Read Online A Baron in Her Bed by Maggi Andersen - Free Book Online Page A

for, preferring smooth braids. Aware that Fanny would hate it, she had added a little black net to cover the crown of her head, like a dowager in mourning, in the faint hope it might disguise more of her appearance. The low neckline of the gown afforded her figure some womanly curves, and she trusted she now bore no resemblance whatsoever to the groom with whom Lord Fortescue had spent the night. At this thought, she bit her bottom lip in dismay. What a fool she’d been! If their night together were discovered, the ramifications would spread far wider than she had considered. She decided the baron would be too distracted by Fanny’s loveliness to notice her, but it failed to provide her any comfort.
    The carriage passed through the gates at Kemble Court and approached the symmetrical building of stucco brick. It pulled up in front of the porch. Two solid pillars flanked the front door. The property was situated farther from the town than Malforth Manor and enjoyed a much larger park. However, it was nowhere near as imposing as the magnificent Rosecroft Hall. Lady Kemble had mentioned on more than one occasion that, although smaller, her property was much better laid out with very little wasted space. Horatia thought her a fearful snob, and it was fortunate that such an attitude had not rubbed off on Fanny.
    A footman helped Horatia down from the carriage. She eased her tight shoulders, sure that an awkward and disconcerting evening awaited her.
    Horatia entered the hall on her father’s arm. She deposited her evening mantle in the maid’s arms. Her hands trembled as she smoothed the skirts of her gown and waited while a footman took her father’s evening cloak.
    Lady Kemble’s husband had gained his knighthood for services in the navy shortly before his death. His widow stood waiting, eager to present her special guest. “So rarely are we honored with a visitor of this stature in our part of the country,” she gushed. Lord Fortescue stood beside her, handsome in dark evening clothes of exquisite tailoring, his linens white against his dark skin. “And such a prepossessing personage,” Lady Kemble added with a flirtatious glance in his direction. She introduced Horatia’s father to the baron. Her glance alighted on Horatia, and her features took on a disgruntled expression. “Miss Cavendish, permit me to introduce you to Lord Fortescue.”
    Horatia forced her knees into a curtsy after taking note of the small bruise on his forehead and the cut, which was healing well.
    “My pleasure, Miss Cavendish.” He bowed. His gaze flickered over her from her hair to her chest and back to her eyes. A pulse beat in her throat. She had not forgotten those blue eyes. Would he recognize her? Horatia saw no sign of it. He moved on to greet Mr. and Mrs. Shelton, who had arrived behind them. She might have been an aged dowager for all the interest he showed in her. Perhaps it was that cursed bit of net. After the first studied glance, he looked right through her. And he a practiced rake! She fumed, ignoring the fact she should be relieved. Her breasts looked pale and exposed, and she pulled her shawl closer. How loathsome to be ignored in such a fashion.
    Horatia and her father entered the salon where her godfather, Eustace, held court. Her father hurried over to greet him. She was relieved by the size of the party. Lady Kemble had cast her net wide, bringing suitable personages from surrounding towns. Some twenty-five or more people milled about in the long room. Several young ladies gazed at Lord Fortescue in frank admiration.
    Eustace left her father and came to kiss her hand. She noticed his limp. “My dear, you are the belle of the ball this evening.”
    “As you well know, Eustace, I hardly compare with some of the ladies here,” Horatia countered with a brief smile. “Is your gout bothering you very much?”
    “It has been troublesome, my dear. Thank you for noticing.”
    “I’m so sorry. Have you tried that remedy the