Read Online Unconventional Suitors 01 - Her Unconventional Suitor by Ginny Hartman - Free Book Online

on my mind more frequently as of late. Why do you ask?”
    Twisting her skirt nervously in her hands, she continued, “I do not wish to give you any offense, my lord, but perhaps I could offer you a little helpful advice in your pursuit.”
    She watched as the earl’s dark eyebrows scrunched together over his gray eyes as he looked at her quizzically. She was about to open her mouth and advise him to find a proper tailor, when a voice from behind her startled her.
    “Lady Gillian, Lord Danford, what a pleasure to see you both out and about on this fine day.”
    Gillian turned her head to see Lord Dawkins sitting atop his stallion, cantering closely to the earl’s barouche.
    Gillian gave the man a relieved smile. Perhaps he would be able to assist her in convincing the earl to update his wardrobe. “I was just about to tell Lord Danford about my father’s tailor and the splendid work he does.”
    Gillian watched with surprise as Lord Dawkins mouthed “no” then quickly looked past her to see if Lord Danford had noticed. Why had he told her to not continue? Perhaps the earl’s clothing choice was a very sensitive topic and Lord Dawkins was simply sparing her the discomfort. She clamped her mouth shut in frustration and watched as Lord Dawkins called out greetings to nearly everyone they passed, drawing curious glances in their direction.
    Gillian didn’t miss the disdainful looks many of the gentleman were giving Lord Danford, nor did she miss the pitying looks sent her way from the ladies. At first she was tempted to feel embarrassed, but the more she thought about it, the more angry she became. How unfair it was that society was judging her by the gentleman at her side. And, how unfair that they were judging Lord Danford by his apparel without really knowing the quality of the man. But such was the way with the ton . For the first time in her life, Gillian began to doubt the way of society, and it unsettled her greatly.
    After what felt like an eternity, Lord Dawkins bid them farewell to go and speak with another acquaintance. Lord Danford turned to her as if he had been anxiously awaiting the moment his friend left. He lowered his voice and asked, “Are their impolite stares making you uncomfortable?”
    Gillian blushed. So he had noticed her discomfort. “I shouldn’t care what they think, but—“
    “You do,” he stated certainly, albeit sadly.
    Gillian gave him her own sad, apologetic smile. “It’s not so much that I care what they think, personally, but it just occurred to me how ridiculous and unfair it is that society judges a man, or woman, so fully on appearances.”
    “Everybody does it,” he stated matter-of-factly.
    “But perhaps it isn’t correct. I think there is more to a person than what their wardrobe dictates.”
    Lord Danford smiled slightly, leaning forward to place one hand ever so gently on top of hers. “How ironic to hear such sentiments from a nonpareil such as yourself.”
    Gillian couldn’t think straight with his magnificent hand resting lightly atop hers. “Do not get me wrong. I do like to keep up on the latest fashions and attempt to look my best. I’m only saying that perhaps the outward appearance is less important than the heart of a—“
    “Man?”
    “Or woman,” she quickly added. “Perhaps you have already come to that conclusion yourself,” she said as her eyes inadvertently shifted over his clothing.
    He surprised her then by lifting her hand to his mouth and placing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. She could feel the scorching heat through the fabric of her gloves which caused her to shiver.
    “My lady, your heart outshines even your magnificent beauty.”
    His intoxicating touch, his sincere words, his very presence was making her head spin. She was feeling things her mother had never described, feelings that confused her, for she wasn’t sure what they could mean.
    As he pulled his hand slowly away from hers, one confusing thought settled into her