Free Breathless by Anne Stuart Page B

that. So she blundered her waythrough it. “Lord Rochdale,” she murmured with cool courtesy. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
    â€œDidn’t you? The Carrimores are known for their open hospitality. Even a damaged rogue like me is included.”
    â€œAs well as damaged goods like me,” she said in a sweet voice. “Don’t let me keep you, my lord. I’m certain you have more important things to attend to.”
    He grew very still, looking down at her. “I seem to have offended the lady. Pray, what did I do to earn your ire?”
    She could hardly tell him, not without sounding ridiculous. “Not a thing,” she said breezily.
    She didn’t like the smile that played around his mouth. He hadn’t bothered with a loo mask, which would have covered a great deal of his scarred face. Instead he was dressed in the height of elegance, all black and silver, and the walking stick he carried had a huge ruby on the top of it. “I rejoice to hear it. May I join you?”
    â€œI’m waiting for someone.”
    â€œAre you indeed?” There was a note in his voice she couldn’t quite recognize.
    â€œYes,” she said firmly. “The person who accompanied me.”
    â€œAh.” He sank into the chair opposite her anyway. “You wouldn’t deprive a cripple of a moment of rest, would you? Even though I couldn’t indulge in the riotous dancing I find my leg is paining me damnably.”
    â€œYou’re hardly a cripple,” she said, not interested in playing his games.
    He ignored her statement. “So tell me, my child, are you awaiting a man or a woman? Who brought you tothis party, because I’m certain you wouldn’t have come on your own.”
    â€œI was invited, my lord.”
    â€œOf course you were. I saw to it.”
    He’d managed to surprise her. She’d suspected as much, but not that he’d admit it. “Why?”
    His smile was secretive. “I’ll tell you when you answer my question. Who brought you here, a man or a woman?”
    â€œWhy should it matter?”
    â€œBecause if you came with another man I’d have to have him killed.” The words were spoken with the lightest touch, accompanied by a faint smile, and she wondered why she wanted to shiver.
    â€œI believe the crown frowns on dueling.”
    â€œOh, I rarely duel. I’m not light enough on my feet. I’d have him set upon by Mohocks and stabbed. It would be expensive, but, fortunately, easy enough to arrange.”
    â€œReally? If I gave you a name could you see to it?”
    â€œI believe Christopher St. John is no longer in England, or I’d be more than happy to have him killed for you.”
    She froze. She should have known he’d be aware of all the intimate details of her fall from grace and the man who engineered it. “Too bad,” she said calmly. “That would have suited my amour propre very well.”
    â€œWho brought you?” There was steel in his persistent question beneath the pleasant smile, and she was tempted to lie, just to see what would happen.
    â€œMy dearest friend Jane and I came together. We thought no one would recognize us in our dominos and masks, and Jane is about to be trapped into an unpleasant marriage. She wanted to enjoy herself before that happened.”
    â€œI knew you the instant I saw you, Lady Miranda. But, pray tell me, isn’t that how you got into such trouble in the first place? Indulging in one last evening of harmless fun?”
    She looked at him. “How is that you’re so intimately aware of the details of my downfall?”
    â€œThe entire ton knows the details of your downfall, child. Could you doubt it?”
    â€œA gentleman wouldn’t mention that.”
    â€œI’m not particularly a gentleman.”
    She didn’t bother arguing. “If Jane causes a scandal and her husband-to-be cries off then it