Page 8 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

Edwin studied the women all waiting for dance partners, not certain where to start. He needed someone with a pristine reputation, a passable dowery, and a perfect pedigree. Certainly, there had to be a wallflower or two out there that fit the criteria. A wallflower wouldn’t have opinions, at least loud ones, and he needed a quiet life, for it to look like he’d mended his ways. There was no quicker way to do this than to borrow someone else’s honor, and a wife would do that nicely.

“Lady Molly Humsford. She’s a solid prospect. Kind, and her family’s title is older than Prinny’s. She’s been on the marriage mart for three seasons, and not one whisper of scandal.” Henley’s coaching was, for once, welcome.

“Which one is she?” Edwin asked.

“The blue dress, by the potted plant in the corner. Have you been introduced?”

Edwin found the woman in question. She was pretty enough in a plain sort of way. Her dress accented her curves, and her hair was a lovely shade of pale yellow, like sunlight on straw. He couldn’t determine her eye color, not with the spectacles covering them, but he honestly didn’t care what color they were.

“She’s three seasons in?”

“Yes. Had a fellow cry off first season, if I remember right.”

“Why?”

“Matter of honor, something about a previous engagement. It was all on him, so she’s still clean as far as reputation’s concerned.” Henley shrugged.

Edwin remembered his brother’s earlier question. “No, I haven’t been introduced.”

“I can make the introductions. Anna is one of her acquaintances. Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Edwin gave a slightly sardonic grin and followed his brother to the wallflowers’ kingdom.

His skin itched, right along the middle of his back, as the attention of those he passed watched his movement. Odd how one could feel a gaze, but it was fact, and from the irritating itching, it was quite a lot of attention following him. Disregarding the sensation, he focused in on his prey.

Lady Molly Humsford’s attention followed his approach, and then she glanced to the lady beside her before looking back to Edwin. Was she expecting his attention to be for the woman beside her? If so, that was promising. Had she already completely written herself out of competition in the marriage mart? Her movements smacked of desperation and resignation, which served his purposes well.

“Lady Molly Humsford.” Henley’s smooth tones were a perfect mix of familiarity and formality.

Edwin studied his brother, curious as to when he became the more charming one. It was an odd sensation, to not be the charismatic one. Wasn’t that what his reputation had been built on? That was, until it all fell around his ears when his past sins were revealed.

It was his own bloody fault.

Lady Molly curtseyed, albeit it slightly awkwardly, and offered a tentative smile to Henley. “Lord Allendale, it’s a pleasure as always. How is Anna? I miss her attendance.”

Edwin considered her voice. It wasn’t strident, nor was it mumbling and insecure. He decided he liked it, and if he’d have to hear it for a decade or two, possibly three, he’d survive the experience.

Henley continued, “She’s doing well. I’ll be sure to pass along your sentiments to her. May I introduce my brother, Lord Devon?” Henley gestured to Edwin, and Edwin took his cue to bow.

Lady Molly offered her hand, slightly tentatively, and Edwin kissed the air above her wrist. “A delight to make your acquaintance, Lady Molly. May I be so bold to ask for a dance?” He decided getting straight to the point was his best option.

She blinked once, glanced to Henley, and then offered her dance card to Edwin. “O-of course,” she stumbled, a ghost of a smile tipping her lips.

“Are you engaged for the supper waltz?” Edwin asked, adding charm to his tone, making it sound as if he expected her card to be quite full.

Which it wasn’t. The card was almost entirely blank.

Perfect.

“I don’t believe so, my lord. It would seem you have your pick of whatever dance you wish,” she added, a hint of wry flirtation in her tone.

Edwin glanced to her then, taking note of the spirit in her tone.

“Then I’ll quickly reserve that one before others undermine my plans,” he flirted back, making sure to hold eye contact for a second longer than necessary.

He was gratified to see the bloom of pink in her cheeks.

This was easier than he expected. “Until the supper waltz.” He gave her the dance card back and stepped away, following his brother after he gave his regards.