The Stranger She Married Read Free Page A

briefly at Elizabeth before returning his focus to Alicia. “Miss Hancock does not appear to be at a loss at the moment."
    His eyes fixed upon Alicia so intently that she saw images of him becoming her fairy-tale prince charming, battling her unwanted suitors, rescuing her family, and then carrying her off to his castle. Under his unusually direct gaze, she had the impression he knew her hopes and fears.
    She swallowed. “Yes, Elizabeth is so lovely, she's seldom without admirers.” A wistful tone crept into her voice.
    His mouth twitched in amusement. She wondered if he found her truly diverting or if he merely thought her silly. But there did not appear to be anything scornful or mocking in his eyes.
    "And you want me to have a look at your friend since I'm so eligible?"
    "Ah...” Those vivid eyes made thinking difficult.
    "Do you find me more suitable for her than for you, Miss Palmer?"
    Sickened that the handsome and charming viscount would see her for what she was, Alicia resigned herself to the truth and met his gaze fully. “She is more suitable for a man of your station than I, my lord."
    His dark brows raised. “Why is that?"
    She fortified her courage. “She's lovely and has a substantial dowry. I have little to offer a husband."
    There. She had confessed. Now her dream of this handsome gentleman rescuing her from all the undesirable men she must consider would come to an end.
    A playful smile hovered at the corners of his mouth. “You are a fortune hunter?"
    How quickly he cut to the truth! She could almost hear the crashing noises her sweet fantasy made as it fell. Biting her lip, she controlled the moisture that threatened her eyes.
    "I am."
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CHAPTER 2
    Lord Amesbury's expression became guarded. “And why would you reveal that to a man with a fortune instead of merely pursuing him to attain your goal?"
    Alicia looked away. “Because I don't want any misunderstanding. And I would never stand in the way of Elizabeth's happiness."
    "If I told you I were a reprobate, would you still wish me to consider your friend?"
    Her eyes flew to his. Was he needling her again? “No. If you were anything less than a perfect gentleman, then I certainly would not wish you anywhere near her."
    He chuckled. “Then I promise to not only dance with your friend, but to conduct myself as a perfect gentleman at all times in her presence."
    Alicia eyed him sharply, but his carefully honed façade revealed nothing about him that he did not wish to show. “Are you laughing at me, my lord?"
    "No, Miss Palmer.” His smile grew gentle.
    Gentleness? How many men possessed such a trait? Again, she had to fight tears of disappointment. She had found the man of her dreams, but he was as unattainable as a sunrise.
    The dance set ended far too soon. As the viscount escorted her back toward Mrs. Hancock, Alicia heard Mrs. Hancock say as she leaned toward Elizabeth, “Don't worry, dearest. If you fail to secure Lord Amesbury, perhaps we can garner an introduction to one of his brothers. I hear the younger three are equally handsome. You could do worse than the younger son of one of the wealthiest and most respected earls in England."
    Alicia's stomach twisted. She glanced up at Lord Amesbury beside her as they wormed their way through the crowd, but he showed no sign that he had overheard the conversation. She determined to draw Elizabeth and Mrs. Hancock aside and explain that she had no designs on Lord Amesbury. Or at least, no right to have any. Not only was he too far above her, she did not want to damage her friendship with Elizabeth.
    Among the crowd, she spotted a thin man with silver hair and a widow's peak. The sight drove away all thoughts of Elizabeth. Her stomach dropped to her feet.
    "Oh, no. Please excuse me, my lord."
    "What is it, Miss Palmer?"
    "I must not let him see me."
    She fled through the throng toward the opened doors to the gardens. Outside, moonlight and Chinese lanterns illuminated