Season for Surrender Read Free Page B

near-black hair was cropped short, accentuating the clean line of his jaw and the height of his strong cheekbones.
    He looked as though he had calculated the effect of his appearance very carefully, and he expected everyone who crossed his path to agree with his conclusion. Good God, what a sinfully striking man. Let us bow before his majesty. Let us give him whatever he wants.
    Louisa was seized with a sudden, sharp urge to be contrary.
    But after her aunt greeted the earl, Louisa scraped a few manners together and offered him a proper curtsy. “I bring you the best wishes of my whole family, Lord Xavier.”
    The earl’s cool eyes brightened at Louisa’s words. “Do you really? Are they all well?”
    â€œThey are,” she replied. “But my sister and brother are unable to travel at this time, as my sister is in a delicate condition.”
    â€œI see.” He appeared to be reasoning something out. “Naturally, I am delighted for them.”
    â€œXavier,” barked Lady Irving, removing the need for Louisa to think of something appropriate to say. “I do hope you’ll be behaving yourself.”
    â€œNo more than is strictly necessary.”
    â€œGood man. That’s the perfect amount,” Lady Irving said. “I trust I can count on you to arrange an interesting card game tonight?”
    â€œIf by ‘interesting’ you mean ‘for stakes that are likely to horrify small children and puppies,’ then the answer is yes.”
    The countess nodded her approval. “It wouldn’t be worthwhile if we weren’t horrifying someone.”
    â€œWords to live by, my dear lady.” Xavier turned his attention to Louisa. “Do you play cards, Miss Oliver?”
    â€œI do, though I’m hardly the player my aunt is.”
    â€œI’m relieved to hear it,” Xavier said. “The world would be bankrupted if there were many such players as Lady Irving.”
    The countess nodded her agreement. “Very true. That’s settled, then; we shall all skin each other tonight.”
    A thump from the drive caught their notice; two footmen had lost their grip on a particularly large trunk. The great wooden affair had split along one corner, and servants swarmed over it like ants assessing damage to their hill.
    Xavier turned away, toward the great doors of his home. “Organizing the beau monde is more difficult than herding cats, and as little amusing. Despite the tumult on the drive, a fair number of guests have already arrived, and they are taking refreshment in the east parlor. May I show you to it?”
    â€œPlease do,” said Lady Irving. “Can you manage something a bit stronger than tea, though?”
    Their host grinned and extended an arm to each woman. “My lady, I believe I have a brandy exactly the shade of brewed tea. I’ll have my man root it out for you.”
    He turned his head to Louisa. “And you, Miss Oliver?”
    â€œNo need for brandy, but after our carriage ride, I’d give my bonnet for a cup of tea.”
    Xavier studied Louisa’s face with elaborate attention. “I’ve never been one for crimson, though it looks well on you. You’d best keep the bonnet, but I’m sure we can still find you some tea.”
    Louisa’s mouth bent into a small smile, and she allowed her hand to slip into the crook of his arm.
    Oh, it was solid. His coat was beautifully cut; even through her gloves, she could tell how fine the dark blue wool was. Beneath it, the form of the man was better still, all solid muscle and long, strong bone.
    He flirted with you , Lady Irving mouthed broadly behind Xavier’s back. She looked pleased.
    Louisa’s cheeks heated again as she walked next to him, her aunt now chattering about the Great Brandy Subterfuge she was planning. It was no surprise that Louisa should find Lord Xavier attractive. No one had ever denied his physical appeal. It was also