Free Compromising the Marquess by Wendy Soliman Page B

the lumber warehouses be situated on the river otherwise?”
    “Of course.”
    Hal could hardly believe that two hours had passed when Felicity stood and the other ladies followed suit. It seemed more like half an hour. On his feet also, Hal helped Leah with her chair. He stood back as she followed the other ladies from the room, unsure if he’d learned anything about her that he didn’t already know. Miss Elliott certainly played her cards close to her chest.

Chapter Six
    As Leah left the room, she was glad that Lord Denby could no longer see her face. The way he’d looked at her throughout the meal with such cool amusement had been most unsettling. He was merely countering the boredom he made little effort to disguise by toying with her, simply because he could, that much was obvious. Had he not told her at the outset that he seldom abided by the rules governing society? That was all very well, but she was no man’s plaything and ought to have felt insulted. Instead it took every ounce of ingenuity she possessed not to respond to his compelling charm.
    She was of no consequence. No one would take him to task for amusing himself at her expense. Worse though, she was fairly sure he’d recognized her as the lad from the mill. Why else would he have invited her to witness such a lawless spectacle? He ought to have been better mannered than to have mentioned it. It was insulting and she was quite out of charity with the infuriating man.
    Miss Bentley brushed past her without apology, looking on the verge of tears. She’d heard it said that his lordship was on the point of declaring for her. That being the case, surely he should have escorted his intended into dinner?
    Leah’s head spun as she tried to reason it through. She had now met Lord Denby twice, which was more than sufficient for her to deduce that he was both powerful and formidable. Was she insane, even thinking about delving into his private business? The marquess wasn’t the type of gentleman who would take kindly to interference in his affairs.
    She glanced at Beth, walking ahead of her in animated conversation with Felicity, and decided she was perfectly sane. For Beth to have the future she deserved, Leah must ensure there were funds available to make it happen. If, by so doing, she displeased an arrogant aristocrat with lethal good looks, a devastating smile and intelligent eyes that missed little, it was a price she would pay with a smile on her lips.
    Beth dropped back and linked her arm through Leah’s.
    “You were singularly honoured,” she said.
    “But I’m willing to wager that you had a better time of it with Lord Gabriel.”
    Beth’s radiant smile was a joy to behold. “He’s very charming and quite put me at my ease.”
    “And why should he not? You are by far the most beautiful young lady here.”
    Beth laughed. “Rubbish! But still, I’m so glad that the marquess didn’t require me to sit with him. I wouldn’t have known what to say to him. Poor Leah! Was it so very bad?”
    “He was amiable enough, I suppose, but I’m glad it’s over.”
    “I think Miss Bentley feels slighted.”
    “Then she’s a fool. She cannot seriously look upon me as competition.”
    “Her mother continues to whisper of a forthcoming announcement. She seems to think it’s quite a settled thing.”
    Leah had her doubts about that but since they had now reached the drawing room she kept them to herself. Their aunt joined them, appearing unsteady on her feet.
    “Well, miss,” she said, “you were honoured. What did the marquess have to say to you?”
    “Lower your voice, aunt,” Leah said, assisting Lady Wantage to a chair. “Everyone can hear you.”
    “What’s that to me?” When Leah remained silent, her aunt spoke again. “Was it really necessary to throw yourself at Miss Bentley’s fiancé and make an enemy out of her mama? I have worked so hard to cultivate her good opinion, and you have undone all my good work in one