As an Earl Desires by Lorraine Heath Page B

Sachse?”
    â€œI want him to be happy. I want him to have
in his marriage what you had in yours.”
    â€œAnd you think Alice is the one?”
    â€œI think it quite possible.”
    â€œBut here we are at the end of the Season.
I’ll not rush her into a decision, nor will I seek to
influenceit. If the man wishes to take her
hand in marriage, he’ll have to do all the convincing
himself. And I’ll warn you now, she’s not easily
convinced of anything. Takes after her mother in that
regard.”
    â€œIt seems the only solution is to allow the
earl and your daughter to have more time together. Perhaps
you’ll consider joining us at Sachse Hall for a
while.”
    He angled his head thoughtfully. “I will
consider it. But tell me true. Is he the only one you seek to make
a match for?”
    She gave him her warmest smile. “Not
entirely, no.”
    His deep laugher rumbled through the garden.
“It has been too long since I’ve played these
flirtatious games. I’ve nearly forgotten how.”
    â€œExcuse me.”
    Alarm fissured through her as she recognized
Archie’s voice. She quickly turned, trying to mask her
impatience. He couldn’t have timed his arrival any worse if
his watch were broken. And why in the world wasn’t he
flirting with Lady Alice?
    â€œSachse,” Kingsbridge said, “come
to make sure I’m not taking advantage of the lovely
widow?”
    â€œActually, Camilla was helping me to keep
track of my dance partners. I can’t remember who is
next.”
    â€œThen I’ll leave you two to figure it
out.” He took her hand, winked, and placed a kiss on her
glovedfingertips. “I shall keep your
plans in mind.”
    He walked away, and she waited until he was out of
earshot to hiss, “I was making great progress.”
    â€œThat was quite evident to
everyone.”
    â€œWhatever do you mean by that?”
    â€œYou looked absolutely besotted while you were dancing.”
    â€œI did not.”
    â€œYou did so.”
    â€œI like him, Archie. I like him very much.
He’s much kinder than Lucien was, and his wife adored
him.”
    â€œI didn’t think there was love among
the aristocracy.”
    â€œThere is some.” She released a deep
sigh at this absurd conversation. “Lady Sylvia Giles, Lady
Emily Cooper-Smythe, Lady Priscilla Norwood.”
    â€œPardon?”
    â€œYour next three dance partners. You might
wish to memorize the names.”
    â€œI’ve probably missed my opportunity to
dance with Lady Sylvia. I shall send her flowers and an apology
tomorrow.”
    He sounded so beaten that her heart went out to
him. “It’s not that important. It’s only a
dance.”
    â€œI thought everything at these functions was
important.”
    â€œIn a way they are, but it’s your first
Season, you’ll be forgiven. I’ll see to it.”
    â€œYou have an amazing amount of
influence.”
    â€œNot as much as I’d like.”
Reaching up, she straightened his cravat and patted his lapels.
“Now, we’d best get back before the duke thinks
we’re up to no good and decides you wouldn’t be a good
match for his daughter.”
    â€œIs that what you were discussing? His
daughter and me?”
    â€œI invited them to come to Sachse
Hall.” She lifted her gaze to his. “We’ll discuss
it all later. You mustn’t keep Lady Emily Cooper-Smythe
waiting.”
    She tried to make light of it when the truth was
that she didn’t care if he kept them all waiting. How could
she find him a suitable wife when her heart wasn’t truly in
the task?
    She began walking, and he fell into step beside
her.
    â€œI’ve not noticed the Duke and Duchess
of Harrington here,” he said.
    â€œYesterday, they left on their wedding trip.
To Italy. I informed Rhys that I’d heard warmer climes aid
with fertility.”
    â€œWhere