Read Rescuing Rosalind (Three Original Ladies and Their Gentlemen) for Free Online Page B

length.
    “He is one of the great sea captains of the Napoleonic Wars, Miss Edwards. Straight as a die, always able to get the job done. We took a good many prize ships.”
    “You are great friends?”
    “Yes, I am proud to say we are. The best of friends. He has saved my life, and I his, on numerous occasions.”
    This is not good news. The captain owes far more to his friend than he does to me. Deal may tell of our escapade. A laugh between friends. But I would be completely ruined.
    Was that not what she wanted? To be free of society? If only it were that simple. She had no independent means until she was of age. She did not even know if the duke would continue to house her with his precious children were she ruined. No. The only freedom on offer for Miss Fanny Edwards was a marriage to someone who would not object to her strange starts.
    Moments after coming to this conclusion, Fanny felt as though she were beaten over the head with a stick. How could she be so slow-witted? Was not the Marquis of Deal such a man? He had even been a willing participant in her latest start. But, according to Westringham, he was not a marrying man.
    Fanny’s heart speeded up at the thought of a challenge. Why had she not thought of it earlier? Jealousy would be an excellent tool, and here, holding her in his arms, was the means.
    When the dance was over, she fanned herself vigorously. “It is dreadfully close in here. Shall we step out onto the terrace for a moment?”
    Westringham’s brown eyes lit up at the suggestion, making him appear almost handsome. She had not been exaggerating when she told him that he would be welcome in the greenrooms of London. But she sensed that if he was taken in by this act she was performing, he would wish for a conventional wife.
    Once they were on the terrace, she led him to talk about his youth before he took to sea. As he talked, she looked over his shoulder every few minutes, expecting Deal to appear.
    However, it was Warmsby who sought them out, not the marquis.
    “You are causing talk, Miss Edwards,” he said, his eyes hard and commanding. “It is time for you to return to the ballroom.” He offered his arm.
    Her escort straightened his spine. “You must forgive me, Miss Edwards. I had no intention of exposing you to censure.” Taking her hand, he drew it through his arm and turned to reenter the ballroom.
    Warmsby walked on her other side. “It is the supper dance. Are you engaged?”
    “I am,” she said. Without elaborating, she thanked Westringham, ignored Warmsby, and glided into the crowd. Before she realized it, Deal was at her side.
    “A rematch?” he asked.
    Taking his arm, she said, “If you so dare.”
    * * *
     
    When they had each won a game of piquet apiece, the marquis asked, “Rosalind, what are you about with Warmsby? He seems to believe he has some rights where you are concerned.”
    Fanny wrinkled her nose. “I cannot imagine why he would think that.”
    “Having observed you dancing, I would say that your blinding smiles and simpers gave him cause.”
    “Are you reverting to Old Sobersides again? You are so much more amusing when you treat me as the woman I am, and not the child you knew.”
    “Do you find Warmsby amusing?”
    “Not very. In fact, I do not know him well.”
    “But that does not stop you from encouraging him.”
    “Please, stop ringing a peal over me. I suspect you of trying to make me muddle-headed so I will lose this game.” Looking up from her cards, she saw a terrific frown on the marquis’s face. “You are not my nursemaid, you know.”
    “You do not need a nursemaid, you need a terrific thrashing. Are you angling for Westringham, as well?”
    “At least he treats me with the respect due a lady.”
    “You are not a lady. You are a minx. Someday, someone is going to teach you a badly needed lesson.”
    “I suppose you think it should be you?”
    “I might be the only one not to be blinded by your playacting. Did I not rumble your