Free The Countess by Lynsay Sands Page B

are.”
    “I shall take a look about for them,” Langley promised. “Would you like me to bring you back a beverage? You have been dancing quite a bit and must be thirsty.”
    “Yes, please. A drink sounds delightful.” The effects of the earlier drink appeared to have dissipated as she’d danced. Besides, he would bring her punch, which probably wouldn’t have much alcohol, if any. At least it hadn’t at the few country events she’d attended.
    “I’ll be back directly,” he assured her and moved off.
    Christiana immediately began scouring the crowded ballroom for Suzie, Lisa or her husband. Finding all three of them would be a good thing. While moments ago she would have been glad did Dicky not return, she was now rather hoping for it. If he did, and Langley did get him drunk, it would certainly make it easier for her to see if he had the birthmark or not. If that didn’t happen, Christiana hadn’t a clue how she was supposed to get a peek at his behind.
    She suspected that was not normally a problem in a marriage and that were she to ask any other married woman in here if their husband had a birthmark or any other distinguishing feature on their bottom, they would know the answer.
    “Finally, you’ve stopped dancing!”
    Christiana gave a start as her sisters suddenly appeared before her. Eyebrows rising, she asked, “Finally?”
    “Yes, it was beginning to look as if you might dance until dawn and we are both exhausted and ready to leave.”
    “You’re joking,” she said with surprise and reminded Suzette, “You planned to stay to the end in a bid to find a likely husband.”
    “I’ve found him,” Suzette announced with satisfaction.
    “Already?” Christiana asked with disbelief.
    She nodded. “And I’ve proposed.”
    “Well who is it?”
    “Lord Woodrow. Daniel.”
    Christiana blinked at her with confusion. She’d never heard the name. “Who is Daniel Woodrow?”
    “The fellow who walked us out for some air so you and Dicky could talk,” Lisa explained and Christiana blanched in horror.
    “Dicky’s friend?”
    “He is not Dicky’s friend,” Suzette assured her solemnly.
    “Are you sure? He seemed to be with him.”
    “I’m sure. When we got outside I berated him for being friends with Dicky and he said, ‘I assure you I never have and never will be friends with your sister’s husband. In fact, I think he’s a despicable creature who should be taken out in a field and shot.’ ” Suzette beamed. “He really doesn’t seem to like him at all, Chrissy, which at least shows the man has good taste.”
    Christiana shook her head slightly, but then admitted, “I have never heard Dicky mention Woodrow and he hasn’t been to the house. In fact, I have never seen him before tonight so I suppose he could be telling the truth. It’s just that he seemed to be helping Dicky when he took you two outside.”
    “He said he was trying to prevent anyone else hearing what he had overheard,” Lisa explained.
    “And he’s perfect,” Suzette assured her. “He’s land rich, but poor as a church mouse when it comes to the money to run those lands. And he’s titled,” she added and then frowned and admitted, “I’m not yet sure what his title is. He may just be a Baron, but—” She shrugged indifferently.
    “And you say you proposed to him?” Christiana asked.
    “Yes,” Suzette said, beaming with pride at taking her own future in hand.
    “Well, what did he say?”
    “He is taking this evening to think about it,” Suzette answered with a little sigh, and then shifted impatiently and said, “I don’t know about you two but I am exhausted. It has been a terribly stressful day. Why do we not head back to the townhouse and get some rest?”
    Christiana bit her lip. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay and consider a couple more men before we leave? If Lord Woodrow says no—”
    “Nay,” Suzette interrupted firmly. “We have weeded out all the candidates here tonight and