Free The Earl's Return (Marriage Mart Mayhem) by Callie Hutton

turned on his heel and strode across the room.
    “Close the door on your way out.”
    …
    “Are you sure you are all right, Mary? You still appear shaken. What happened?” Penelope placed her arm around Mary’s shoulders as they walked up the stairs to their bedchambers.
    “Nothing to concern yourself with. Truly. My courses started this morning, and I sometimes experience weak spells like that.” Hopefully, Penelope would believe her lie. She did not want to explain. All she wanted to do was lie down with a cold cloth.
    Lord Claremont. I thought he was on the Continent. Frankly, I had hoped he was dead.
    At one time his hard good looks, wavy hair, and heavy-lidded eyes had set her heart to thumping. How would she go on for the rest of the Season with him betrothed to her closest friend?
    Jeanette .
    She was going to marry the cad!
    Mary rang for her maid, and after having her corset and gown removed and a wet, cool cloth for her head, she climbed onto her bed and closed her eyes. Claremont’s face kept appearing, his smirk making her stomach roil until, exhausted from the strain of the day, she drifted off to a troubled sleep.

    “Are you certain you want to attend the dinner party? Penelope said you had a spell this afternoon during your ride through Hyde Park.” The dowager duchess placed her palm on Mary’s head and looked into her eyes.
    “I am fine, Mother. ’Twas just my courses.”
    Her mother frowned. “I’ve never known you to have a spell during your courses.”
    Mary smiled and hugged her mother. “Despite what you believe, you don’t know everything about me.”
    “All right, then let us leave.” She stopped and glanced up the stairs. “Maybe I should stay with Penelope?”
    Mary sighed. “Penelope is fine. She’s had her dinner, she’s tucked into bed with one of her monstrous botany tomes, and Drake will be home later this evening. You worry too much.”
    “I love my children.” The dowager smoothed back her hair, and they left the house.
    The ride to the Breckenridge townhouse took about fifteen minutes. Enough time for Mary to work herself into a frenzy about Claremont. What would she do if he was there? She couldn’t give him the cut direct without raising eyebrows and suspicions. On the other hand, Jeanette said she had just arrived from the country, and the invitations to tonight’s dinner had been delivered weeks ago. Had Claremont been in the country with her?
    How in heaven’s name had Jeanette ever managed to become engaged to the man? By the time the carriage arrived at the Breckenridge home, Mary’s insides were twisted into a knot.
    “You are very quiet this evening. Are you sure you are feeling well?”
    “Mother, please,” Mary snapped. Then she took a deep breath. “I am sorry. But I am feeling just fine. Please don’t spend the entire evening staring at me, waiting for me to collapse into a heap at your feet.” She attempted to cushion her words with a smile.
    They entered the house, giving their wraps to the butler who escorted them upstairs to the sitting room where the guests had gathered. Mary quickly glanced around the room, breathing a sigh of relief when neither Jeanette nor Claremont were present. Across the room, Redgrave leaned against the wall speaking with Lord Montrose.
    Her mother grabbed her wrist and leaned toward her ear. “Isn’t that Redgrave with Montrose?”
    “Yes.”
    Her lips tightened. “I shan’t speak with him.”
    “You won’t need to. From what I understand, he is looking for a wife. I am sure he will be busy chatting and flirting with all the young ladies.”
    “Your Grace, welcome.” Lady Breckenridge floated across the room, her hands extended, taking the dowager’s hands in hers. “I am so glad you are here. It has been much too long since we’ve been together.”
    “I agree, Lady Breckenridge. I miss our afternoon card games. I have been busy with Manchester’s wife, who is having a difficult