Read Online Lord Rakehell by Virginia Henley - Free Book Online Page A

feet, and he told me in confidence that your father as well as your older brothers think him the right husband for you.”
    Anne smiled her secret smile, and picked up the sherry decanter.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    During October Anne attended many balls and entertainments, and she anticipated an encounter with Lord James Hamilton at every affair. She took special pains with her wardrobe, wanting to look elegant when they met. She daydreamed about him endlessly, and even practiced the things she would say. But each time, she was doomed to disappointment and poured out her heart on the pages of her journal. With each new invitation, however, her hope was renewed. When she was invited to the annual ball being given by Lord Hamilton’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, at Hampden House, her heart soared with happiness. Anne reasoned that every member of the Hamilton family would be present at the Green Street mansion, including James.
    When she arrived, Frances took her by the hand. “Come, I want to introduce you to my sister the Countess of Dalkeith. Jane has been invited to be a lady-in-waiting to the queen,” Frances told Anne.
    â€œHas she accepted?”
    Frances lowered her voice. “She had no choice really. Over the years, Mother was asked twice by Victoria to be Mistress of the Robes, and turned her down both times. My sister Jane has a sweet nature and accepted the post of lady-in-waiting to save face.”
    â€œI don’t envy her sharing duties with my sister Emily. If as you say, the Countess of Dalkeith has a sweet nature, my bossy sister Emily will run roughshod over her.”
    When Anne curtsied to the countess, Jane immediately reached for her hands and raised her. “Oh, please, Lady Anne, there is no need for such formalities with me.”
    â€œCongratulations on your appointment to the queen.” Anne tried to sound sincere.
    â€œAh, I can see Frances has given you all the details.” The young countess couldn’t hide her amusement. “I shall be joining your sister Emily at Buckingham Palace. I’ve been paying attention to all the fashionable gowns tonight, and I must tell you how much I’ve been admiring yours.”
    â€œWhy, thank you. My status as a debutante decrees I wear white, but I seldom follow rules to the letter. I push the boundaries with my own designs.”
    â€œYour overskirt with the golden acorns is not only exquisite; it is very clever.”
    Music floated in the air and Frances pulled on Anne’s sleeve. “Excuse us, Jane. I gave Mother a list of certain eligible bachelors. I hope they accepted.”
    Her sister smiled. “You won’t know until you look in the ballroom. It was lovely to meet you, Lady Anne. I hope you enjoy the dancing.”
    The moment Anne entered the ballroom, the Marquis of Hastings made a beeline for her and asked her to dance.
    â€œBy any chance, do you suppose your brother-in-law Westmorland will be here tonight?”
    â€œLet me guess. You want to know if he put your name in to the Jockey Club?”
    â€œPrecisely.”
    Anne saw her chance to kill two birds with one of cupid’s arrows. “If he doesn’t come tonight, we could drive out in your carriage to Curzon House and visit him on Sunday.”
    â€œThat’s extremely generous of you, Lady Anne.”
    â€œNot at all. I shall ask my dearest friend Florence Paget to come for the ride.” She stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear. “She is absolutely mad about you, Henry.”
    â€œThe
Pocket Venus
? She’s here tonight with Henry Chaplin.”
    â€œChaplin is her parents’ choice, not hers. I’m sure a marquis can easily outmaneuver a viscount if he puts his mind to it.”
    When the dance ended, Anne sought out Florence and told her what she’d planned. “I’ve done my part. The rest is up to you.” She made her way back to Frances,