Read Online One Night with a Rake (Regency Rakes) by Connie Mason, Mia Marlowe - Free Book Online

lady,” Lord Winthrop said to Georgette’s mother as she handed him a steaming cup of Earl Grey. The aging noble took a sip and then made short work of three finger sandwiches without pausing for a breath.
    Small wonder he spills out of the Sheraton chair on both sides , Georgette thought uncharitably.
    “Now to the business nature of this social call.” Lord Winthrop brushed a few sandwich crumbs from his lapel. “I am empowered to suggest that His Highness should like to see the Lady Georgette in a social setting. A musical evening, perhaps? Does the young lady play?”
    Georgette cringed inwardly. Her attempt at the piano was a legendary disaster. After years of lessons, she was finally allowed to stop when Humphrey reluctantly asked, on behalf of the staff, that they be given time off during her practice period so they wouldn’t be subjected to her painful scales.
    “My daughter only plays for intimate family gatherings,” her mother said smoothly.
    Or whenever Father wishes to torture someone , Georgette added silently.
    “Anything else has always struck Lord Yorkingham as unnecessarily pushing oneself forward,” Lady Yorkingham continued.
    Oh, well done, Mother. Only, be careful. “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
    Georgette hid her smile behind a napkin. She honestly didn’t know why her presence was required at these little meetings with Lord Winthrop. She was hardly ever expected to speak on her own behalf.
    “Then a ball, perhaps.” The aging lord lifted a wiry gray brow at Georgette. Then he blew on his tea to cool it. “You do dance, do you not?”
    Since he’d addressed her directly, Georgette was allowed to answer, but she was saved from reply by her mother.
    “Of course she does,” Lady Yorkingham said. “Her dance master assures me that our Georgette is quite a graceful dancer.”
    Who’s always afraid she’s going to fall on her face. Her mother might not want her to speak more than necessary, lest she say something off-putting, but no one could stop her from thinking as loudly as she pleased.
    “Dancing well is a mark in Lady Georgette’s favor,” Winthrop said. “The country loved Princess Charlotte for her gaiety and vivacity. His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cambridge, is anxious to present the populace with a princess who will win their hearts as his niece did. It would help matters considerably if his future consort did not possess two left feet.”
    A virgin womb and a dowry that would sink a galleon is evidently insufficient inducement for the duke. Apparently, I’m also to perform like a trained monkey .
    Georgette buried her nose in her teacup and prayed she’d be able to keep those rebellious thoughts from slipping out of her mouth.
    “Then I think a ball will do nicely to present our dear daughter and the duke to Society as a couple.” Lady Yorkingham took a sip of her own brew and Georgette could practically see the wheels turning in her inventive brain.
    Her mother was a splendid hostess who delighted in dreaming up themed entertainments. The ton still rhapsodized over the Venetian Carnival ball Lady Yorkingham had presided over the year before Anne died. Acrobats had descended from the ceiling on long golden cords. Blue silk “canals” flowed over the polished hardwood, leading guests from one room to the next. Refreshments were wheeled in on gondola-shaped tables, and the footmen were decked out as harlequins. Georgette didn’t know how her mother could top that, but undoubtedly, Lady Yorkingham would try.
    “Excellent,” Lord Winthrop said. “His Highness could see his way clear to attend, providing the date was a fortnight hence.”
    “Oh! So soon?” Shock registered on her mother’s face for a moment, but then she recovered. “I rather thought after Princess Charlotte’s untimely demise, the royal family would not wish to be seen engaging in public social pursuits until the Season begins in earnest.”
    Neatly