Never Miss a Chance Read Free Page A

decided to go as a united front to
support her.  Which was typical of her family in general.  A slight toward one was
an insult to them all.
    When they first arrived, it appeared Lizzie might just be
right about her ability to withstand the criticism.  There was a hush
throughout the ballroom when they were announced, but that wasn’t an unusual
occurrence when Lizzie entered any room with her three quite eligible
brothers.  Lady Tarlington was flustered and Lord Tarlington looked like he
wanted to have Lizzie removed, courtesy of a boot to her bottom.  But as host
and hostess they welcomed the Kellingtons as gracefully as possible.
    When Lizzie and her brothers entered the ballroom proper,
they were immediately converged upon by Aunt Prue, Mariah, Rosalind and
Riverton.
    Lynwood pulled Riverton aside.  “What’s the mood?”  He’d
already made his own assessment, but wanted to know if the reality was as grim
as he sensed.
    Riverton hesitated just a moment before answering, weighing
his words.  “As you might expect.”
    He was stopped from elaborating further when Lizzie
approached.  And, as usual, he was stunned by the vision before him.  He also observed
that she, as usual, seemed perfectly at ease with him.  Like being in the
presence of a trusted servant.  Or a family pet. 
    “It’s not often I see you at a ball, my lord.  What brings
you out tonight?”
    “A chance to meet with friends,” Riverton said, bowing over
her hand.
    “Did his grace fill you in on the sordid details of my treatise?”
She smiled, but Riverton thought it just a bit brittle.
    “He didn’t need to tell me what I could read for myself.”
    “I am sure you disagree with my views most vehemently, do
you not?” 
    “It is safe to say we are not in accord.”
    There seemed to be a hint of disappointment in her
countenance.  “And do you view them as disastrously as my brothers?”
    “To tell the truth, Lady Elizabeth, I find the treatise
quite…remarkable.”
    *                    *                    *
    That was the odd thing about Riverton, thought Lizzie.  Just
when you thought he was predictable and stodgy and behaved the way an elderly
uncle might – if an elderly uncle were only a few years older, a good four
inches taller than you and had hair the color of wheat and eyes so blue they almost
hurt to look at – just as you thought he was so predictable, he’d say something
to steal your breath away.
    Lizzie was spared from further distraction when another man
appeared at Riverton’s side.  One who was also handsome, with reddish hair and
a smile filled with straight white teeth.  He spoke to the marquess, but had
eyes only for Lizzie.
    “Aren’t you going to introduce me, Riverton?”
    Riverton paused for a moment as if considering ways to avoid
that very thing, before doing what was expected of him.  “Lady Elizabeth
Kellington, may I present George Stahly, Earl of Stalford.  Stalford, this is
Lady Elizabeth.”
    “The lady author,” said Stalford, as he brought Lizzie’s
fingers to his lips and Riverton clenched his jaw.  “I’m as intrigued to meet
you as I am impressed by your words.”
    “You liked my article?”  Her astonishment was plain.  She’d
almost given up finding anyone at the ball who might be a supporter.
    “Like is much too tame of a word, my dear.  It encapsulated
everything I’ve been trying to get across in Lords, but with much more style. 
It’s all anyone can talk about tonight.  One day on the public stage and you’ve
already accomplished more for the fairer sex than I have through years of
shouting down conservatives like old Riverton here.  I’m surprised he didn’t
have apoplexy when he read it.”
    “Do you really think it could sway public opinion?” asked
Lizzie.  “With all the criticism I’ve received, I was beginning to fear I miscalculated.”
    “Don’t let Riverton dissuade you.  He’s against all forms