Free Just a Kiss by Ally Broadfield Page B

her with an intensity he’d never experienced in his life. But there was no reason to believe she was any different from other women. He was certain if he kissed her, the magic would wear off, and she would be just one more in the crowd of women hoping to marry him for his title and wealth. Just a kiss was all it would take to rid him of this ridiculous infatuation.
    After finishing his set with the princess, he made his excuses and headed toward the terrace to clear his head and remind himself of his priorities. Gran deserved to see him settled, and perhaps even meet a great-grandchild. He would do his duty and choose a bride who would enhance the title he had been entrusted with.
    Ashdown intercepted him at the threshold to the terrace and followed him outside. By tacit agreement, they proceeded to a secluded area near the corner of the house.
    “Is something amiss?” Ashdown asked. “You don’t seem yourself tonight.”
    Sebastian trusted him implicitly, but he had no desire to share his conflicted emotions with anyone. He rubbed his hands together and focused on the contours of the dark garden. “I fear I’ve grown blasé about the season.”
    “Your disinterest doesn’t seem to extend to Miss Lightwood.”
    He turned toward Ashdown. “I beg your pardon.”
    Ashdown took a step toward him, arms crossed. “You couldn’t take your eyes off her while you were dancing with Princess Tarasova.”
    Sebastian opened his mouth to defend himself, but Ashdown stopped him with a raised hand. “Don’t bother to deny it. I know you too well.”
    Sebastian kicked at the gravel on a path that led deeper into the garden. “If you must know, I am fond of Miss Lightwood, but I think you misunderstand my intentions. I am hoping my feigned interest will attract other suitors for her.”
    His eyes narrowed. “Does she know that’s what you’re about?”
    “Of course.” Sebastian ran his fingers through his hair. “We are acquaintances. Nothing more. She has no particular regard for me.” He almost convinced himself it was true.
    The weight of Ashdown’s stare forced him to look up. Ashdown raised his brows. “All the same, do tread carefully. I shouldn’t like to see her hurt.”
    “Nor would I.”
    “On that, at least, we are in agreement.” Ashdown turned to head back toward the brightly lit ballroom.
    “What is your interest in Miss Lightwood?” Sebastian called after him.
    He turned back. “I am simply trying to look out for her interests, since her family is inadequate to the task.”
    Sebastian raised his chin. “As am I.”
    “Very well then. We shall both act as her protectors until she secures a suitable match.” Ashdown’s feet crunched on the gravel as he headed for the ballroom.
    Sebastian paced toward a fountain, deeming himself unfit to rejoin the party. He had been so consumed with his own feelings, he hadn’t considered Charlotte’s. Unlike Ashdown, she had known about their arrangement from the beginning, so surely she would not be affected when their fabricated courtship came to an end. He wished he could say the same for himself.
    He took a deep breath and returned to the house.
    While scouring the ballroom for Charlotte, Sebastian was caught unawares for the second time that night.
    “Good evening, Lord Marley.” Lady Wilson curtsied. “You remember my daughter, Lady Lavinia.”
    “Yes, of course,” he said. The girl curtsied, and he bowed. He still hadn’t spotted Charlotte. “If you will excuse me—”
    “But my lord, Lavinia was hoping you might be free for the next set,” Lady Wilson said with a feral gleam in her eyes. The girl smiled inanely.
    The audacity of the woman. Did she think trapping a gentleman into dancing with her daughter would net an offer of marriage? And she had trapped him. He could hardly avoid asking her to dance now. It would be a cut direct, and the poor girl didn’t deserve that, no matter how predatory her mother might be.
    He fisted his hands,