Page 2 of How to Wed a Courtesan

And now he would be leaving on his Grand Tour, trekking across the world as his father once had, gone for who knew how long. This was Charles and Lottie’s last hurrah together, and he had declared it would be grand.

That was why he had insisted she accept his aging aunt’s offer to visit her sprawling estate in Bedfordshire.

Lady Hasgrove was a wealthy widow who had always found Lottie’s companionship agreeable. This ball her neighbours had put on, two nights after Lottie’s her arrival, was undoubtedly part of his scheme, and it was proving to be nothing short of magical.

‘This is more than I ever thought possible,’ Lottie confessed, unable to stifle her awe. And how could she in such an exquisite setting?

He chuckled. ‘I knew it would please you.’ His blue gaze, clear and brilliant, quite similar to her own, flitted about the room. ‘Any suitors as yet?’

She laughed at that. ‘Surely you jest? I’m hardly the type of woman to draw men. And you know I did not come to Bedfordshire to—’

‘Lord Folton, I demand you introduce me to this divine creature.’

They both turned at the sound of Charles’s title to find a tall, lean man, impeccably dressed in a tailored black jacket and a green waistcoat that made his eyes the most stunning shade of jade. His auburn hair was combed neatly to the side and he wore a smile that revealed straight white teeth.

Lottie’s heart stuttered off its beat.

The men of the ton were all handsome, with their fine clothes and manners and the air of sophistication they bore. But the one standing before her put them all to shame.

Charles lifted his brows at Lottie, as if to gloat because he’d expected this. No doubt she’d hear of it later.

‘Miss Rossington, this rapscallion is Evander, Baron Murray. His father, the Earl of Westix, and mine are in the same adventure club.’ Charles shifted his attention to the gentleman. ‘Murray, may I present my dearest friend, Miss Charlotte Rossington?’

‘Miss Rossington.’

The Baron’s attention focused on Lottie and her breath froze in her chest, trapping her in a moment of sheer bliss.

He lifted her gloved hand to his lips as he bowed to her. ‘Enchanté.’

His smooth voice and the genuine interest in his searching stare sent tingles racing over her skin.

‘It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,’ she said, in a voice far softer than usual.

‘Would you believe this divine creature hasn’t a single name on her dance card yet?’ Charles nudged Lord Murray.

Heat scorched Lottie’s cheeks, but before she could chide Charles for his blatancy Lord Murray spoke up. ‘I wish I could fill the whole of it with my name.’

‘You can fill at least the first space.’ She glanced up at him through her lashes and found him grinning down at her in a way that made her pulse race.

‘The set has already begun.’ Lord Murray glanced up with a pensive expression. ‘It would appear we have quite a wait until the next.’ He gave a beleaguered sigh. ‘I supposed we’ll have to keep one another company until it begins. More’s the pity.’

A wink followed his lamentation, indicating that he was no sorrier for it than she. In truth, she wanted to know everything about this man. His father was the Earl of Westix, that was what Charles had said. The name was indeed familiar, as Lord Murray’s father was oftentimes brought up alongside Charles’s.

‘Shall I fetch you a glass of lemonade?’ Lord Murray asked.

As much as Lottie enjoyed the refreshment, she did not relish losing Lord Murray’s company after having just become acquainted.

She shook her head. ‘No, thank you.’

‘It’s for the best. Lady Pensville is notorious for watering down her drinks.’ Lord Murray gave an exaggerated grimace.

Lottie, who had always been raised to be honest and generous with compliments, while being silent on complaints, covered her mouth with her hand in horror. ‘You shouldn’t say such things.’

He lifted his shoulder with an uncaring shrug. ‘Well, it’s true. You can try it, if you’d like to see for yourself.’ He indicated the linen-covered table, where a large crystal punchbowl sat. The liquid within did appear rather clear.

‘Well, now you’ve recommended it with such alacrity...’ She laughed and shook her head.

‘Ah.’ He held up his forefinger. ‘You’re afraid you’ll have to lie and tell me you enjoyed it, aren’t you?’