Read Angelina for Free Online Page B

this, James thought. Her countenance and demeanour were grave, and though her manner was warm in appreciation of the condolences, it was distant enough to discourage maudlin familiarity.
    During the service he’d had occasion to catch her eye. In their depths he’d encountered a soft desperation, as if she’d rather be running amongst the flowers in the meadow instead of performing such a sad duty.
    Admiration for her grew in him. She was little more than a child in her ways, possessing no worldliness. Alexandra Pakenham had made sure she’d been well trained in her duties. Life was unkind to those unprepared, he mused, but Angelina, although seemingly delicate, had an in-built toughness that surprised him.
    As he observed her old-fashioned mourning gown, James realised it would be unfair of him to introduce her to his family just yet. He’d never seen a woman of rank so badly outfitted. She’d make a bad impression on those who did not know her, and be disadvantaged wherever she went.
    His forehead furrowed in thought. Elizabeth was elegant, her taste impeccable in both dress and manners. She had a serene and gentle way with her on the whole, and was well liked in the district. He admired her lively wit on occasion, but when roused to anger she could be unexpectedly cutting, and sometimes cruel, especially towards Rosabelle, who was as selfish as she was vain.
    How would she treat this beautiful innocent daughter of hers, the child she’d never been given the chance to love? His frown deepened as he began to realise his guardianship of Angelina was more than just a duty. The girl’s appearance needed to be improved considerably before she was presented to her mother.
    It would be of advantage to Angelina if he took her London. With Celine and a new maid to advise her, she could be outfitted with the fashionable fripperies that gave a woman confidence. She also needed to learn the latest dances in time for the ball. Then he’d present her to the family.
    His frown disappeared when she glanced at him and smiled.
    “It’s time we left, James.” 
    He’d have to make sure she was protected, made aware of the deceit practised by men as a means to an end. A lump came into his throat as he watched her eyes sparkle when he smiled back at her. He resolved to do everything in his power to make her happy.
    It was then he glanced up. Catching sight of Rafe leaning nonchalantly against the trunk of a tree in the lane outside the church his face lit up. Rafe was travel-stained and dusty, his horse weary. He straightened up when James caught his eye, made an attempt to brush the dust from his coat with his hat.
    Rafe’s dark hair was roughly fashioned into a plait. Unable to afford a personal servant, he refused to wear a wig unless absolutely necessary. If James hadn’t known his friend to be scrupulously honest, he’d have judged his appearance to be disreputable. Unfortunately, that was exactly the impression he had on Angelina.
      “What took you so long in getting here, Rafe? You didn’t encounter trouble on the road, I hope.”
     “My horse was lamed, and we were obliged to take up lodgings for a while whilst the poor fellow recovered. I’ve left my sister at Chevonleigh to rest.” Lazily, his glance went to Angelina. His eyes widened. “Exquisite,” was the word that involuntarily left him. “The girl is a beauty, James.”
    “And you are impertinent, sir.”
    “An enchantingly unsophisticated child goddess,” Rafe went on, apparently intrigued by her. His smile widened. “Introduce us, James,” he drawled, “I’d prefer to be an impertinent friend than an impertinent stranger.”
    Angelina gazed frostily at The Earl of Lynnbury when she was introduced. Tall, powerfully built and dark-haired, the man had a direct and penetrating gaze which was disconcerting. She’d never seen eyes of such a deep green, and although she found their gold-flecked darkness beautiful, contrariness wouldn’t allow her to