Patricia Veryan - [Sanguinet Saga 07] - Married Past Redemption Read Free Page B

minutes he spoke
only of commonplaces, asked her twice if she was happy, and commenting
three times on the charm of "that pink gown." Refraining from pointing
out that her muslin was peach-coloured, not pink, Lisette began to be
uneasy. Papa was nervous, which must mean he had something unpleasant
to say. She was mildly relieved when Powers appeared and announced that
Mr. Garvey was belowstairs. Lisette prepared to leave, but her father
requested that the caller be shown up, adding as the butler took his
lugubrious countenance from sight, "This is a happy coincidence,
m'dear. Mr. Garvey has been plaguing me for an introduction. Now's as
good a time as any, eh?"
    "Is the gentleman Mr.
James
Garvey,
Papa? The Regent's friend?"
    Humphrey chuckled. "Clever little puss. You know I do not
usually cultivate the Carlton House set. You're right, but James is a
good enough man. He can trace his house back almost as far as our own.
Came into a considerable fortune some years ago, when his father went
to his reward. James has been in Europe for several months, but I make
no doubt you will recall having seen him at this or that occasion, for
he is very—Ah, good morning, good morning, my dear fellow!" Humphrey
rose and walked to extend a hand to his guest. "You chose a fortunate
moment, James," he said heartily. "M'daughter and I were enjoying a
cose. Lisette, I present Mr. James Garvey. James, this is my middle
daughter. You know Beatrice, I believe. Don't think you've met our
Lisette."
    Lisette made her curtsey to a dapper gentleman of about five
and thirty. He was not above average height, but well proportioned, and
with a head of thickly curling dark hair that was gracefully bowed
before her. She thought, as he straightened, that he was quite the
dandy, for his shirt points were very high, his cravat a masterpiece,
and his blue jacket extremely well cut. A green and blue brocaded
waistcoat complemented the jacket neatly, and his pearl-grey
inexpressibles were beyond reproach. Two fobs and a seal hung at his
trim waist, and a large sapphire flashed on one hand. Unbidden, the
recollection darted into her mind that Tristram Leith had never worn
fobs or seals, the only jewellery she had ever seen him affect being
his heavy gold signet ring…
    Her gaze drifting back to the visitor's face, she encountered
a stunned look in his fine green eyes. He murmured in a bewildered
manner, "Jove, sir! You said your daughter was lovely, but—I never
dreamt—" He faltered into silence.
    Lisette blushed and was both pleased and puzzled, for she had
the distinct impression it was not at all what he had intended to say.
She lowered her eyes, paying little heed to the polite pleasantry of
her father's response. When she looked up, Mr. Garvey had recovered his
air of sophisticated assurance. His admiration was obvious, but he
displayed it now with a light-hearted effusiveness that was a balm to
her bruised spirit. She was, he said, as pretty and sparkling as this
beautiful morning. She would, did she venture outside, quite put the
sunlight to shame with her radiance. Lisette was startled, and slanted
a glance at her papa, who would have flown into a rage had she told him
one of her beaux had made such bold remarks on first acquaintance, but
Mr. Van Lindsay seemed no whit put out.
    Mr. Garvey was aware of her reaction, however, and at once
addressed himself to her parent. "My groom is walking my horses this
very moment, sir. Have I your leave to ask that your daughter accompany
me on a short drive?"
    Mr. Van Lindsay never drove in the park save during the
fashionable late afternoon, and up went his brows. "At this hour?"
    "No time like the present," said Mr. Garvey with a smile. And
receiving permission, begged that Miss Van Lindsay do him the honour of
accompanying him. All the time, his eyes twinkled at her, and a dimple
that came and went beside his mouth was quite attractive, she decided.
Garvey's close friendship with the Regent made him a powerful