Free Tempting a Proper Lady by Debra Mullins Page A

captain.”
    â€œNow I’m a mere sea captain?” He curled his lip. “A mere sea captain was good enough for you before your father discovered that coal mine under his farm.”
    She flinched. “We’ve all changed.”
    â€œSome more than most, apparently.” They fell into a strained silence, whirling around the room in perfect physical harmony.
    But never had he felt so far away from her. For the first time, he was grateful she had broken their engagement.
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    â€œDon’t they make a wonderful couple?” Dolly sighed and clasped her hands to her bosom. “Sucha shame. I was always fond of Samuel. Still am, I suppose.”
    Cilla sent her a startled glance. “Even after all that has happened?”
    â€œWell, I still don’t understand why he never came back until now, and then when he did he made all those accusations about Lord Raventhorpe. He broke my Annabelle’s heart.”
    â€œBut when he tried to explain, you didn’t believe him.”
    Dolly gave her a look of incredulity. “I had to take my daughter’s side. Surely you know that.”
    â€œWhat if the captain’s story is true?” Cilla asked.
    â€œI can’t believe that Lord Raventhorpe would deliberately strand Samuel on an island.” Dolly waved a hand in dismissal of the idea. “It’s more likely Samuel was too embarrassed to come home.”
    â€œBut you all thought the captain was a fortune hunter. Clearly he is not.”
    â€œYou don’t know him like we do, Cilla. Between the way he was raised and his temper, Samuel has been known to do one or two unwise things.”
    Before Cilla could reply, a gentleman in naval dress appeared before her and bowed. His crisp uniform emphasized his light brown hair, startling green eyes, and handsome features. “Miss…I mean, Mrs. Burke, Lieutenant Preston Allerton at your service.”
    â€œLieutenant Allerton.” Startled—and not a little unnerved by the gleam of interest in Dolly’s eyes—Cilla automatically extended her hand for his greeting.
    He took it, brushed a kiss against the back ofit. “Pray forgive my impertinence, but your dear mother encouraged me to approach you to renew our acquaintance.”
    I bet she did exactly that .
    Dolly coughed, and remembering her manners, Cilla said, “Mrs. Bailey, allow me to present Lieutenant Preston Allerton of Her Majesty’s Navy.”
    â€œCharmed to meet you.” Dolly held out a hand, and the lieutenant obligingly bowed over it.
    â€œA pleasure, Mrs. Bailey.” He looked back at Cilla. “Mrs. Burke, I am hoping that our lengthy acquaintance over these past years will compel you to accept me as your partner for the next dance.”
    Cilla opened her mouth to refuse, but then Samuel and Annabelle swept by. Samuel’s tall form moved easily through the steps, one hand firmly on Annabelle’s waist, the other hand joined with hers. However, Annabelle did not look to be enjoying the dance as much as one would expect; in fact, Cilla recognized the flush in her cheeks and the stubborn set to her mouth as clear indications of ill humor in her young friend.
    What were they saying?
    Leaping to a decision, she smiled at the officer in front of her. “What about this one?”
    She could tell she had startled him, but he recovered quickly. A pleased smile curved his lips at what he no doubt assumed was eagerness on her part. “The waltz?”
    â€œ This waltz. If you are amenable, Lieutenant.”
    â€œMost amenable. Shall we?” He extended his arm, and Cilla took it, barely aware of Dolly beaming ather. The lieutenant led her to the dance floor, placed his hand on her waist, then whirled her into the rhythm of the waltz.
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    â€œSpeaking of changes,” Annabelle said, “what’s this rumor about you paying for a London town house in gold?”
    Ah. He had wondered when she would