Free To Tame a Dangerous Lord by Nicole Jordan Page B

regret her acceptance—or further compound her ridiculous attraction to Haviland at an event where she would be out of her element.
    “Excellent,” he said briskly as if he’d known all along how she would decide, obviously confident in his powers of persuasion. “I look forward to seeing you this evening. Meanwhile, I will have your trunk delivered here to the Hall. But don’t hesitate to send a message to Riverwood if you require anything else of me.”
    With a brief bow, he was gone, leaving Madeline to stand there gazing after him, feeling a profound sense of disappointment. Haviland intended to marry very soon, and she was not a candidate for his bride.
    She raised a hand to her temple, wondering at her foolishness. How could she possibly have dashed hopes when she hadn’t even been aware such hopes existed? She was nothing like the debutantes he would want for his countess.
    Madeline bit her lip hard, acknowledging her despondency. She had rarely allowed herself to regret her plain appearance. Indeed, she had always believed that brains and character were more important than looks. Yet now that she had met the handsome, magnetic Rayne Haviland, she suddenly found herself wishing she were beautiful and stylish and accomplished the way Lady Danvers was.
    A sizable dowry wouldn’t hurt either. Beauty and fortune might have made her eligible to be on Haviland’s list of possible brides.
    Turning toward the drawing room door, Madeline tried to quell that ridiculous thought. She wasn’t one to view fate through rose-colored glasses. She was pragmatic, practical, sensible, dispassionate. She kept heremotions well-disciplined, locking them down deep inside where they could never hurt.
    If she ever felt envious of other women her age who led fulfilling lives with husbands and children and love, well, she always crushed her envy instantly. There was no use pining for what one couldn’t have. It would only make her bitter.
    And pining after Lord Haviland could only lead to bitterness. She knew very well that he was far beyond her reach.
    But still, she couldn’t entirely quell her yearning as she forced herself to leave the drawing room with the intention of settling into her temporary lodgings.

Chapter Four

     
    It is fascinating to watch so many beauties attempt to attract Lord Haviland’s notice, Maman. I would never behave so shamelessly, yet I cannot help wishing he would look at me as he does the stunning Duchess of Arden
.
     
    The ballroom at Danvers Hall glowed with lights from myriad chandeliers, while the extravagant attire of more than a hundred guests heightened the glittering splendor.
    Yet for Madeline, the ball was just as uncomfortable as she’d feared it would be. Not only did she feel out of place in this illustrious crowd, but seeing Lord Haviland dance with one beauty after another was entirely too disheartening.
    She had watched him for the past half hour without making her presence known to him. She was
not
hiding precisely, Madeline firmly told herself, even though she remained largely concealed from his view by a bank of potted palms. She merely didn’t want Haviland to see her looking so dowdy compared to every other lady present. Her high-waisted, puff-sleeved gown of lavender crepe was suitable enough for a country ball, but not for a blue-blooded affair such as this.
    The cream of society seemed to be here tonight, perhaps because Danvers Hall was only a half dozen milesfrom London’s wealthy Mayfair district where much of the ton resided when not at their country estates. Haviland himself looked as handsome as sin in a tailored black coat, elaborately tied white cravat, silver embroidered waistcoat, and white satin knee breeches.
    Indeed, his rugged masculine beauty made every female head turn. Even from across the ballroom, his enormous charisma was apparent. And he appeared to be pouring on the charm with each of his dance partners, although his smile was almost gentle. Madeline