Read B005R3LZ90 EBOK for Free Online Page A

circumstance to occur.
    Of course, there were no assurances that when his heart mended, George would not remarry. A woman of good birth who possessed both beauty and hefty purse might well capture his heart. Sally needed to face the likely possibility.
    Now, though, she would put up her hair in curl papers because she would be going to the Upper Assembly Rooms tonight. And even though Lord Sedgewick no longer danced, he did come there to try his luck at hazard and cards, and he did partake of refreshments. And she wished to look her best in case he happened to glance upon her.
    * * *
    Since her husband now preferred the card room with George over dancing with his wife, Glee no longer cared for dancing. But for Sally's sake, she suffered stepped-on toes from her husband's chums, Appleton and the twins, who made certain neither she nor Sally lacked for partners at the Assembly Rooms that night.
    Sally was well aware that Glee had hopes Sally could live happily ever after with one of Blanks's bachelor friends. They were all perfectly amiable, but thankfully none of them had yet to become enamored of her. Which was a very good thing, since she would never have been able to return their ardor.
    After the tea break, Sally saw Lord Sedgewick. He strode past the card room, which was quite a departure from his usual habits. Her gaze riveted on him, she continued to watch his progress. He was coming to the ballroom! Her heart began to beat erratically, her hand flying to smooth her hair. Not that she expected him to give her a glance.
    But to her complete surprise, he walked straight to her and bowed. "Would you do me the goodness of standing up with me this set, Miss Spenser?"
    Her eyes round, she nodded. Lord Sedgewick was undoubtedly foxed. She could smell the port on him, and she could see the glassiness in his reddened eyes. And it hurt her dreadfully whenever she discovered he was back soaking, soaking to mend his wounded heart.
    Her stomach flipped when he took her hand and possessively led her to the dance floor. When they faced each other in the longway, he nodded. "May I say you look lovely tonight, Miss Spenser? I rather prefer your hair curled."
    She vowed to curl it the rest of her days. Even if his drinking upset her, she could not deny that the effect it had upon him left her very merry indeed.
    When the set was finished, he put a hand to her waist and whispered into her ear. "Oblige me by strolling the octagon with me."
    Too nervous to find her voice, she nodded and let him lead her to the adjoining chamber. When they reached the octagon, he offered her his arm, and she placed her hand upon it, fervently hoping he would not notice its trembling.
    "I am prepared to do whatever it takes to secure you for my children," he began.
    She had not known he valued his children so highly he would stoop to beg the outspoken Miss Spenser to come and live in his home. "Surely, my lord, you have not given your proposal significant reflection. Have you not considered how . . . how forthright I am in my . . . my criticism of you? I am persuaded you could not above half tolerate my tart tongue."
    He threw his head back and laughed.
    Which once again reminded her of his inebriated condition. "Even tonight," she said, "I am powerless to prevent myself from chiding you."
    He gazed at her with dancing eyes and a crooked smile. "Chiding me for what?"
    "For drinking so heartily when the evening is still so young."
    He came to an abrupt stop and gave her an icy glare. "My drinking is none of your concern, ma'am."
    Despite that her breath grew ragged, she forced a retort. "As your children's champion, I should be concerned over anything that would lessen your ability to be an exemplary father."
    He continued to glare at her. "Am I given to believe that if you came into my service you would intend to govern me in the same manner you would the children?"
    She couldn't answer him. For neither as his children's governess—nor as his sisters'