Read Online The Earl's Return (Marriage Mart Mayhem) by Callie Hutton - Free Book Online

whispered.
    “Oh, dear.”
    Either Redgrave hadn’t heard their exchange or chose to ignore it. “Your Grace, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
    “What should I say?” Penelope whispered.
    “Nothing. Just smile again.”
    Penelope smiled.
    Redgrave continued to ride along with them, tipping his hat as various passersby called out to him. A carriage coming from the other direction with Lady Barrows and her three daughters slowed down and attempted to engage him in a conversation. Although polite, he kept his remarks short and wished them a good day.
    He shifted in his saddle and faced their carriage. “Are you attending the Sorenson ball this evening, Lady Mary?”
    She twirled her parasol, ordering her heart to slow down and her breathing to calm. There was absolutely no reason why the man should unnerve her so. “No. I will be at the Breckenridge dinner party.”
    “As will I.”
    She raised her eyebrows. “Indeed?”
    “Yes. I accepted Lady Breckenridge’s invitation since she promised there would be several young ladies in attendance who are in the market for a husband.”
    “Yes. I imagine that would be important to you.” Why did it bother her that he would be looking for a wife at the dinner party? That was what he was here for. He’d made that plain the first time they’d spoken.
    Mary waved at Miss Edgeworth as she passed by in a carriage with her two cousins. It appeared all of the upper crust in London had decided a little bit of sun was a fine reason to visit the park. Their driver turned to the right and continued on in a circle which would eventually lead them out of the park.
    “Mary!” Mary shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand as a young lady waved frantically at her. She sat atop a horse with a gentleman alongside her. They both turned their animals and headed in her direction.
    As the couple grew closer, she recognized Jeanette. “Oh, that is my friend, Miss Belkin.” A smile broke out on her face at seeing her friend once again. Jeanette and her companion maneuvered their horses around a few carriages until they were near to them.
    “Mary. I can’t believe we meet again.” She turned to the man with her and said, “This is my closest friend from childhood, Lady Mary Lacey.”
    The man removed his hat and smiled at her, and immediately all the air left Mary’s lungs. As she stared at him, blood raced from her head to her toes, leaving her lightheaded. Black dots appeared at the side of her eyes, and she blinked rapidly. She told herself to take a deep breath, but her body didn’t respond.
    “Lady Mary?” From a distance she heard Redgrave speak to her, but her mouth wouldn’t work.

Chapter Six
    Redgrave eyed Lady Mary with concern. Ever since her friend had approached, Lady Mary seemed to be in a trance. But not a delightful one. Her eyes had grown wide, her breathing shallow, and her face was a pasty white.
    “Are you all right, Lady Mary?” He studied her as she gulped for air and wiped a bit of perspiration from her upper lip.
    She shook her head and seemed to come back from wherever it was she’d been. “Yes.” She offered a weak smile in the direction of the couple.
    “Mary, I would like to introduce my betrothed, Lord Claremont.” The young lady smiled warmly at the man at her side, but he stared at Lady Mary with a smirk, and in a way that was tightening Redgrave’s stomach muscles and had him clenching his fists. Something was amiss here. Lady Mary was decidedly uncomfortable, and he would bet his favorite horse that Lord Claremont was the cause.
    “How do you do, my lord.” Mary spoke softly, almost in a whisper, barely moving her lips.
    “Very well, Lady Mary. And yourself?”
    “Fine.” She turned toward Redgrave, her expression pleading. For what, he didn’t know, but he knew instinctively she needed rescue.
    Surprised by her lack of manners in not introducing her friend to him and Her Grace, he took things in hand. “My lady, I believe you