Read To Marry an Heiress for Free Online Page B

reasons as though he’d engraved them across his forehead. These men who lived off the hard work of their ancestors were spoiled, and when the coffers were empty, they found it much easier to marry money than to earn it.
    Then he smiled fully, exhibiting a charm with which he’d no doubt been born. And she realized that if she bore his son, he would resemble his father. He would know what it was to be adored. And he himself would be titled.
    Wasn’t that the way English law worked? The entire estate and its title passed down from father to eldest son. She’d seen the deference given to the first-born sons among the aristocracy. She hated to admit that she’d be pleased to give her son an advantage in life. But was it advantageous to have everything handed to you?
    Was she really any different from the man standing before her? She wasn’t foolish enough to think she’d earned his love or his interest. He needed an association with her father, and marriage to her was the most expedient route.
    “Miss Fairfield won’t chastise you for speaking to me now that we’ve been formally introduced,” he said.
    But she could think of nothing intelligent to utter.I know who you are. I know why you’re here. We will not make a good match.
    And yet she really didn’t know if the last was true. He looked as though like her, he, too, wished he was anywhere else.
    “The cat seems to have gotten hold of her tongue,” Lauren said with a soft chuckle.
    “So it would appear,” he said solemnly. “Might I inquire as to whether you’re enjoying your holiday in London?”
    “Uh, yes, Mr. Huntingdon, I am.” She didn’t know why neither her brain nor her tongue seemed to want to function.
    “What do you fancy most?” he asked.
    Strangely she thought he sounded as though he truly cared. What if he really did have an interest in her beyond her father’s money?
    “I enjoy riding Lord Ravenleigh’s horses through Hyde Park in the morning.”
    “My cousin does have a fine stable of animals.” He bowed slightly. “If you ladies will excuse me, I shall take my leave before I arouse jealousy among my peers for dominating your time.”
    Georgina watched him walk away. She didn’t want to be fascinated by his supple movements, didn’t want to wonder what it might be like to dance with him, to have his undivided attention.
    “We’ve been spending all day, every day together. When in the world did you go riding?” Lauren asked, breaking into her thoughts.
    “In the morning long before you’re awake.”
    “Who is chaperoning you?”
    “No one. I’m an adult. I ride alone at home. Why not here?”
    “Because the rules are different here. And for goodness sake, if he speaks to you again, remember to address him as my lord, not Mr. Huntingdon. The proper form of address is extremely important if you want to make a good impression.”
    Georgina had little doubt she’d made an impression. Perhaps having met her, he would report to her father that he no longer had any interest in her.
    How odd that she suddenly found she had an interest in him.

Chapter 4
    D evon had feared gaining his introduction to Miss Pierce would arouse the curiosity of the other gentlemen in attendance and they might seek her out as well. He’d worried that he’d forfeit his advantage if she were smitten by someone who possessed the ability to offer her more than he could. But if anyone had noticed, he was apparently not intrigued.
    Devon had yet to see Miss Pierce dance.
    After several attempts, one insistent fellow had lured Miss Fairfield away from her friend. Left on her own, Miss Pierce neither conversed nor flirted but seemed to prefer the company of potted palms.
    He spotted her hidden behind the graceful fronds, peering out as though she wasn’t quite certain what activities one engaged in while in attendance at such an affair. Twice his gaze had clashed with hers when she’d discovered him watching her.She did not play coy, as most women did.