Read Online To Wed A Viscount by Adrienne Basso - Free Book Online Page B

“And perhaps attend a function or two.” At the sight of Merry’s beaming face, Faith quickly added, “Nothing too fancy, however. I certainly don’t want to meet the creme de la creme of society. Just a few of the more colorful personages will be sufficient.”
    Meredith agreed with a short, eager nod. “We shall sort through the invitations the moment we arrive home. With a bit of persuasion, I’m certain I can have my modiste complete a new gown for you in a few days. By then we will have determined which events hold the most interest and appeal.”
    Faith cleared her throat, suddenly feeling nervous. It was such a rash, impulsive act. Yet she realized this might be the only chance she would ever get to witness the ton in action. Even if they stayed on the fringes of society it would be fascinating. And given Meredith’s horror of scandal, there would be little chance of anything truly disastrous happening.
    â€œAll right. I’ll come.”
    â€œSplendid.” Meredith smiled with approval. “We shall make a brief stop at Mayfair Manor to allow you time to pack a bag and alert the servants of your whereabouts. I have an excellent coachman. If we depart within the hour we can still reach town before nightfall.”
    â€œWonderful,” Faith replied, pressing her hand against her midsection, attempting to still the fluttering in her stomach.
    â€œWhile we are in town, we shall also make an appointment with Papa’s solicitor,” Meredith decided. “There has got to be a way for you to keep Mayfair Manor that doesn’t involve the odious Viscount Dewhurst.”
    Faith nodded her head mutely. She would agree to see the solicitor only to please Meredith. In her heart, she held out no hope of retaining control of her childhood home.
    Yet, as much as that notion hurt, the greater distress came from knowing that despite his treatment of her, Faith had not found the current Viscount Dewhurst to be the least bit odious.

Four
    â€œYou say the most charming things, Lord Dewhurst.” The sleek, elegant feminine fingers trailed suggestively up Griffin’s arm, coming to rest upon his shoulder. “Though there are some who speak ill of your character. Are you truly as naughty as I’ve heard?”
    â€œGuilty as charged, Lady Ashborrow.” The answer sprang readily to Griffin’s lips, but the usual smile did not. Then the viscount’s gaze narrowed as he took a deliberate step away from the clinging woman.
    He was not in a congenial mood, and his reaction to this delectable female morsel was proof of it. Lady Ashborrow had latched on to him within ten minutes of entering the ballroom by skillfully wangling an introduction from a casual mutual acquaintance, and she had not left his side in the ensuing hour.
    The busty brunette was the type of woman Griffin had always preferred—mature, married, direct, experienced, and utterly lovely. Yet even her obvious interest could not dispel the gloom that clung to him this evening like a wet, misty rain.
    â€œI can hear the musicians taking up their instruments,” Lady Ashborrow hinted broadly. “I wonder if they shall open this set with a waltz?”
    â€œ ’Tis the usual choice.” The corners of Griffin’s mouth lifted in grim amusement. “Regretfully, a prior engagement prevents me from joining in the dancing this evening.”
    â€œIf you wish to forsake the dance floor, we could take a stroll in the gardens. ’Tis a lovely evening. I noticed the moon was full.” Lady Ashborrow deliberately leaned forward, displaying an ample view of her magnificent bosom. “The night flowers should be in bloom. Their fragrance can be most intoxicating.”
    Only mild interest stirred inside Griffin. His gaze flickered briefly over the woman by his side before becoming fixed on the opposite end of the massive ballroom. He remained silent and preoccupied while his