mention something to that effect. Clementina, you will have to send Anglesey a voucher for
Almack’s.”

  She lifted one thick brow. “Indeed I shall. Are you staying at Normanby House?”

  “I am.” Along with the servants his mother trusted would keep an eye on Crispin.

  “I shall see you on Wednesday.” She gave the signal for the carriage to move forward.

  “I am honored.” He left, making his way past the other carriages. All in all, this had been a productive outing. He was being admitted to Almack’s, he’d seen a lady who interested him, and he had a bed partner for this evening.

  Making his way out of the Park, Crispin smiled, nodded, and greeted people he had met on the Continent and was introduced to other members of the ton. Some of them matrons whose eyes signaled their availability. He had resolved to be on his best behavior—most of the time. It would not do for his parents to get word he was raking about Town. That also meant he couldn’t set up a mistress. Even his father—the easier of his parents—had particular ideas about one’s conduct when courting a young lady. For the present, he had the lovely Sarah to satisfy any of those needs, but he could not deny other ladies who wished the pleasure of his company. After all, a man could not be expected to ignore his desires. He would simply have to find a set of rooms or a small house for his liaisons. Somewhere his mother’s servants could not spy on him.

  Chapter Three

  On Wednesday evening, Adeline stared at herself in the mirror. The pale yellow gown with her pearl earrings and necklace were well enough, but she wished she could wear brighter colors. “Could we put an emerald-green ribbon in my hair?”

  Her maid, Fendall, gave her a critical look before shaking her head. “Perhaps a Pomona green ribbon would look better.”