Read The Earl's Return (Marriage Mart Mayhem) for Free Online Page B

away.
    The ugliness of St. Giles was far, far away from the bejeweled and pampered members of Society. The little orphans’ welfare that she oversaw meant more to her each day. It saddened her to think of all the children running through the streets of London who had not been lucky enough to have a home at the Orphan Asylum. If only there were enough money to build more homes for the tykes.
    “Mary!” Lost in thought, she startled as someone called her name. She turned as Lady Catherine hurried up to her, a bright smile on her face. “You look lovely.” She held out Mary’s hands to the sides and admired her gown. “That shade of green looks wonderful on you. I wish I could wear that color, but with my hair and eyes I would look ghastly.”
    “Thank you. You look rather splendid yourself.” Her friend’s light blue gown with ecru lace enhanced her porcelain complexion and pale blond hair. While not exactly pretty, her face was pleasant, and her countenance sparkled with excitement. Two years her junior, Catherine and Mary had been close friends since the girl’s come-out three years ago. They gave each other a slight hug and moved forward as the line advanced.
    “Do you suppose Lord Danvers will be here tonight?” Catherine looked hopeful as she scanned the crowd.
    “I don’t see why not. He’s been at every ball so far this Season.” Mary gave her a teasing smile. “Is there a particular reason why you ask? Surely you don’t fancy the man.”
    Catherine sighed. “Yes. I am afraid I do, and you know that full well.”
    A footman took their wraps and cards that he passed to the butler who made the announcements as each guest stepped to the top of the stairs. Mary and Catherine, along with her aunt, Miss Benson, who was acting as chaperone for Catherine this Season, descended the steps and joined the crowd milling about.
    As they crossed the ballroom they were stopped many times by young ladies exclaiming over them as if they’d been apart for months instead of having seen each other only two nights before. Mary accepted a flute of champagne from a passing footman and perused the gathering. The usual lords and ladies—no one new, no one of interest. She smiled at Lord Appleby as he filled in a slot on her dance card.
    “So, gel. Will you be following your sisters and marry this Season?” Ancient Lady Montrose poked Mary in the arm with her bejeweled cane. Mary refrained from rubbing the sore spot and smiled at the termagant, remembering her mother’s admonition to respect her elders.
    The woman’s deep blue turban matched her eyes, which still sparkled with mischief, despite her advanced years. “Well? Speak up.”
    “I have no idea, my lady. When the right man comes along, I assume that is when I will follow my sisters’ footsteps.”
    “Fresh piece of baggage,” she said, thumping the ground with her cane.
    The Right Honorable, the Earl of Redgrave.
    Mary’s head whipped around and she licked her lips as Redgrave descended the steps, staring pointedly in her direction.
    …
    Redgrave’s muscles tightened. Why the devil did he happen to seek out Lady Mary the minute he stepped to the top of the stairs? This near obsession with the woman had to end. He tore his attention from her and greeted several guests. Yet, the entire time he spoke, his mind was filled with the image of Lady Mary in her green and gold gown.
    The bodice was low enough to entice, but modest enough for an unmarried woman. As she moved her head, her earbobs caught the glow of the candles, throwing off sparkles that caught his eye. She threw her head back in laughter, revealing all that beautiful white skin where he ached to place his lips.
    He made his way around the room, chatting and flirting, stopping to add his name to several dance cards. Yet, in all that time he knew exactly where she stood, who she was speaking with, and how many turns around the ballroom she took.
    And with whom.
    He placed his empty glass on a tray and