Free Just a Kiss by Ally Broadfield

obvious choice for him. An alliance with her would augment the wealth and prestige of his title. An alliance with Charlotte would do neither.

Chapter Seven
    Sebastian arrived unfashionably early to the Paddon ball. He made sure Gran and Oscar were comfortable in the card room before searching out a discreet location where he could watch for Charlotte’s arrival. He’d watched for twenty minutes when a voice addressed him from behind.
    “Lord Marley, I would have a word with you, if you please,” said Lady Paddon.
    He turned and bit back a groan at her disagreeable expression. It did not please him at all. Not only had he failed to locate Charlotte, but he’d searched so intently, he’d neglected to notice Lady Paddon’s approach before it was too late to make an escape. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
    Her nostrils flared, and she tapped her foot almost maniacally. “I am certain I do not need to remind you what happened the last time your grandmother and her dog were here.”
    “Of course not,” he said through clenched teeth. The last time they attended an event at the Paddon residence, Oscar had raised his leg on Lady Paddon’s new silk curtains and raided the refreshment table. In the ensuing melee, he bit two footmen who attempted to capture him and also one of the guests, although that didn’t signify since it was only Ashdown.
    “Then I have your word my home and guests will be safe from that mongrel?” She tapped her foot again.
    “As you wish, my lady.” He sketched a shallow bow and walked away. He still hadn’t located Charlotte, but Ashdown had arrived and stood near the balcony entrance scanning the ballroom. He lifted his chin in greeting at Sebastian’s approach.
    Sebastian glanced across the ballroom, which was rapidly filling. “I find myself in need of your assistance.”
    Ashdown’s gaze followed his, taking in the bustling activity of those arriving at the ball. “The night is young. How have you managed to get yourself into trouble so quickly?”
    “Gran.”
    “Ah.” Ashdown nodded. “What is our mission?”
    “To dance with Princess Tarasova and Miss Lightwood. Gran has taken a liking to them both and wishes to see them betrothed to men of whom she approves.” Sebastian continued to scan the ballroom, searching for either of the ladies in question.
    “Well then, I guess we’ll have to marry them ourselves since there is no one else she approves of.”
    “Not true. You know she doesn’t approve of you,” Sebastian said.
    Ashdown laughed and turned to face him. “Speaking of which, I’ll need an introduction to Miss Lightwood before I can be of any use in that quarter.”
    Sebastian shot him a puzzled glance. “I thought you assisted in her rescue of Oscar.”
    “So I did, but your grandmother dismissed me before I could seek a formal introduction. I had to ask around to find out who she was.”
    It was Sebastian’s turn to laugh. “Why didn’t you request an introduction at the opera?”
    “There wasn’t enough time during the first intermission, and she left after the second act.” Ashdown cocked his head to the side and watched the entrance. “There she is now. In fact, Princess Tarasova has also arrived. I will seek an introduction from Lady Lightwood. You go ask the princess to dance.” He took off without waiting for a response.
    That wasn’t precisely what Sebastian had intended, but he couldn’t think of a reason to convince Ashdown otherwise.
    As he moved through the crowd, he came across Charlotte’s tormenters from the Chadwick ball.
    One girl gestured toward the other side of the ballroom. “I’ve never seen her wear any jewelry before, and she has no money of her own. How could she afford diamonds?”
    Sebastian turned in the direction the girl had gestured. Charlotte did indeed have a diamond snood and a heavily embroidered gold sash also embellished with diamonds.
    “Lady Lightwood must have lent it to her,” said Paddon’s daughter.
    “No, I’ve