Free The Earl's Secret Bargain by Ruth Ann Nordin

room,” her mother bragged.
    “To be fair,” Lady Seyton replied, “not all have a father who is as well off as your husband.”
    “I suppose you’re right.” Her mother let out a long sigh. “It’s a shame that my husband has no title. He has more money than some of the titled gentlemen here, I bet.”
    “Oh, indeed. That could work to your daughter’s benefit if she wished. Marriages made for money and titles happen all the time. It’s part of what makes the marriage mart so interesting to watch.”
    Her mother chuckled. “I would have to agree with your astute observation.”
    “Mother,” Regina said.
    “Yes, Regina?” Her mother turned to look at her.
    “Lord Davenport requested a dance with me earlier today.” In fact, he had asked for two, something that delighted her the more she thought about it.
    He r mother scanned the room. “Isn’t Lord Pennella here? I want you to dance with him.”
    “He’s not here yet,” Regina replied, already knowing a big fight was coming over who she’d be marrying. There was no way her mot her was going to give her blessing to Lord Davenport when Lord Pennella appeared to be interested as well. Releasing her breath, she added, “It’s only a dance, Mother.”
    Her mother finally nodded. “You’re right. But I do hope you’ll save a dance or two for Lord Pennella.”
    If that was what it was going to take, then so be it. “I will.”
    Her mother relaxed but added, “Don’t get too attached yet. You still have options.”
    Lord Davenport approached, and Regina turned her attention to him. He looked more and more handsome each time she saw him. Maybe he wasn’t as striking as Lord Pennella, but he was definitely attractive in his own right. “Good evening, Miss Giles,” he greeted with a bow. “Mrs. Giles, Lady Seyton.”
    Aft er they curtsied, he asked Regina to dance with him. Though her mother smiled, she didn’t give him the same glowing smile she gave Lord Pennella. Regina took his arm and went to where the couples waited for the orchestra to start the music. She didn’t know how she was going to politely bring up the topic of a proposal. The idea sounded much easier when she wasn’t right in front of him.
    When the music began, he led her in the dance. “You look beautiful,” he told her.
    “Th ank you.”
    As she turned, she saw Lord Pennella enter the room. His gaze went to her and Lord Davenport, and she caught a flicker of something in his eyes. Jealousy perhaps? That almost seemed absurd. She got the feeling he didn’t really care for her. He seemed much too enamored with himself. But there was no denying the fact that he wasn’t happy to see her with Lord Davenport. Not that it was any of his concern. She had a right to be with whoever she wanted.
    “I’m glad you came,” L ord Davenport said, bringing her attention back to him.
    “I said I would be here. ”
    “Yes, but anything could have prevent ed you from coming.”
    “No, nothing could have st opped me from coming. I wanted to see you.”
    His smile widened , and she knew she’d said the right thing. “I wanted to see you, too. In fact, I was hoping to see you again. Maybe tomorrow, if you’re not otherwise engaged?”
    Since he mentioned seeing her s o soon, she took that as a good sign. “I’d like that. I enjoy our times together.”
    “I do, too,” he softl y said.
    H er heart leapt at the way he said those words. Yes, they would have a love match, something envied by many who had to marry for other reasons. “My lord, forgive me if I’m too bold in my speech, but I do hope that I will get to see more of you in the future.”
    “I would like nothing more.”
    That was a promising sign. She tried to think of a way to mention a proposal, but the music came to an end. The whole thing happened much too fast. If it hadn’t been for the uncertainty of what to say, she would have gotten more in. But there was one more dance she could have with him, and maybe in that