Read Darrington 01 - Marriage Minded Lord for Free Online Page A

eyes, she was very much a vibrant fixture in London. “Your sister and I are discussing the merits of attending the Amherst rout in two weeks. The invitation arrived yesterday, for all three of us. Actually, it mentioned your other siblings as well, but they’ve yet to respond to my summons.”
    Why is that? His chest tightened with stress. Lucky devils they were indeed to stay away. If he wasn’t embroiled in problems here, he’d go fetch them himself. Felix methodically folded his paper as Roberta’s words sank into his consciousness. He laid the paper to the side of his plate and stared at his mother. “The Duke of Amherst? He’s never invited us to anything before.”
    “Of course, dear. As if there is another Amherst of consequence in town at the moment.” Roberta grinned. “ The lateness of the invite could mean they’re short on numbers since Parliament and the upcoming holidays are a strain on social commitments, but I’m choosing to ignore that fact. It will be a prime function where Charlotte—or even you—can be seen amongst the Ton and perhaps catch someone’s eye.”
    “Right. For one glorious second I’d thought you wanted your offspring to enjoy themselves while in London.” An image of a dark-haired woman with coffee-colored eyes and a smart mouth sprang into his mind. “However, I think attending Amherst’s party would be in everyone’s best interest.” Something about the enigmatic touch of sadness he’d glimpsed in Miss Delacroix’s eyes urged him to find out more of her secrets—namely the lord who was allegedly her father. “Perhaps if I agree to this rout, you two will leave me alone for the remainder of the Season.” Then he’d have more time to contemplate how else he should wrangle another meeting with the mysterious Frenchwoman.
    Charlotte, who sat beside him, turned and gazed upon him with a dancing blue gaze. “Do you mean it? You’ll accompany Mother and me?”
    “Absolutely.” He adored his sister. From the roots of her dark red hair to the soles of her dainty feet, there wasn’t another female he held in such high esteem except his little sister, of course. Any woman he eventually agreed to leg shackle would need to pass inspection with Charlotte. “And may I say, perhaps you should wear that emerald satin or the light blue, silver-shot silk. It will set off your hair quite nicely and bring out your eyes.”
    “What a delight you are today.” Charlotte grinned. “Some say the Darrington blue eyes are my best feature.”
    “That may be true, but your hair is quite magnificent as is your fiery temper and your penchant for meddling in other people’s affairs of the heart.” He wanted to gag that he’d stooped so low as to discuss fashions and give his sibling obvious compliments. “Do you, ah, know who else is on the guest list for the Amherst affair?”
    “I have no idea,” Charlotte admitted. “Perhaps Mother does.”
    “I do not, but I could inquire if a specific lady is at the heart of your question.” His mother clucked across the table. “And may I say, this change in attitude on your part is suspect.” She cut a boiled egg into slices. Her hawk-like gaze bore into him. “What are you after? It’s not like you to willingly wish to squire either of us about, let alone encourage your sister to attend a specific function.”
    Felix fought off the warmth roiling over him. He took his time filling his plate with food, choosing instead to let his parent suffer in silence for a bit longer. Finally, he said, “I’ve decided to give some thought to your needs, Mother. Of course you want grandchildren, and me sitting around here when not in Parliament won’t accomplish that goal.” He glanced between his relatives as his mind spun with a devilish idea. “I shall ask Lady Drummond to accompany me—unless she’s already received her own invitation. Should she want to bring her companion along, I won’t begrudge the woman a night out.” If they