The Fallen Woman (A Regency Romance) Read Free Page A

great deal easier than it is.”
    “It would be very easy for you!” Andrew insisted. “If you went out every once in awhile, attended a ball or two, you’d have loads of women to choose from. An attractive, rich, titled gentleman like you--”
    Tristan clutched his stomach, and a roar of laughter took him. This time, his laughter was genuine. “ Attractive? ”
    Andrew’s eyes fluttered sheepishly. “Yes, well… I don’t claim to be a judge of a man’s good looks, but I wouldn’t say you’re completely without appeal.”
    Tristan shook his head. “I’m not as handsome as you, I daresay.”
    Andrew wanted to protest, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He was in possession of wicked good looks, and there was no denying it. To admit it would be vain, but to deny it would be foolish. “Well, you are far richer than I am. And you have your title.”
    “But I wouldn’t settle for just any woman. I can’t stand silly girls,” Tristan sighed as he spoke. “I get along just fine without a wife, and I’ve had no one nagging me to find one since my father died. To be honest, you’re the last person I expected to nag me about my bachelor status.”
    “Tristan, I…”
    “Futhermore,” Tristan interrupted, “I am four and thirty. It’s not as if I’ve completely run out of time. You’re only a few years younger than me, Andrew. Why don’t you find a wife?”
    Andrew sprung from the bed. “What? A few? I’m only nine and twenty! I have plenty of time!”
    If his hitched eyebrow was any indication, Lord Randall wasn’t amused.
    “Well, then… if you choose not to shackle yourself, I understand. Completely ,” said Andrew, who started to twitch as soon as his own unmarried state was brought into question. “However, I wish you would find some time for your old friend every now and then. If you’d rather stay indoors than step out with Andrew Lamb, then… well… quite frankly, I’m insulted!”
    “Insulted?” Tristan repeated. “Well, I can’t have that. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if I rolled out of bed every once in awhile. Besides, I think it’s time I gave my valet some work.” As he spoke, Tristan studied his reflection in the looking glass, which was adjacent to his bed. “He’s not earning his keep if he leaves my hair looking like this, is he?”

    * * *

    Even when he wasn’t shabby and bedridden, Lord Randall was no match for Andrew’s magnetic allure. As soon as they set foot in the assembly rooms, everyone drew a collective breath—and it wasn’t because they were surprised to see the viscount out of his apartments. It was because he was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a man whose face put all others to shame.
    As soon as he entered, Lord Randall wanted to leave. When the young ladies started to amass around them, it did nothing to improve his mood. He knew they were here for--
    “Mr. Lamb!” one of the young ladies shouted, completing the thought in Tristan’s head. “It’s so wonderful to see you again!”
    “Hello, Miss Gibson,” Andrew greeted his greeter. “You’re looking lovely today, as usual.”
    Another young lady, vying for Andrew’s attention, snapped open her fan and started flapping it below her chin. Tristan wondered if the gesture was supposed to look charming. He thought she looked ridiculous.
    A third young lady, whose copper-red curls were piled intricately on her head, started to bat her eyelashes. Lord Randall thought he could feel a soft breeze as she fluttered them. “Won’t you ask me to dance, Mr. Lamb? You dance so magnificently!” chimed the redhead. Her mouth formed an exaggerated pout as she spoke.
    “Of course, Miss Tierney,” Andrew answered with a grin. “I would be most delighted. I can’t think of a partner I would like better.”
    The other young ladies sighed in unison.
    “Won’t you introduce us to your friend?” asked the girl with the fan, who had yet to be named.
    Andrew looked happy to oblige. “Oh, you