Whirlwind Wedding Read Free Page A

steps backward. "It's a delightful party. Delightful. The food the music, the guests, they are all . . ."
    "Delightful?" he supplied helpfully.
    She nodded and retreated several more steps.
    His gaze never left her face. Emotions streaked through her expressive eyes—embarrassment, dismay, surprise, but not once did he discern a hint of coyness or speculation. Nor did she seem particularly impressed with his lofty title. But it was the complete lack of something else that utterly fascinated him.
    She wasn't flirting with him.
    She hadn't flirted earlier, before she'd known who he was, but now . . .
    How incredibly interesting.
    "Thank you for escorting me, your grace. I believe I shall return to the house now." She took several more steps backward.
    "What about your gown, Miss Matthews? Not even a Colonial Upstart would dare enter the ballroom in your present condition."
    Halting, she looked down at herself. "I don't suppose there's any hope that no one would notice."
    "No hope at all. Are you and your aunt spending the night?"
    "Yes. In fact, we're staying on here at Bradford Hall for several weeks as guests of the dowager duchess . . ." Understanding dawned in her eyes.
    "Who is your mother."
    "Indeed she is." Austin briefly wondered if his mother had arranged for the visit with the hopes of making a match, but he immediately discarded the idea. He couldn't imagine that his very proper mother would deem an American to be a suitable duchess. No, he knew all too well that she had her matchmaking eye set on several young women of impeccable British lineage. "As long as you're staying here, I believe I can solve your problem.
    I'll show you to a little-used side entrance that leads directly up to the guest chambers."
    There was no mistaking the gratitude in her eyes. "That would certainly avert the social disaster I fear looms on the horizon."
    "Then let us be off."
    As they walked toward the mansion, Elizabeth asked "I hate to further impose upon your kindness, your grace, but would you mind giving my excuses to my aunt when you return to the ballroom?"
    "Of course."
    She cleared her throat. "Ah, what excuse shall you use?"
    "Excuse? Oh, I suppose I'll say you suffered from a fit of the vapors."
    "Vapors!" She sounded outraged. "Nonsense! I would never fall victim to such a frivolous thing. Besides, Aunt Joanna would not believe it. She knows I am of a most robust nature. You must think of something else."
    "All right. How about the headache?"
    "I never get them."
    "Dyspepsia?"
    "My stomach never causes me discomfort."
    Austin fought the urge to roll his eyes heavenward. "Do you ever suffer from any malady?"
    She shook her head. "You keep forgetting that I am—"
    "Most robust. Yes, I'm beginning to see that. But I fear that any other excuse, such as a fever, would unduly alarm your aunt."
    "Hmmm. I suppose you're right. I don't wish to frighten her. Actually, a headache is not far from the truth. The mere thought of returning to the ballroom sets my temples to pounding. Very well," she said with a nod her tone crisp. "You may say I've succumbed to the headache."
    Austin's lips twitched. "Thank you."
    She beamed at him. "You're quite welcome."
    They arrived at the mansion several minutes later and Austin led her through the shadows to a side door almost entirely obscured with ivy. He felt for the knob and pulled the door open. "There you are. The guest chambers are at the top of the stairs. Be careful on the steps."
    "I shall. Thank you again for your kindness."
    "My pleasure."
    His gaze searched her face in the dim light. Even completely disheveled she was lovely. And amusing. He could not recall the last time he'd felt so lighthearted. Pressing concerns awaited him once he returned to the house, yet he couldn't resist prolonging this pleasant interlude for a few moments longer. Reaching out, he gently grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips.
    Her hand was warm and soft, her fingers long and slender. The subtle scent of