Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball: An Authentic Regency Romance Read Free Page B

delicate, and the manly aura he exuded. He wore subtle spiced cologne water that she found appealing and strangely sensual, although she had pushed that wicked thought away, lest it cause more blushes. His eyes were hazel, flecked with green, and he had long dark eyelashes and straight black brows. It was futile to be the least bit interested in Lord Blackwood because he was not at all attracted to her. His smile for Lorna was caressing—or did she just imagine it?—and his glance fell upon Lorna’s fiery tresses and rose petal complexion with tenderness—or did she imagine that as well? He seemed to like Lorna’s freckles as much as every other young man who met her.
    “Of course I am not in the least bit interested in Lord Blackwood,” she said firmly. “I have promised Lorna’s mama to do my best for her. Lord Blackwood’s invitation might be the ideal opportunity to declare himself to Lorna.”
    Henrietta eyed her with a disconcerting and perceptive gaze. “Hmmm. We’ll see.”
    Patience turned her head at the sound of the front door closing. “That must be Lorna now.”
    Doris, the parlour maid, opened the door, bobbed a curtsey, and said, “Lord Blackwood, if you please, ma’am.”

Two
    L ord Blackwood? Here, in her home? Patience felt as if a giant force had sucked out all the air in her lungs. For a moment, she could not speak and just nodded to Doris to show in their guest.
    Henrietta leaned forward and whispered with utmost glee, “You see? Moreover, here you are in such a dreadful, dull dress! No wonder he pays Miss Hartley attention. Remember to be amiable, and perhaps he will not notice what you are wearing.”
    For the first time in her life, Patience wished she were wearing something ravishing, but at that moment, she could not think of anything she owned that would fit such a description. She raised one hand to pat her curls, in the hope that she did not appear dishevelled. As if he would notice, anyway!
    Lorna bounced into the room in her usual ebullient manner, followed by Lord Blackwood. Patience could not help staring at him, fascinated. As always, he was impeccably dressed. He exuded an aura of confidence and charm, and a magnetism that drew her, despite her best efforts to resist. With a supreme effort, she wrenched her gaze down to her hands gripped together in her lap. Her heartbeat quickened and something caught in her throat.
    “Mrs. Paisley, we meet again. I remember making your acquaintance at Lady Standish’s dinner a few months ago. How do you do?” With perfect manners, he shook hands with Henrietta, who looked thrilled that he remembered her from a previous social occasion and murmured her compliments. Notwithstanding her protestations of undying loyalty to the departed Mr. Paisley, model husband par excellence , Henrietta was not averse to a mild flirtation with a handsome titled gentleman. She tittered and simpered with as many blushes as a debutante at her first ball.
    As Patience looked up, he came over to her, extending one hand. “Miss Cherwell, what a pleasure to see you again. I hope you are well.”
    His warm, almost intimate smile only made matters worse. Although her legs nearly refused to obey, she managed to get to her feet without mishap and took his hand. His fingers tightened on hers in a firm grip. Although he held her hand for only a few moments, she felt as if ages passed before he released it. Again, those uncontrollable sensations rippled up and down her body, and she felt her cheeks grow pink. Lorna announced that Lord Blackwood’s friend, Captain Lyndon, had continued in his lordship’s carriage to deposit Miss Sutcliffe and her mama at home. He would then return to collect Lord Blackwood in about twenty minutes.
    “I hope I might prevail upon your hospitality for a few minutes,” he said to Patience. “Miss Hartley insisted I come in to pay my respects, and of course, nothing has given me greater pleasure than to visit your charming home. I hope