Free The Matchmaker's Match by Jessica Nelson Page A

or different theologies they’re pondering. Their experiences while praying. It all seems much more personal than what I’ve witnessed in my life.”
    The breeze blew a dark strand of hair across her shoulder. He almost reached to brush it back but stopped himself in time. This was no actress or lowborn woman. Every movement or word said could have devastating consequences for her. He peeked into Almack’s and, as expected, caught a patroness studying them.
    Clearing his throat, he crossed his arms and thought about her words. “Neither had I, but my trip to the Americas changed my outlook.”
    “That must have been quite the change for you.”
    “It was.” He thought back to the past year, which already seemed a long time ago. “I learned much about myself. I found out I wasn’t who God made me to be. My priorities changed when God changed my heart.”
    Her head cocked to the side. “Your heart?”
    Spencer fumbled for words, feeling awkward and far from the smooth rake he’d been rumored to be. Something about this woman caught him off guard. There was more than attraction between them, but he couldn’t tell just yet if it was curiosity or something rarer.
    “I don’t know how to explain what happened, only that when I needed God, when I realized my own sinfulness and cried out to Jesus, He was there.”
    Lady Amelia’s eyes widened, and then her features took on a blank look. “You had an emotional experience.”
    “It was real,” he told her quietly, all awkwardness gone as he realized just how true that was.
    She pushed her spectacles upward. The look she gave him was very serious. “From what I have seen, emotions are not to be trusted or to be used as proof of anything.”
    The breeze caught the barest hint of her perfume, and it lingered beneath his nose, tantalizing and sweet.
    “I hesitate to argue with you, my lady, but your supposition is based on experience, and experiences are interpreted by feelings.”
    “A valid point. I shall concede to that.” She worried her lower lip with her teeth, which Spencer found unexpectedly adorable. “Thank you for your rescue earlier.”
    “Why do you dislike Lord Dudley?”
    “Trust you to ask the impertinent questions.” She sighed, but he could tell she was not irritated. “In truth, I am not sure. There is something in his expression that warns me away. And perhaps I should not have investigated his financial background, but I did, and what I found makes me wary.”
    Spencer’s brows rose. “Do you investigate all your suitors?”
    Her nose wrinkled. “He was intended for Miss Lydia, and I investigate all marital prospects.” She quirked a smile his way. “But yes, I have a curious nature, and if someone intrigues me, I will look into their lives a little more closely than the casual acquaintance.”
    “And what about me? Have you investigated my background?” His throat felt oddly tight as he awaited her answer.
    Her smile wavered the slightest bit before turning cheeky. “Only men who intrigue me, my lord. I believe you to be an open book.”
    Before he could refute that erroneous assumption, her cousin came rushing out of the ballroom.
    “Oh, Amelia,” she gushed, seeming not to notice him. “It has finally happened.” Her breaths were quick and light. Apparently Lady Amelia felt the same alarm he did, for she hurried forward and took Miss Stanley’s arm.
    “You must take deep breaths or you shall faint.” Lady Amelia delivered the instruction in that strident tone he’d come to admire. “Now, what has happened? Are you well?”
    “Better than I have ever been.” Miss Stanley beamed a radiant smile that transformed her into a gorgeous creature. “I have met him.”
    “Who?” Lady Amelia cast Spencer a quick, searching look before returning her attention to Miss Stanley.
    “The love of my life. The man I’m going to marry.” At that, Miss Stanley’s eyes fluttered closed and she collapsed, dragging the smaller Lady Amelia