Free The Smuggler Wore Silk by Alyssa Alexander Page A

another bottle of tonic over to my husband for his cough.”
    “Last week Miss Gracie brought one of her special teas to my daughter, who is in the family way,” Lady Hammond explained. “I am glad to see Miss Gracie finally joining us.”
    “I suppose it
has
been seven years since Mr. Wargell jilted her. Poor Miss Gracie. It really wasn’t well done of him, you know.” Lady Lintell’s fan tapped Julian’s arm. “She’s a pretty thing, isn’t she, my lord?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Do you see the lady just inside the door wearing the white dress? That’s Miss Grace Hannah.” She frowned. “Really, if Lord Cannon is going to finally let that girl out of the manor, he ought to outfit her properly. That gown is
quite
unfashionable. Although, what does a man know about fashion, after all?” She squeaked and looked up at Julian. “Oh, my lord! Not you, of course! You’re quite well-informed about ladies’ clothing. Er, well—”
    “Don’t concern yourself, Lady Lintell.” Julian laughed. “For I can see that no one has such a discerning eye as yourself.”
    “Oh, my lord, you are too kind.” She preened, her long face bobbing on her long neck.
    “As it happens, I have made Miss Hannah’s acquaintance,” Julian said, bringing the conversation back to the topic he wanted to discuss. “Three times.”
    “Is that so?” Lady Hammond turned shrewd eyes toward Julian.
    “She even promised me the first dance. As I hear the musicians beginning to warm up, I believe it is time I seek my partner. If you’ll excuse me, ladies.” He bowed and left them, though their curious twitters and whispers followed him as he crossed the floor to Miss Hannah.
    Lady Lintell was correct about Miss Hannah’s gown. The diaphanous muslin was unadorned, the waistline a little too high, the sleeves too long. Still, it was flattering.
    She stood beside Lord Cannon while he spoke to another man leaning on a cane. What was the expression on Miss Hannah’s face? He supposed she meant to be expressionless. Yet he could see beyond that blank face to the defiant angle of her head, her proud shoulders and the intense gaze that pretended to see nothing. Julian recognized nerves as well in the elegant fingers that clutched a small silver reticule.
    Then she saw him, her unfathomable silver eyes meeting his. Her mouth set. Ah. He made her nervous. Good.
    “Lord Cannon, Miss Hannah.” Julian bowed. “Please excuse me for interrupting your conversation, but I’ve come to claim my partner for the first dance.”
    “Are you certain?” Lord Cannon barked. “You could ask another chit. Grace won’t cause a scene.”
    “Why would I ask another lady? I’ve already asked Miss Hannah.” Julian cocked his head. What an interesting development. “It would be ungentlemanly if I withdrew my invitation now.”
    “She’s damaged goods.” The second old man leaned forward, cracking his cane on the parquet floor as he spoke. “Jilted. Ruined.
Compromised.
”
    The hurt didn’t show on Miss Hannah’s blanked features, but Julian knew she felt it. Her shoulders were nearly up to her ears and if he wasn’t mistaken, she’d stopped breathing.
    Temper reared up. He grasped his quizzing glass and brought it to his eye, surveying the cadaverous stranger with disdain. “I’m sorry. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
    “Lord Stuart Paget.” Lord Paget’s narrowed eyes flicked toward Miss Hannah, then back again. “She has no reputation.”
    “She’s an embarrassment,” Lord Cannon added, rocking back on his heels. “It has to be said, my lord.”
    “No. It doesn’t. And as long as Miss Hannah is my partner, I suggest you refrain from discussing any such embarrassment.” He wanted to launch his fist into Cannon’s face. “Miss Hannah, the couples will be lining up shortly. Shall we go?” He offered his arm. She stared at it as though it were a coiled snake preparing to strike.
    She searched his face. Then, with a deep