Lady Libertine by Kate Harper Page B

that a new arrival had come, in the form of Mr. Henry Bristow. Lord Billingsworth’s nephew had unexpectedly joined the house party. It also seemed that, as soon as he laid eyes on Lucy Landon, he did not care to look away.
    Rand observed the young man’s interest grimly and decided that leaving now was out of the question. Clearly, Mr. Henry Bristow was an Undesirable. Equally clearly, it was up to him to ensure that Miss Lucy Landon, a self-confessed innocent, was protected from his machinations for she seemed oblivious to the fact that she was in the presence of a wastrel.
    No, Rand thought, eyeing the newcomer with disfavor. His duty was clear. He would ensure Lucy was shielded from the undue attentions of a man who was clearly unsuitable.
    And quite possibly, as soon as an opportunity arose, he would endeavor to punch Mr. Henry Bristow squarely on the nose.
     
     
     

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
     
     
    Lucy prepared for dinner absently, puzzled by the turn of events that had taken place. She had very much enjoyed spending time with the earl who, surprisingly, had not once mentioned Lady Libertine the entire afternoon. Instead, they had spent a truly marvelous day. Hamersley had shown himself to be kind and patient with Phoebe, something that had earned him additional merit in Lucy’s eyes.
    She had tried very hard not to think about their kiss the previous day because thinking about it made her feel warm all over and, of course, there was no reason to believe that it would happen again. Not that there had been any opportunity to; they had not been alone together since the orchard. Just the same, she rather wished they could be alone, just to see if he would kiss her again. Because she wanted him to - Lucy could not think of anything she wanted more.
    So how had a man who had been so warm and amusing one moment, turned into a scowling, sullen beast the next? Because that was exactly what had happened, shortly after their return to Fendleton Hall.
    Mama had been waiting for them, emerging from the drawing room almost as soon as they came through the front door, gushing that it was so good of the earl to have taken care of her ‘two little darlings’ and how terribly grateful she was. Hamersley had been amiability itself, assuring her it had been a pleasure.
    ‘Come with me, all of you. Dear Lord Billingsworth’s nephew has joined us unexpectedly. He is very eager to meet my two daughters.’
    Mr. Henry Bristow had indeed been in the drawing room, having a rather challenging conversation with Lady Onslow, who was quite deaf, despite the ear horn she wielded.
    Their arrival had been greeted with relief by Mr. Bristow, whose voice was the first they had heard as they were coming in, bellowing desperately, ‘I think that might be ginger cake!’
    It had been so funny that Lucy could not help laughing and the young man had looked up in relief, immediately rising to his feet, eager for escape.
    ‘My dear, Mr. Bristow!’ Her mother had crowed. ‘Here they are at last. May I present my daughters, Phoebe and Lucy, and their distinguished escort for the afternoon, the Earl of Hamersley.’ Naturally, Mama had made it sound as having an earl in the house was due to her talents as a hostess.
    Both she and Phoebe had curtsied and Henry Bristow had taken the opportunity to move away from Lady Onslow (who was still demanding to know what kind of cake it was), bowing to Hamersley as they all took their seats. Bristow secured one next to her and, undoubtedly grateful to be sitting with somebody who could actually hear him, put himself out to entertain her. It wasn’t difficult; he was a very pleasant young man with a quick, lively wit and had Lucy laughing at several anecdotes. It wasn’t until she looked up and saw Hamersley, sitting a little across from them, that she realized something was wrong. He was scowling at her so frightfully that her eyes widened in surprise. What was wrong with the man? Why on earth was he