Free Lady Beresford's Lover by Ella Quinn Page B

the lady noticed him by dancing with her? “Indeed.” She carefully placed her cup on the table, resisting the urge to slam it down. “If you do not mind, I’m extremely fatigued. I shall see you in the morning.”
    “I only ask that you not fall in love with him,” Clara called after Vivian. “He is exceedingly handsome.”
    Half-way through the door she stopped. “You exaggerate, and I am not going to fall in love with anyone.” Ever again. “Good night.”
    Vivian closed the door behind her. She had fallen in love with Edgar when he’d courted her. On their honeymoon he had been charming and attentive until the night he had finally decided to consummate the marriage. Bile rose in her throat as she remembered her humiliation when he had stripped off her nightgown. Even if he had not said the words then, his revulsion had been writ on his face. His attentions during the act had been so painful she had not been able to stop her tears. She had begged him to stop but he had not. When he’d left shortly afterward, she had felt more alone than ever.
    Even if Stanstead was exceedingly handsome, and attentive, and kind, and had a wonderful sense of humor, she had it on good authority she was not what men wanted.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    T he clock struck three in the morning before the last of Robert and Serena’s guests had left. Rupert, holding a glass of brandy, slouched back on a comfortable leather chair in their study while his cousins occupied the love seat opposite him.
    “I think it went well.” Serena worriedly gnawed on her bottom lip. “Don’t you?”
    “It was perfect, but I knew it would be.” Robert leaned over, kissing her cheek. “Though I expected nothing less from you.”
    She smiled softly at him, but there was still a slight crease marring her brow. Robert’s wife was a wonder when it came to estate management, having run a castle estate in Scotland for many years before she married. The ton was still new to her.
    “I agree.” Rupert took a sip of brandy. “It was a complete crush, which is all you need to make it a success.”
    Her forehead cleared. “There were a great many people. I don’t think anyone sent their regrets.”
    “They would not have dared miss your first ball, my love.” Robert’s arm slid around her waist.
    It was time to leave them alone. Rupert drained his glass, and rose. “I’m off. I’ll see you in a day or so.”
    “I’ll walk out with you.” Robert stood. “There is a small matter I wish to discuss.”
    “I shall leave you gentlemen to talk. Rupert, please join us for dinner later this week.” Rising, she gave her husband a hug. “Don’t be long, my love. We’re not going to have much sleep as it is before Elizabeth wakes.”
    Rupert waited until he heard her climb the stairs before he turned to Robert. “What is it?”
    “Lady Beresford. You appear quite taken with her.”
    There was no point attempting to lie to his cousin, a man who had known him since childhood. “I am, but I shall not make the same mistake I made before.”
    Robert raised one brow. “Which is the reason you were ready to take her to the museum to-morrow?”
    Drat. Was he rushing his fences again? “I’ll go slowly.” Rupert grinned. “And if I forget, I know my older cousin will remind me.”
    “I hope you take advice better than I did.” Robert grimaced.
    “You can be sure I shall.” Rupert began walking to the hall with his cousin beside him. “I have no desire to be in either my mother’s or grandmother’s black book. All I plan to do is to squire her around and see what occurs.”
    “Harrumph.”
    “I promise.” He was hard-pressed not to laugh. “I won’t do anything I should not.” After all, he had never had a rakish disposition. Why should he acquire one now?
    “Do remember she is some sort of connection of Phoebe’s,” Robert responded in a dry-as-the-desert tone.
    “As Serena is?”
    Robert shuddered. “Exactly. Marcus may now think of you as a