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

faux pas of telling her to shut up, a vulgar expression he’d heard from an American friend. But appropriate in this instance. The girl was duly impressed with herself and apparently spent hours staring in her mirror, noting all her perfect features. Time not spent there was devoted to assessing her wardrobe and pondering difficult decisions such as which ribbon would look best with which gown.
    He was still perplexed by Lady Mary’s reaction to her friend and the girl’s betrothed. He didn’t know Claremont very well. They hadn’t socialized in the same circles. He’d asked around after today’s incident in the park, and he’d learned Claremont had been on the Continent for a couple of years. The only possibility could be Lady Mary and Claremont had been courting and she was merely surprised her friend had ended up engaged to the man.
    Except he was sure it was panic he’d seen in her face. Something about the man had frightened her. Although she was really no concern of his, he would look out for her welfare when Claremont was present.
    With a great deal of relief, Redgrave bid Miss Stoneridge good evening as Lady Breckenridge stood and announced the ladies would retire to the drawing room so the gentlemen could enjoy their port. It would take some time for the ringing in his ears to subside.
    “I hear Rumbold is putting together a group of investors in a diamond mine,” Lord Danvers announced to the group at large.
    Several men questioned Danvers on it while Redgrave attempted to look nonchalant and sip his drink.
    “Are you involved in this project?” Mr. Stevenson nudged Redgrave.
    “No.” His stomach muscles tightened, and he wished himself far away from the curious glances that swung to him at Stevenson’s question.
    “It sounds like a good investment. I’m surprised your father-in-law didn’t offer you a spot.”
    “I’ve only recently come from the country. I believe this is a project he has been working on for some time.”
    “You might want to see if you can still get into it. I’ve invested a considerable sum myself.” Redgrave groaned inwardly when his host made his announcement.
    “Perhaps.” He hated sitting silent while these men enthused about something he believed was little more than a swindle.
    “…her husband preferred the company and attention of young boys.”
    No. Once again Rumbold held the upper hand. But this time Redgrave would not run away to the country. He had to find a way to stop the man without unleashing the scandal the cad had threatened.
    Luckily, the conversation moved to horses and racing, and soon Breckenridge suggested they join the ladies.
    Redgrave’s eyes immediately sought Lady Mary, who sat chatting with Lady Alice and Miss Stanton, both of whom were seeking husbands this year. Moving in their direction, he passed the Dowager Duchess of Manchester, who glanced at him as he approached. He bowed to her. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded a greeting, her lips in a tight smile.
    “Good evening, ladies.” He bowed to the three women, trying his best not to stare too closely at Lady Mary. They chatted for about ten minutes, Miss Stanton and Lady Alice each vying for his attention. They were both attractive women, thankfully not as boring or insipid as Miss Stoneridge. However, nothing about either one drew him. They were pleasant and knowledgeable. Both had been raised to marry well, run a household, bear children, and engage in the typical ton life. Exactly what he’d been thinking of when he’d made his trip to London to find a wife.
    Before he had seen Lady Mary.
    He continued to sense unease in her. With Claremont not among the guests, he thought she would be more relaxed, but perhaps her disquiet came from the fact that he’d witnessed her agitation earlier.
    Lady Breckenridge moved to the center of the room and clapped her hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, tables have been set up in the other room for those who would enjoy cards.”
    Several