As an Earl Desires by Lorraine Heath Page A

wasn’t that interesting? “I
didn’t realize ladies confided in her.”
    â€œOn all manner of things I’m
sure.”
    He wanted to ask if she’d feel the same way
if Camilla became her stepmother. Out of the corner of his eye, he
caught sight of Camilla dancing with the duke. She looked
stunningly beautiful.
    â€œShe’s very lovely.”
    He jerked his gaze back to Lady Alice. “My
apologies. I’m a bit distracted this evening. I’m under
the impression that tonight is my last opportunity to assess the
available ladies.”
    â€œA good many are already spoken
for.”
    â€œSo I’ve been told. If I may be so bold
as to say, I’m surprised that you’re not.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve not been
looking seriously. My father is quite put out with me.”
    â€œHe didn’t give that
impression.”
    â€œHe hasn’t much of a temper, but he is
threatening to cut back my allowance if I don’t take the
husband hunt seriously next Season. But I’d rather hunt in
Africa.”
    â€œFor a husband?”
    She laughed. “No, for a lion. Although I must
confess that I find a good many of these gentlemen to be most
stuffy. Perhaps I should look for a
husband in Africa.”
    The music stopped, and for only the second time
this evening, he was sorry to see it happen.
    â€œThank you, my lord. I enjoyed the dance very
much.”
    â€œI believe I’m to escort you back to
your father.”
    Her smile seemed one of sorrow mixed with pity.
“To my aunt. While you weren’t looking, my father and
his dance partner slipped out through the side doors.”
    He felt as though a fist had been driven into hisgut. How in God’s name did these people
always manage to give the impression that nothing mattered? He
feared his face revealed every emotion swarming through him.
    â€œTo your aunt then.”
    And since he couldn’t remember with whom he
was to dance next, he would have to go in search of Camilla.
    Â 
    The Duke of Kingsbridge had lived for half a
century, was considerably younger than her husband had been, in
attitude more than years.
    â€œI miss the old girl,” he said, as they
walked through the garden, he with his hands behind his back,
Camilla with her hands folded in front of her.
    â€œShe wouldn’t want you to mourn
forever, Your Grace,” she responded kindly.
    As it had turned out the tune had been his
wife’s favorite, and he’d become melancholy after a
bit. Camilla could hardly blame him. His wife had been an
exceedingly kind woman.
    â€œI had no intention of falling in love with
her when I married her,” he said gruffly. “Give me an
heir and a spare, and we’ll both go on our way.” He
chuckled low. “Best-laid plans and all that.”
    Gas lighting throughout the garden cast a glow
around them and a few other couples who’d come out for some
air—and a bit more. She triedto overlook
the stolen kisses that she caught sight of here and there. Most
were chaste, a quick brushing of the lips, nothing at all like the
kisses that Archie had bestowed upon her. The mere thought of them
still had the power to ignite a fire low in her belly.
    â€œSo what of you and this new Earl of
Sachse?” Kingsbridge asked.
    Her stomach tightened, and she feared she’d
been unable to mask her thoughts. “What of us?”
    â€œCome, come, girl, you’ve had an old
husband. You should have a young one.”
    â€œSachse needs an heir, Your Grace.”
    â€œBit of a nuisance that.”
    â€œI thought he and Lady Alice made a very
nice-looking couple.”
    â€œMy Alice cares more for adventure than
marriage.”
    â€œShe is almost twenty, Your Grace. Time for
her to find a husband.”
    â€œI’ll not force her to marry.” He
came to a stop at the end of the path and faced her. “What is
it that you want, Lady