Read His Lordship's Chaperone for Free Online

manners correct, that
would certainly make Lord Haverton the most sought-after man in London.
    If his character were to equal his looks, this man
would be a lethal combination for any woman. She would surely melt while under
the penetrating gaze of his dark brown eyes. Just the thought of living under
the same roof with that wonderfully handsome man made her heart quicken.
    She wondered if he had any intention of engaging
her affections and plunged into her reticule for her spectacles. Lady Talbot
had told Catherine more than once she was pretty. And being pretty could be
dangerous in London. She slipped on her spectacles. Catherine did not want him
to show interest in her of any kind. She pushed the glasses toward the bridge
of her nose, never doubting that her bluestocking appearance would discourage
any man’s advances.
    The Duchess paused in the doorway of the drawing
room before entering. Miss Hayward stared aimlessly into the room. Adrift in
her own thoughts, the Duchess supposed. The girl has had only one look at
Robert and was already lost, although she might not know it yet.
    “I must apologize for my son. I’m afraid we’ve
caught him in the midst of his work. It is not particularly a good time.”
    Catherine turned to face Her Grace. “I’ll note that
for future reference.”
    “He becomes quite distracted—sometimes he appears
almost thick!” The Duchess took a cleansing breath and continued. “He has
informed me that he wishes to give you a twenty pound advance.” She looked up
when Catherine gasped. “You’ll need to purchase matching gloves and shoes for
your new gowns.”
    “New gowns?”
    She had to proceed with caution. The Duchess did
not wish to make the position sound too good to be true. “Your current gowns
are fine for the schoolroom but they will not do for the Assembly. And, of
course, he will be paying for the new gowns.”
    “I beg your pardon? Did you say his lordship would
be paying for my new gowns?”
    “Oh, yes.” Her Grace nodded. “He was very insistent
on that point.”
    The housekeeper arrived with the tea. The Duchess
sent her away, stating she would pour out. “I’m afraid you’ll have to make do
with what you have for tonight.”
    “Tonight?” Catherine leaned forward, sitting up
straighter and more wide-eyed. “Are we to go out tonight?”
    “You shall accompany Haverton to the Trowbridge
soiree.” The Duchess set her gloves and reticule aside and lifted the teapot.
    “It is my duty. I suppose I must.” Catherine eased
back into the sofa, accepting her new responsibility. “I cannot possibly refuse.”
    “Good. I’ll see to it, personally, that you have
what you need. I shall come by tomorrow morning and take you to my modiste.”
    “I thank you, Your Grace. You are most generous.
I’m afraid I should not know where to begin.”
    “I shall not abandon you now. I will keep in close
contact until you are comfortably installed. You may rely on that.”
    “I do not know what to say.” A mixture of gratitude
and relief shone in her eyes. “You are too kind.”
    “Think nothing of it. My son feels he needs you for
his protection. Moreland Manor will be your new home until the time the
Marquess finds just the right young woman to become his wife.”
    After tea, Her Grace led Catherine to the gold
suite abovestairs and pushed open the large door. “I
hope this will be adequate.” The Duchess swept into the first room.
    “Adequate?” Catherine entered. She had never seen
such apartments in her life and doubted Lord and Lady Talbot inhabited such
lush quarters. “Is all this for me?”
    “Yes, it is. Haverton told me himself that you
should have the very best.”
    Catherine looked at the high ceiling and white
walls decorated with intricate patterns of gold leaf. Beyond the open doors on
the right lay the bedchamber. “I cannot help but think there is something more
to all this.”
    “I’m afraid you do not comprehend the importance of
your