Read Online One Night in London by Caroline Linden - Free Book Online

amusement because he knew she would fail even if she tried to do as he suggested. “I am sure your case is much more important than an innocent little girl whisked away from her only living relation by a greedy stepmother. The more I think about it, it is much more appropriate that I seek aid from someone who has only to snap his fingers to bring people running to his bidding. And since you will have Wittiers to do that bidding, you should be able to spare a few hours of your time to attend to my trifling little need.”
    He stared at her in silence for a moment. That was all the time it took for her to realize what she had just said, and how incredibly stupid she must seem to this man. But it was too late to retreat now, so she kept her chin up.
    Then he smiled again. In spite of herself, Francesca couldn’t help noticing he looked much more attractive when he smiled like this. “You,” he said, “are quite a woman.”
    “It’s the Italian side of me,” she replied, as if he had just paid her a great compliment.
    “Indeed. I have rarely—” He paused with a sharp glance at her. “— never seen such blatantly managing behavior.”
    Francesca tipped up her chin, smiling warmly at him. She knew the fight was lost but didn’t want to leave with her tail between her legs. “Then shall I see you tomorrow, to begin our search?”
    “I think not.” Still smiling, he bowed his head. “Good day, Lady Gordon.”
    “I shall never forgive you for such heartless refusal,” she called after his departing back.
    He glanced at her. “Nor should you,” he said gently. “Good-bye, madam.” He opened the door and walked out, leaving it open.
    “Good riddance, you mean,” she said on a sigh. She pressed her fingers to her forehead as a servant appeared in the doorway.
    “May I see you out, my lady?” he inquired, polite but firm.
    Francesca held her head high. “Thank you.” She followed him with regal hauteur through the silent, elegant house until he swept open the imposing front door for her. She marched down the steps, climbed into her carriage, and told Mr. Hotchkiss to take her home.
    Then she let her head fall back with a crack against the carriage seat. What a spectacular, and complete, disaster.

Chapter 5
     
    T he Earl of Halston, Louisa’s father, had taken a comfortable home near Belgrave Square for the Season. The butler showed Edward into the house, and then came back to tell him Lady Louisa was in the garden, and would he care to join her there? Of course he would. He stepped out into the enclosed garden and called her name.
    “Edward!” Louisa came down the path, her eyes shining and her cheeks pink. “What a surprise!”
    “A pleasant one, I hope.” He raised her hand to his lips and inhaled deeply. Louisa smelled so delicately feminine, of lilacs and spring and tea, just like a woman should smell. As always, he was very pleased with his choice of wife.
    His fiancée laughed. “Of course! I hope you will stay to dinner as well; Mama will be devastated if you do not.”
    He shook his head. “Tonight I cannot; perhaps another evening.” He tucked her hand around his arm, and she fell in step beside him. “My father died last week.”
    She bowed her head. “Papa saw the notice in the paper. I am so sorry, Edward.”
    Edward nodded. “Thank you. We had anticipated it for some time, of course, because of his failing health, but still . . .” An unexpected sting of loss made him pause to regain his composure. “My brother and I have come to town to settle some affairs of his.” There was an understatement.
    “Of course,” she murmured. “It was good of you to come see me at all, when you must have so much to do.”
    He smiled wryly. “On the contrary, it was the only thing I wished to do. The rest is far from pleasant, and only the sight of you brings me any peace.”
    She smiled at him. They were so well-matched, he thought; she understood that he needed calm and peace more than