Free Just a Kiss by Ally Broadfield Page A

never seen her wear anything like that. Surely she would not allow her ward to be the first to wear a new piece. Perhaps she has a…err…sponsor.” She ran her thumb over the stones on her necklace.
    The Paddon chit glanced around them and leaned closer before speaking. “Are you saying you think she has become someone’s mistress?” She shook her head. “Mama would not have allowed her to attend the ball if that were true.”
    The other girl nodded. “She did garner a lot of attention after Lord Marley danced with her at the Chadwick ball a few weeks ago. We saw him visit her in the Chadwick box at the opera last week, and they were seen together in Hyde Park as well.”
    The Paddon girl’s mouth dropped open. “Maybe he gave her the diamonds.”
    “There has been no announcement of their betrothal. Do you think he is her sponsor?”
    Sebastian couldn’t listen to any more of their speculation. He was certain that Charlotte had not become anyone’s paramour, but he intended to track down the source of her new accessories. Surely she was not so naive as to accept a gift from a man, and even if she was, Lady Lightwood certainly knew better. Perception was everything within the ton , and he would not stand idly by while her reputation was ruined. He set off after Ashdown, intent upon watching each of Charlotte’s dance partners for any sign of inappropriate behavior toward her. No one would take advantage of her on his watch, and he wasn’t above using his fists to get his point across.
    …
    After three interminable hours, during which he inadvertently chased away four suitors, Sebastian glowered at Charlotte. She stood to the side of the dance floor sipping lemonade, looking almost as distracted as she made him. He derived some satisfaction in knowing that her evening had been as agitating as his. The princess glided into view, and he belatedly recalled that he had engaged her for the next dance.
    Anna Tarasova, with her silky-blond hair, cornflower-blue eyes, and a body worth fighting to the death over, was just the sort of woman Sebastian fancied he could tame. Except she hadn’t the feisty mien he wanted to spend his life attempting to conquer, and she lacked the allure Charlotte exuded in spades. Charlotte, whom he felt the need to keep within sight as she moved about the ballroom. His plan had worked. Too well. She’d had a partner for every dance so far, though none were good matches for her, each bearing an unfortunate fatal flaw.
    He greeted the princess and led her onto the dance floor. Ashdown was partnering Charlotte for the second time. When the music began, he strained to the left and scowled at the placement of Ashdown’s hand so low on Charlotte’s back.
    “My lord, is something amiss?” Princess Tarasova asked.
    “Err…no.” He was being unforgivably rude to the princess. He shot her his most rakish smile.
    As they turned back to the right, his pulse thumped against his temples as Ashdown leaned close to whisper something in Charlotte’s ear. His hand shook with the restraint required to prevent him from challenging Ashdown to a duel.
    Princess Tarasova met his gaze. “My lord, are you certain you are well?”
    “Of course. It’s just a trifle warm in here.” He shot her another reassuring smile and forced himself to refrain from watching Ashdown and Charlotte.
    “She is quite captivating tonight, is she not?” Princess Tarasova asked.
    He leaned toward her. “I beg your pardon?”
    “I’m speaking of Miss Lightwood.” She tipped her head toward Charlotte.
    Something in his mind clicked into place. “You gave her the diamonds.”
    She nodded.
    “Why?”
    She glanced back at Charlotte. “Because she is my friend. Because I have much and she has so little.”
    “You are very kind,” he said.
    And she was. She was kind, beautiful, and wealthy. She was the perfect match for him. Except that he didn’t feel the slightest bit attracted to her. He wanted Charlotte. He wanted