Read The Story of a Baron (The Sisters of the Aristocracy) for Free Online Page A

which, thankfully, remained closed, gave him a brilliant smile. “Geraldine Porterhouse. I believe you play cards with my brother, Richard.” After a slight pause, she added, “Lord Afterly,” in her light voice. A familiar voice.
    Matthew gave a quick shake of his head. Of course, I wouldn’t have known the lady’s identity! The last time he had seen Lady Geraldine Porterhouse, she was still in the schoolroom! “I suppose no one gets away with calling you ‘Jerry’ these days,” he commented in a teasing voice.
    Her sea green eyes widening in surprise, Geraldine raised a hand to cover her mouth. “You do remember! Although, I must admit, I wish you didn’t,” she replied with a wan smile. A pink flush colored her face before she could lower her head.
    The brim of her pink hat briefly hid her features from Matthew. She’s become a lovely creature , he thought as he wondered to whom she was married.
    Her parents, the Earl and Countess of Afterly, had both drowned when their Continent-bound ship went down near the coast of Spain. They had been on their Grand Tour of Europe, their trip nearly complete when they perished. Richard Porterhouse, still in his twenties, inherited the earldom. But his penchant for traveling – his avocation was archaeology – meant his younger sister was left on her own for months at a time. At least the poor chit was a sociable creature; she managed to attend a variety of ton events despite not having an escort nor a companion at her elbow. Even though he had only been back in London a few days, Matthew had already heard some gossip about her – everyone in the ton had heard about the supposed exploits of Lady Geraldine Porterhouse.
    “It looks as if you were about to take your leave. May I escort you to your carriage?” Matthew offered, extending an elbow in her direction.
    Geraldine glanced back to ensure her maid still shadowed her. “Why, that’s very kind of you, my lord,” she replied, moving to rest her hand on his arm as if she did it everyday. “I am actually on my way to shop in New Bond Street.”
    “Call me Ballantine, of course,” he replied quickly, daring a quick glance at Geraldine’s jewel-bedecked hand on his arm. There were three rings, but none on her fourth finger.
    The daughter of an earl gave him a nod. “A barony seems to suit you, Ballantine,” Geraldine commented as she allowed him to lead them down the stairs. “How long has it been?” she wondered.
    Matthew knew she referred to the death of his father, a rather unexpected event that left his mother an almost helpless widow and a barony near receivership. “Coming up on four years now,” he finally answered, chiding himself on how he had allowed the innocent question to result in a sudden fit of melancholy.
    They made their way to the front of the bookstore, Geraldine’s maid following close behind. Not comfortable making small talk, Ballantine wondered what topic he might bring up to keep the gel talking. “Forgive me, but I don’t recall reading about your wedding. Who is the lucky man, if I may ask?” he wondered as a footman saw to the door.
    Turning her head to regard the baron as they passed through the front doors of the establishment, Geraldine had to resist the urge to snort. “You didn’t read about a wedding involving me because there hasn’t been one,” she countered with a shake of her head and a quick wave of the hand decorated with gemstones. Or, perhaps they were paste. He couldn’t really tell.
    Matthew nearly stopped in his tracks. Not married? Geraldine Porterhouse was one of prettiest chits in the ton! Her father had been an earl. Her brother was now the Earl of Afterly. How could she have avoided the bonds of marriage? “But you’re ... betrothed, certainly,” Matthew replied, glancing up and down the street in an attempt to determine which piece of equipage would be taking the chit to her next destination.
    Geraldine Porterhouse gave an audible sigh. “I am