Read Online Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend by Shana Galen - Jewels of the Ton 03 - Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend - Free Book Online Page B

wonder whom exactly the duke had invited to this house party.
    “And I thought you would be in London, but we do not always have our fondest wishes granted.” She turned to the housekeeper, whose mouth was agape at the two of them. “Thank you, Mrs. Hemmings, for the needle and thread. I shall have my maid, Anna, return them.”
    “Of course, madam.”
    Lily started for the stairs. Behind her, she heard the housekeeper ask, “May I be of assistance, my lord?”
    “Yes—er, no. One moment.”
    Footfalls sounded behind her, and she almost swore. Why was he coming after her? She had been clear she wanted nothing to do with him after he’d had her abducted and almost killed not even a fortnight ago.
    “Countess!” he called.
    She continued up the stairs. He was quickly gaining, and Lily cursed her cumbersome skirts. She reached the landing, and he grabbed her elbow, pulling her aside so a footman carrying a tureen could pass. Darlington opened a door and ducked into a storeroom filled with tablecloths, candlesticks, and serving trays. He tugged her in, closing the door and leaning on it. “What do you want?” she asked. “I thought I was clear on the occasion of our last conversation. I want nothing to do with you. Move aside.”
    “That is a wish I can grant,” he said. He was still holding her elbow, and she found his touch disconcerting. It was one thing to hate him from a distance, quite another to hate him when his warm hand wrapped around her arm and his deep brown eyes gazed down at her. “You do not need to worry about me. I will stay out of your way.”
    “Will you also refrain from hiring thugs to abduct me and attempt to rape and ransom me?”
    “That was never my plan,” he said. “And I did come to your rescue.”
    “I suppose I should be grateful. Forgive me if I am not.” She pulled away from him. “Now, if you will excuse me.” When he did not move, she had to quell the urge to stomp her foot. “Step away from the door.”
    “Is it the title?” he asked. “Is that the attraction?”
    Oh, would he never allow her to pass? “It does not concern you.”
    “My father is smitten with you. That concerns me.”
    “Then address the matter with him.”
    “Is it money?”
    “Perhaps it is love. Maybe I’m in love with him.” She crossed her arms.
    He snorted. “You courtesans don’t fall in love.”
    She raised her brows. “Juliette fell in love.”
    His face darkened. He was still in love with her, stupid ass. He was always going to be in love with Juliette. And, Lily reminded herself, she did not care. She detested him now.
    “If it’s money, remember I will pay you to go away.”
    Lily shook her head. “Do you insult everyone again and again in this manner, or am I especially privileged?”
    “I am not trying to insult you. I am trying to understand.”
    “You are trying to be rid of me! And, I assure you, sir, I want what you want. Please remove yourself from the door.”
    “On one condition.”
    Lily gritted her teeth and attempted to remain patient. “You cannot keep me here forever.”
    “You may go, but I want your promise first.”
    “What good is the word of a courtesan?” she asked. “We are all liars and schemers, are we not?”
    “Let me worry about that. I want your promise that if my father asks you to marry him, you will refuse.”
    Lily sighed. She had no intention of marrying his father, but she could not tell Darlington as much. She did not think Ravenscroft had much intention of marrying her either. But she might have to resort to that tactic to give herself more time to investigate and keep him out of her bedchamber. It had worked for Anne Boleyn, hadn’t it?
    “Your claim to the title is not in jeopardy,” she said. “Even if your father married again and produced more children, you are still the heir.”
    Darlington turned slightly green. “So you are not against marrying him.”
    “He has not asked, so there is no point in discussing—”
    He