Free A Ladys Pleasure by Jolie Cain Page B

Lady Morley. Most, however, believed that he was pursuing Lily for other…more…scandalous reasons. He had heard the gossip. Whether he had succeeded or not, they weren’t certain, but they had no doubt that he eventually would have the lady in his bed. He hated that Lily had become the focus of gossip amongst the biddies of the ton , and he vowed that when she was his duchess no one would ever again dare speak a word against her. He only hoped that she herself was unaware of the talk that was going round. The last thing he wanted was for her to be hurt from her association with him.
    As Lily was led from the floor and immediately claimed by another handsome rogue, he turned away with an expression of disgust, only to be brought up short by the sight of his Aunt Matilda heading his way. He groaned to himself. The nosy, interfering busybody was sure to have something to say about his current situation. Though he wished that he could make a quick exit, the truth was he loved the old woman dearly and knew she had nothing but his best interests at heart. Even though she drove him crazy with her machinations, he knew he’d have to grit his teeth and stand his ground. So with a smile he took her hand and bent over it when she reached him.
    “There you are, Carlisle. Been hoping to have a word with you tonight. Walk with me, my boy.” The autocratic order was her idea of a pleasant greeting, he supposed.
    “Aunt Matilda, you are in quite good looks tonight.”
    “Ha! No need for empty flattery with me, my boy. I’m too old to appreciate your smooth talk and too honest to know it for the rubbish that it is. This gown makes me look like an overstuffed piglet and the turban was more than a mistake. Last time I listen to Eloise Chernowith. Never did know the first thing about fashion, even when she was a young thing. Now walk.”
    He suppressed a smile and offered her his arm. They strolled for several minutes exchanging a few simple pleasantries, but he knew that she was just warming him up before diving in for the kill. They reached an empty corner of the ballroom and turned to watch the dancers. “So, I hear you’ve been sniffing after the heels of Lady Morley, Carlisle.”
    “As always, Aunt, you never fail to amaze me with your ability to get right to the heart of the matter.”
    “Humph! All your other relatives, including your mother I must say, are too polite to tell you the truth to your face. But I warrant they have plenty to say behind your back.”
    “I’m pleased to know that you don’t let such a thing as politeness get in your way.”
    “Very funny, my boy. I believe in plain speaking. Always have. Saves time. Tell me, what are your intentions in that direction? That is what I’d like to know. You’re not getting any younger you know.”
    “I am aware of my responsibilities to my title, my lady.”
    “That’s good to hear. It’s past time you settled down and started filling up your nursery. If you’ve settled on Lady Morley, I have no complaint. She’s well-bred and from a good family. Seems quite intelligent besides. Wouldn’t bore you, once the passion dies down, I dare say.”
    “Indeed.”
    “Also quite interesting looks. Not in the normal way of things, but quite attractive.
    Wouldn’t do for you to select someone ill-favored for the next Duchess of Carlisle.”
    “Quite.”
    “Should breed some handsome children between the pair of you, should you be leaning in that direction.”
    Richard coughed in an attempt to cover up a bark of laughter that threatened to overtake him. Plain speaking, indeed. “I should hope so.”
    “So? Is the lady the one? Or are you simply…entertaining yourself with her? If that is the case, then I have a few young ladies to whom I would like to introduce you.”
    He sighed. “If they’re the usual crop of young debutantes, my lady, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass.”
    “Yes. I figured you wouldn’t have much patience for the simpering young misses