Lord Darlington's Darling Read Free Page B

feeling significantly better,” said Lord Darlington. “And it is due to our discussion that you have discov ered yourself to be my guest at tea.”
    Lady Bethany’s eyes rounded, then narrowed. “Oh, dear! You are toying with me, Sylvan. I do detest it when you do that! What did Mama say?”
    “I’m certain she would have conveyed the happy news herself at once, except that she was too caught up at the thought of hiring a seamstress,” said Lord Darlington, inspecting his perfectly manicured nails.
    “I shall scream with vexation if you do not stop! What are you and Mama up to?” demanded Lady Bethany, completely forgetting her biscuit and tea.
    “Mama has decided it’s time for you to be brought out,” said Lord Darlington. He waited for his sister’s reaction and he was not disappointed.
    Lady Bethany shrieked. She sprang up, her eyes alight with delight. “Oh, Sylvan! Is it really true? Am I really to be brought out?”
    At her brother’s nod, she danced a little around her chair. “I am so glad! You cannot imagine! The other girls at the seminary shall be green with envy when I tell them! I shall go to the Pump Room and the sub scription balls, and be invited to all manner of picnics and—“
    “Do not forget the court of admirers who will be dangling after you,” said Lord Darlington, watching her with the faintest of smiles.
    Lady Bethany laughed, blushed, and agreed to it. “Oh, Sylvan! You cannot imagine how much this means to me!” She blew a lighthearted kiss at him. “I must go at once and talk to Mama! She will know precisely what gowns I shall need and everything!” She flitted toward the door.
    Before she reached it, Lord Darlington said, “I imagine you will cut quite a dash in London this Season.”
    His sister spun about, all of her former exuberance suspended as she stared across the room at him. “Lon don? Why—why, I quite thought you meant Bath.”
    Lord Darlington rose from the wing chair and saun tered back toward his desk. “Why would you think that? Mama has suggested a London Season and I have agreed to it.” He cynically regarded his sister, who ap peared stunned and as though she was trying to think of what to say. “Oh, are you thinking of the cost?”
    “Yes! Yes, that is it precisely,” said Lady Bethany, grasp ing quickly at his suggestion. She came back toward him. “Cleo and Sybil had only the short season and— and winter house parties. I—I don’t want or need a London Season, Sylvan. I can come out in Bath and do very well, I assure you.”
    Lord Darlington sat back down on the edge of his desk. He thoughtfully regarded the toe of his well-polished boot for a moment before he spoke. “Much as I appreciate your sacrifice, Bethany, it is quite unnecessary. I have al ready assured our mother that you, at least, shall be able to have a full London Season.”
    “But I would much rather come out in Bath!”
    His sister’s voice held a note of desperation that made his lips tighten. Lord Darlington looked up, and his eyes were hard. Coldly, he asked, “No doubt it would be more convenient for Mr. Farnham if you did so?”
    Lady Bethany gasped and paled. She stared at her brother for several seconds, before swift color flew into her face. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” She clasped her hands together tightly, defying him with her gaze.
    “Don’t you? Then shall I tell you?”
    “No! I won’t listen! You—you think you know, but you don’t!” exclaimed Lady Bethany.
    “I know you fancy yourself in love with this fellow .”
    “I am in love! I am!” Lady Bethany realized instantly that she had given herself completely away. Furious tears started to her eyes. “I don’t care what you say, Sylvan! I won’t go to London! I won’t! I am going back to Bath.”
    “So that you can throw yourself into the arms of a gazetted fortune hunter,” said Lord Darlington contemptuously.
    “Richard isn’t a fortune hunter. If anyone has said