Free A Crime of Manners by Rosemary Stevens Page A

to him, all that came out was a horse’s whinny. The duke threw his dark head back and laughed at her. She woke up abruptly, sitting up in bed breathing hard.
    After another period of restless sleep, she dreamt of Lord Baddick. In the dream, when that gentleman lowered his head to kiss her, he suddenly changed into the Duke of Winterton. At the very moment the duke’s lips were to meet Henrietta’s, she awakened for the day, feeling unreasonably frustrated.
    Neither of these gentlemen had put in an appearance yet. Henrietta concentrated on wishing for Lord Baddick’s company but started nonetheless when Chuffley intoned, “Colonel Owen Colchester, my lady.”
    Henrietta fought down disappointment as the colonel entered the room alone.
    The handsome military man eyed both ladies appreciatively, “Well, I own I must be the luckiest of men. To have London’s two prettiest ladies all to myself!”
    Henrietta smiled and then glanced at her aunt, noticing the faintest of blushes rise in her round face.
    In his arms Colonel Colchester carried two bouquets. He handed one of creamy yellow roses to Henrietta, saying, “With the Duke of Winterton’s compliments, Miss Lanford.”
    Henrietta stood up, surprised and more uncertain than ever. “Please convey my thanks to his grace, sir.” She accepted the flowers and moved away to place them on a side table, biting her lip hard to prevent herself from asking why the duke had not accompanied his godfather on this call.
    Colonel Colchester handed a beautiful bouquet of pink roses to Lady Fuddlesby. “I see these match your gown, my lady. May I hope the color pleases you?”
    “Oh, yes indeed, colonel,” Lady Fuddlesby replied with a coy smile, and reached for the roses.
    At that moment Knight walked into the room and saw the stranger. A running leap brought him into Lady Fuddlesby’s lap and sent the roses flying.
    “Oh dear, oh dear, Knight! Mustn’t do!” She gently waived the cat away. “I am sorry, Colonel Colchester. This is my precious boy, Knight in Masked Armour. Perhaps he saw someone he did not know and felt he needed to come to my defense. You see, he is very intelligent and protective.”
    She and the colonel bent to retrieve the fallen flowers. Colonel Colchester caught a look he could only interpret as a warning from the cat, which then jumped to the fireplace mantel where he observed the caller through slitted eyes.
    Chuffley appeared in the doorway again and announced, “Viscount Baddick.”
    Lord Baddick entered the room carrying an enormous arrangement of wildflowers. He bowed. “Good afternoon, Lady Fuddlesby. Miss Lanford, I see you have received many floral tributes today, which does not at all surprise me. A lady of your beauty must be admired by many.” He handed her the flowers, saying, “I hope my humble offering may find favor with you.”
    Henrietta accepted this latest bouquet graciously. “Thank you, sir. Have you met Colonel Colchester?” she asked.
    The two men shook hands, and Lady Fuddlesby begged Lord Baddick to take a seat.
    The colonel remembered the duke’s dubious opinion of Lord Baddick and decided to study him closely. He would not have sweet Lady Fuddlesby upset by an unsavory suitor for her charge.
    Unaware of the scrutiny he was under, Lord Baddick remained standing and said, “In truth, my lady, I have come in hopes I may persuade Miss Lanford to come driving with me. The day is unusually fine and I have an open carriage, so we may observe the proprieties.”
    Lady Fuddlesby saw Henrietta’s eager look and gave her permission.
    Henrietta hurried upstairs to change her dress.
    Lord Baddick sat on a matching chair opposite the brocade sofa, and charmed the company with amusing on dits until Henrietta reappeared clad in a Clarence-blue velvet carriage dress. A matching velvet bonnet trimmed with white fur complemented her doll-like features.
    They took their leave, and after he saw her seated comfortably in his carriage, Lord