Free Lady Catherine's Secret: A Secrets and Seduction book by Sheridan Jeane

through the front door with them, sending the group of people ahead of them scurrying into the drawing room. After they removed their mantles, Lady Kensington surreptitiously tucked a few stray windswept strands of Catherine’s hair back in place.
    Mother’s unusual attempt at grooming her struck Catherine as extremely odd. As a rule, she didn’t fuss with Catherine’s hair in public. Mother considered that sort of behavior gauche. Was this simply another indicator of her determination to find her daughter an exemplary husband, or was something else going on?
    She followed her mother into the drawing room and glanced around for any clues that might explain her odd behavior, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
    Another gust of wind heralded the entrance of a new group of guests, so Catherine glanced back to see who had arrived.
    There, in the doorway, stood Lord Huntley and Lord Wentworth.
    Startled, Catherine’s heart skipped a beat. She spun on her heel, turning her back to the men.
    Blast!
    She was always careful to avoid anyone she fenced. That’s why she rode such a great distance to attend Bernini’s Academy. Most people preferred to practice someplace close to their homes, and they also tended to socialize with the same set of friends, so it had been easy to keep clear of people from the academy. But if Huntley and Wentworth traveled in the same circles she did, avoiding them would be quite a challenge.
    Given her limited options at a dinner party, she’d simply have to try to evade them tonight.
    Elizabeth caught her eye and crossed the room to join her. “This evening should be interesting,” she said by way of greeting. “Mother has a new French chef. Although he’s a bit of a tyrant, his food is absolutely divine. Honestly, I have had dreams about his chocolate torte.” Her eyes took on a faraway look.
    Catherine laughed at her friend’s expression. “How do you manage to keep your figure? I’d be the size of a carriage if I ate as much as you do.”
    “You’re one to talk. I’ve seen the amount food you eat. I know ladies are supposed to eat like birds, but I’ve never been able to pass up something delicious unless my corset was tied too tight.”
    From across the room, Lady Wilmot motioned for them to join her. Catherine smiled her acknowledgment of the summons and she and Elizabeth linked arms as they wove their way through the guests to join her.
    “Look,” Elizabeth murmured, leading the way. “There’s the Frenchman I mentioned. Monsieur LeCompte.”
    Catherine followed Elizabeth’s gaze to see an elegant man with his arm draped above the fireplace mantel. His pose showed off his lean frame to its best advantage, but the image seemed contrived. “He’s preening,” she whispered into Elizabeth’s ear.
    “He’s good at that. I think the ‘fireplace drape’ is his favorite pose.” They exchanged grins.
    As they arrived at Lady Wilmot’s side, the man she was speaking with turned his head just enough for Catherine to recognize his profile. Lord Huntley? How did he get across the room so quickly?
    She slowed her step, but Elizabeth pulled her forward, apparently unaware of her hesitation. As Huntley turned to face them, Catherine stumbled slightly.
    He cocked an eyebrow.
    Blast the man. Catherine blushed under his critical gaze. Although her stumble was embarrassing, the less he associated her with the athletic Alexander Gray, the better. It might be too late to avoid meeting him, but perhaps facing him was the better alternative. She tried to convince herself that she remained standing before him by choice, and not because she was being held in place by Elizabeth’s gentle grip on her arm.
    “Ah, Catherine, I’m so glad you and your mother were able to join us this evening,” said Lady Wilmot. “You look lovely. That color becomes you.”
    Judging by the number of compliments she’d gathered this evening, she should wear pink more often— or not, if she planned to