Francesca Read Free

You could be gone for years, and where would I live while you are away, Arnold?”
    “Why—with Mama and Papa, in Yorkshire. Once we are married, they would have to accept you. It will only be for a few years.”
    She adopted a world-weary tone, to let him know this line of talk was hopeless. “In Yorkshire? But, my dear, what sort of social life do people have there, so far away from London?”
    “Why, we visit a dozen families.”
    “A dozen families! My, my. You are active.”
    Stanby felt a flush rise up his neck. “Not what you are accustomed to, I daresay, but—”
    “Not at all what I am accustomed to, and not what I intend to become accustomed to. If you cared for me, you would not ask me to give up all my friends and pleasures and rusticate for years, alone, with your disapproving family.”
    “Then why have you been leading me on?”he demanded, becoming sulky.
    She looked away and saw that Selby was still hovering near the door. It would be best to cut this friendship off now. A quick cut was less painful in the long run. “Because you used to be amusing. You are rapidly becoming a dead bore, however, so I shall leave.”On this curt speech, she rose, picked up her reticule, and left.
    Major Stanby was not two steps behind her. Between drink and frustration, he scarcely knew what he was saying. He only knew that the most wonderful woman in the world was turning him down after encouraging him wantonly for three weeks. He grabbed her elbow and whirled her around. “Frankie, don’t leave like this.”
    She read the hurt in his voice, and though her heart was heavy, to encourage him would only prolong his pain. He was a man; he wouldn’t hurt for long. “Let go of my arm,”she said coldly, and twitched away. He grabbed both wrists.
    A dark form detached itself from the shadows. Before the major knew what was happening, his arm was pulled from Francesca’s elbow and twisted cruelly. “The lady said no,”Lord Devane pointed out coolly. “Are you a gentleman, sir, or only an officer?”
    Francesca turned to her helper. “Oh, do be careful! The major has a wounded shoulder.”
    Devane’s fingers fell at once. He leveled a menacing eye on Stanby and said, “Let us not make it necessary to wound the other one.”
    “Do run along, Arnold,”she said. “It is no good, you know. I’m sorry if you misunderstood.”
    Major Stanby’s youthful lips curled into a sneer. “Just as you say, madame, but I must offer a word of advice. Further misunderstandings are bound to occur if you are so free with your favors.”He made a very stiff bow and left, hot tears stinging his eyes.
    His friends had told him Lady Camden was trouble, and they were right. He was somewhat relieved at not having to marry behind his parents ’ back. What on earth would they have made of Frankie Devlin? But she would be something to remember, and tell the chaps about when he was back in the Peninsula.
     

Chapter Two
     
    “Shall I go after the whelp and teach him some manners?”Lord Devane inquired in a voice of silken menace.
    “No, let him go.”
    Francesca lifted her eyes to observe her rescuer. She saw a well-shaped head with carefully barbered, crow-black hair. His upper face was concealed by a black mask, revealing only a glitter of dark eyes, but his thin lips left an impression of arrogance. He wasn’t a young man; there were incipient lines in his swarthy cheeks. She recognized the work of Weston in his elegant black jacket and a taste for finery in his intricate cravat, a cabochon ruby nestled in its folds. He was tall and athletic in build, with broad shoulders. “I am obliged to you, sir,”she said, and turned to leave.
    The hand that shot out to detain her wore a carved emerald ring on its small finger. Its grip was firm to the point of severity. “Give him a minute to clear away. He may be waiting.”
    His voice, though quiet, was deep and full of authority. It was the sort of voice that did not have to be raised