A Most Unconventional Match by Julia Justiss Page A

captivated his senses, but whose intelligence, kindness and thoughtfulness worked their way insidiously into his mind and heart.
    And then there was David Lowery. He liked the boy and wanted to help him, but he shouldn’t get too attached. Nicky would be back soon and would fill the gap in the boy’s life that the loss of his father had created.
    He needed to finish this work for the Lowerys and remove himself from their life…before he found himself craving to stay.

    Whistling a cheerful tune as he returned after a successful session with the brokers, early that evening Hal trotted up the steps of his bachelor quarters on Upper Brook Street. He’d have some wine and change his garments before meeting at his club with Lord Montague and Lord Chelmsworth, two peers who, like Hal, were keenly interested in investing in the latest economic innovations. Hal was confident that after hearing details of the new project, both gentlemen would wish to buy shares.
    With the last of the financing guaranteed, he could then travel north to consult with the engineers and get the project underway. His spirits lifted further at the idea of escaping London and returning to his element, negotiating the advances with the local banks, clambering in and out of earthworks with the engineers as they inspected the progress of the work, even taking a hand with a shovel himself from time to time, and, finally, the incomparable excitement of watching scaled drawings and his own vision slowly become reality.
    He’d pledged a little more today to the broker than he’d originally calculated. If he could convince Elizabeth Lowery—or her trustees, for he still expected to turn up a will directing that Lowery’s affairs be turned over to someone more competent than Eustace Scarbridge—he would sell the extra shares to the Lowery estate.
    He’d be proud to report to Nicky upon his return that he’d not just straightened out the tangle in which Lowery had left his finances, he’d also made investments to allow the widow a sizeable income for the rest of her days.
    He sighed. At least he’d leave Elizabeth Lowery something pleasant to remember him by, once Nicky returned and Hal had no excuse to see her again.
    As he entered his town house, the footman stationed at the doorway held out a note. ‘From Mrs Waterman, sir,’ the man said. ‘She said it was urgent.’
    Hal’s cheerful mood took an immediate downturn. Whatever Letitia Waterman wanted was always urgent. Stifling a desire to curse, with thanks Hal took the note and continued up to his bedchamber.
    â€™Twas an invitation—a summons, really—to dine at Berkeley Square. Checking the mantel clock, Hal thought he would have enough time to call on his mama—hopefully before her protégée arrived—present his excuses and still meet his friends for dinner.
    This time he would not let her browbeat him into remaining. He must also, he recalled, somehow manage to weasel out of the obligation to escort her and Lady Tryphena Upcott to that damned ball.
    His good mood now ruined—at least until he could escape his mother’s clutches and leave for his club—Hal rang for Jeffers and poured himself a large glass of wine.

    Less than an hour later, Hal paced the floor of his mother’s elaborate drawing room. He should have expected it would be impossible to see his mother early, that she would still be completing her toilette . He only hoped Montague and Chelmsworth didn’t consume all of their dinner before he finally arrived.
    Every minute he lingered increased the chances that Lady Tryphena might arrive before he could take his leave. When Holmes finally announced his mother’s entry, Hal was so relieved, he was actually glad to see her.
    â€˜Hal darling, you are early!’ his mama said, giving him her hand to kiss. ‘Lady Tryphena and Lord Kendall should be here shortly. I thought we could