A Lady by Chance (Historical Regency Romance) Read Free Page B

in his pocket, he saw Morgan leave the bank, his step jaunty as he carried a small leather valise to his barouche where half a dozen liveried men assured his protection.
    So the man wasn't half the fool Sir Henry had thought. Still, Sir Henry was puzzled. Fifty thousand pounds should be in a portmanteaux, not a small valise. Nevertheless, Sir Henry mounted his horse and followed at a discreet distance.
    Assured that Morgan was home, Sir Henry hurried to his own house to change and prepare for his next step. In less than an hour, he was being shown into Morgan's opulent parlor.
    "My dear Mr. Morgan," Sir Henry said, "I was passing by and decided I must pay you a call. You and your friend Haverstock have been much on my mind of late." He watched Morgan as he sat down. He seemed heavier than Sir Henry remembered. That was it! He carried many of the sovereigns within his coat. Sir Henry's respect for Morgan's intellect increased.
    "Pray, why is that, Sir Henry?"
    Sir Henry took out his snuff box, withdrew a pinch and inhaled. Then, smiling mischievously at Morgan, he sat down in a tufted chair and said, "The female conquests of you two are rather well known. I believe there is a certain rivalry over which of you can escort the loveliest women."
    Morgan's face colored. "More often than not, Haverstock wins the beauties."
    "Alas, it is hard to compete with a title."
    "Oh, it's not just his title. Given the choice between a man small of stature like myself or one as huge and rugged looking as Haverstock, most women prefer the bulk."
    "That may be, but if a beautiful woman were to see you first, I am sure you could win her over with your elegance of person."
    Morgan blushed again.
    "That's why I'm here. There is a great beauty who has recently come to London. Since it's too early for the season, none of the bucks have made her acquaintance. Take my word on it, there is not a lovelier woman in all of England. And I propose to introduce you to her today."
    Morgan's eyes narrowed. "Why are you not interested in her for yourself?"
    Sir Henry shook his head. "I've long since given up young maidens as well as the thought of marriage. Fifty is much too old to change my bachelor ways."
    A slow smile crossed Morgan's face. "Got a bit of time on my hands. Where do we meet this nonpareil?"
    "We will present ourselves at her house on Grosvenor Square."
    Morgan lifted a brow. "Then she's not – -"
    "Not a lightskirt. She's a gentlewoman. However, have no fear she will try to grip you in parson's mousetrap. She has quite a fortune of her own."
    Rising, Morgan said, "If it's all the same to you, old chap, I prefer to take my barouche. Feel a lot safer with my able men surrounding me. So much crime of late, you know."
    Getting his greatcoat from his regally liveried butler, Morgan announced that he was going to Grosvenor Square.
     
    Wearing a soft white gown that revealed her ivory neck and decolletage, Anna presided over the tea table, engaging Mr. Morgan in talk of the campaigns in the Peninsula. Then, telling him she knew men much preferred port, she began to fill and refill his glass with the Portuguese liquid. It was at that point, Sir Henry took his leave.
    Since Anna had neither a parent nor a companion to chaperon, for the sake of propriety she had arranged for a maid – the one closest to her size – to don one of her fine dresses and sit in the parlor doing needlework.
    Despite that Anna was tired from having practiced her card playing with Sir Henry throughout the night, she charmed Mr. Morgan as the future of England depended on it.
    After the liquor began to relax him, Anna said, "I cannot pretend that your reputation has not preceded you, Mr. Morgan. Your every activity merits scrutiny from the ton . Even I have heard a great deal about you. For instance, I know you are in possession of a large fortune."
    "Sir Henry tells me you, too, have vast wealth."
    "Yes. It seems we have that in common," she said. "I have also heard that in