Free The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) by L. A. Hilden

reminding himself that his sister’s future match was his main focus this Season.
    “Lord Ashton asked me to dance a few too many times according to Society’s rules. He is such a nice man.”
    “Yes, too bad he cares nothing for your reputation. I do hope you only danced with him the appropriate number of times.” Paxton knew Lord Ashton had an insatiable appetite for women and that he was also known to frequent brothels nightly. He didn’t need the man hovering around his sister.
    “Yes, and we went for punch and then walked in the garden.”
    Paxton felt his body tense as anger swept over him. “You are not allowed to walk in gardens, Lydia! Devil’s teeth! You know better than to behave in such a scandalous manner, to act without regard for your reputation. You will not walk in a garden again. Is this understood?” Although he knew in his heart that Lydia would do whatever she pleased, the thought of some man pawing her in the garden did not sit well with him.
    “Oh, for heaven’s sake! You want me to marry, and yet you don’t want me to become better acquainted with anyone. And stop looking at me like that. Cole happened to be on the balcony and he felt it was his duty to chaperone the walk. So I do know better.”
    “Good man.” Paxton made a mental note to thank his friend the next time he saw him.
    “Of course you give him praise. The Marquis of Geary had a lady on each arm.”
    Paxton knew exactly when that moment was. “Please don’t walk in gardens, or anyplace for that matter, without an escort.” This was something his mother needed to tell her, not him.
    Lydia didn’t respond.

CHAPTER EIGHT
    Evelyn stood in front of the traveling carriage hugging her sister. “I wish you weren’t leaving.”
    “It’s best I go. Besides, Victoria and I always have a splendid time. I will share our adventures with you as long as you promise to share yours.”
    “I will, but you better not be too adventurous.”
    “You either.” Cassie continued embracing Eve. “I saw you with the Earl of Devonhurst last night,” she whispered. “It is obvious you’re smitten with him.”
    “I’m afraid I cannot help it.” Eve looked at their mother and father saying their goodbyes on the steps. “Do you think Mother noticed?”
    “I’m not sure. The buzz around the room was that an innocent had finally lured the rapscallion earl. The consensus according to the ton is that the Earl of Devonhurst will seduce you and leave you ruined. Not that it matters what the gossips say, since you’d never allow such a thing.” The girls stopped hugging. “I assume that the next time I will see you you’ll be an engaged woman. Pick wisely, my dear sister.” Cassie climbed the metal steps into the carriage.
    “She is ready, Father,” Eve hollered to her parents. She watched her father release her mother then make his way to the carriage to embrace her. He was escorting Cassie to Victoria’s and from there he would be stopping by the Stonehaven estate before returning to London, which would take him at least a week’s time.
    “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart. Take care of your mother, and don’t marry until I return,” he said in jest.
    “I wouldn’t dream of it, Father.” As the carriage pulled away, Eve and Madeline waved from the steps.
    ***
    It was afternoon when Eve descended the stairs ready for her outing in the park. Since her appearance in society, the hall had been filled with so many gentlemen callers that her mother had to hire extra servants to direct traffic. However, today, the hall was empty, for Eve had an engagement with Lord Bakersfield. She had on a new dark green riding habit embroidered with black at the cuffs. Her red hair was curled and styled on top of her head, and a small riding hat of black beaver adorned with gold tassels and a green ostrich feather rested jauntily off to the side. Her black half-boots and York black gloves finished off the ensemble. Coming to the bottom of the