Read Surrender for Free Online Page A

and scowled out into the shadows
    of the dark street. He was not in a good
    mood." I don't care for this nonsense. Why
    are we not fetching Miss Huntington from
    her front steps?"
      I've told you," Annabella Lyndwood
    protested." Her aunt is a very understand
    ing person, but Victoria is afraid that even
    she would have a few doubts about our
    plans for this evening."
      I'm glad somebody besides myself has
    the sense to have doubts," Lucas growled.
    He turned toward the other man in the
    carriage." Lyndwood, I think we should
    have a few contingency arrangements made
    in case we become separated in the crowd
    this evening."
      Excellent idea," Lyndwood agreed with
    alacrity. He was clearly relieved to have
    Lucas along." Perhaps we ought to arrange
    for the carriage to wait at a specific location
    somewhat removed from the activity?"
    Lucas nodded, thinking swiftly." It will
    be difficult to maneuver the carriage near
    the park. At this time of night the crowds
    will be large and unpredictable. Tell your
    coachman that if he does not find us
    waiting for him at the same place where he
    sets us down, he should drive two streets
    over from the grounds and wait there near
    a small tavern called the Hound's Tooth."
    Lyndwood nodded, his handsome, con
    cerned features in deep shadow." I know the
    place and so does my coachman, I'll wager.
    Don't mind telling you again I appreciate
    your joining us tonight, stone vale. When
    the ladies take a notion to have an
    adventure, ain't much a man can do to
    stop them, is there?"
      That remains to be seen," stone vale
    said.
    Annabella, dressed in a stylish blue
    walking dress with a matching blue
    pelisse, giggled." If you believe you can
    stop Victoria from doing anything she
    pleases, you have a surprise in store for
    you, my lord."
    Miss Huntington gets up to these tricks
    frequently, I take it?"
    Annabella chuckled again." Victoria is
    never dull, I assure you, but this is a
    first for her, I believe. She told me she
    has been planning this for some time."
      It would seem Miss Huntington has
    gone ungoverned by a husband for far
    too long," Lucas observed, and glowered
    at Annabella as the giggles turned into
    outright laughter." I have said something
    amusing?"
      Miss Huntington intends to go the
    entirety of her life without such governance,"
    Annabella informed him.
      I understand she fears being married
    for her fortune," Lucas said carefully. He
    wanted information but he did not want
    to raise too many questions about his
    motives.
      She fears marriage altogether," Anna
    bella replied, her laughter fading." She has
    seen nothing but very sad examples of the
    wedded state in her own family. And of
    course the business of being constantly
    pursued for her inheritance for so many
    years has only inclined her more than
    ever away from any desire for matrimony.
    Sometimes, I confess I wonder if she
    isn't right in her thinking. What good is
    marriage for a woman?"
      Damme,   Bella,"   her brother broke   in
    sharply." What a mutton-headed thing to
    say. Don't go taking any foolish notions
    into your brain about following Miss
    Huntington's example in life. Mama would
    have hysterics. To be perfectly trutheul, as
    charming as Victoria is, if her aunt wasn't
    such a good friend of Mama's, I should
    think twice about allowing you to go about
    with her. Only look at the situation I am in
    tonight because of that woman's influence
    on you. The sooner you are married, the
    better. Thank God, Barton has almost
    come up to scratch."
    Annabella smiled demurely in the dark
    ness." I know you cannot wait to rid
    yourself of the responsibility of supervising
    my behavior, but I fear you must contain
    your enthusiasm for a while longer, Bertie.
    Upon due reflection I have decided to have
    you refuse Lord Barton's offer, if and when
    it comes."
    " Upon due reflection probably means
    you discussed the matter with Miss
    Huntington," Lyndwood said morosely.
      I do recall a