Read Online Birds of a Feather by Allison Lane - Free Book Online Page B

compromise him into marriage?
    His temper shattered. “That will not be possible.” He headed for the door. “I have business at Meadowbanks that will keep me from town at least that long. Nor will I tolerate further meddling in my affairs. If you persist, I will spend the remainder of the Season in Paris.”
    Without waiting for a reply, he left.
    Cursing his mother and every other matchmaker in town, he threw himself into his carriage, grateful that the curtains would keep him out of the public eye. He could not hope to carry off his usual sangfroid in this mood.
    He had claimed business in the heat of the moment, but leaving town was an excellent idea. By accompanying Randolph to Cumberland, he had missed his usual spring retreat. Housing Elizabeth at Glendale Close until the Season began had been expedient, but Randolph had begged him to stay with her lest Lady Glendale’s hauteur ruin Elizabeth’s sweet character.
    So he had not visited Meadowbanks in six months. His steward was a capable man, of course, but he needed to check the books. And he needed to relax. Perhaps his hectic spring explained why this Season seemed sadly flat.
    Rapping on the roof, he ordered his coachman to Piccadilly. There were stops he must make before he could leave town.
    * * * *
    Sedge was rounding a bookshelf in Hatchard’s when voices halted him.
    “Papa will never give in,” whispered one. “He owes Brumford a fortune, but Brumford will cancel the debt in exchange for my hand.”
    Miss Lutterworth, Sedge identified. He had suspected some such scheme, but confirmation raised enough fury to choke him. He despised fathers who sold their daughters – particularly to cruel men like Brumford. Preventing such unions had been a personal crusade for fifteen years, though he rarely worked in the open.
    “Then we must elope,” replied Mr. Lastmark. “I know it is scandalous, but waiting until you are of age is hopeless. I haven’t the means to rescue your father myself.”
    “I wouldn’t allow you to pay his debts,” she said seriously. “Most are gaming vowels. I’ve always suspected something odd behind them, for Brumford swore I would regret turning him down last year.”
    Sedge left them to their planning. Kensington was headed in their direction, so he struck up a conversation to give the pair time to part. Only after Miss Lutterworth rejoined her maid, did he collect his own books and leave.
    Half an hour later he was sauntering along Bond Street when a frowning woman erupted from a shop, oblivious to the crowds hurrying by. The resulting collision was inevitable. He caught the victim, preventing a second collision with a passing carriage. The moment she was firmly on her feet, he grabbed the cause of the accident.
    “You again!” It was the same bird-witted companion who had cost him last night’s sleep. “Idiot!” He shook her. “If you wish to survive, pay attention to where you are going.” A surge of lust washed over him, increasing his fury. What could he possibly find enticing about this woman? Thank God he was leaving town. He needed time to regain his senses.
    “I … you … how did you—” Her face blushed crimson.
    He gritted his teeth. “What is the point of wearing spectacles when you never look at anything?” he demanded as more heat pooled in his loins. He dropped his hands lest they do something stupid. Forcing a precarious control over his temper, he donned his most languid expression. “You must be newly arrived. Had you been here any time, you would already be planted in the churchyard.”
    “Arrogant fool!” she hissed.
    “I really must insist that you bring an escort next time you venture out. We cannot have you endangering your betters. In the meantime, I will escort you home.”
    She recoiled. “You will not!”
    Her obvious aversion brought his temper back to the boil. “Devil take it, woman. How dare you argue with me? I am only trying to protect you.”
    “I don’t need your