The Earl's Return (Marriage Mart Mayhem) by Callie Hutton Page B

the Orphan Asylum last week. How every generous of you to give your time like that to the underclass. I would be terrified to spend time with those children.” The annoying Miss Stoneridge fanned herself rapidly, as if just speaking the words distressed her. She had hung by Redgrave’s side from the time she’d arrived.
    “Not at all, Miss Stoneridge. Redgrave had his pistol, so I am sure any attack from a six-year-old would have been quelled quite nicely.” Mary offered her a sweet smile.
    Redgrave let out with a choking sound that he tried to hide behind a cough. Their eyes met, and Mary raised her chin. The words the idiot woman had spoken sounded like a compliment, but had turned ugly at the end.
    Miss Stoneridge’s mouth dropped open as she turned to Redgrave, who was still attempting to compose himself. “Surely you would not have shot a child, my lord? Even if they are of no consequence.”
    His eyes snapped, apparently no longer thinking the chit amusing. “No. I was more concerned with the nine-year-olds.”
    Apparently not at all understanding Redgrave’s sarcasm, the stupid girl said, “Well that is a bit of a relief. I would hate to see you go through the mess of dealing with the magistrate over someone like that.”
    Mary’s glance met Redgrave’s once again, and for a moment it was almost as if they were the only two people in the room who understood. She both relished and feared that connection. However would she get through the rest of the Season until Redgrave selected his bride and announced his betrothal? Just the look that had passed between them had her lady parts tingling and her heart thumping.
    “My lady, Lord Claremont has arrived.” Lady Alice’s butler stood at attention in the doorway.
    “Oh, thank you,” Jeannette said, her eyes bright with excitement.
    The last meal Mary had eaten threatened to make a reappearance at her feet. Her breathing increased, and her hands were clasped so firmly in her lap that her fingers turned white. Under lowered eyelids she slid a quick glance at Redgrave who studied her carefully, his brows furrowed.
    Jeanette preened as Claremont entered the room, his scrutiny settling first on Mary, and then his betrothed. “My dear, I have arrived as promised to take you on a carriage ride.”
    Claremont seemed to have sucked all the air out of the room. Mary felt as though she could not get a deep breath and wondered if her maid had laced her stays too tight. Why had the man returned from the Continent, and how in heaven’s name had he ended up betrothed to Jeanette?
    “Excellent, my lord.” Jeanette stood and turned to Mary. “Please say you will come with us for a ride.”
    Again the black dots began to appear in her eyes, and she felt herself slipping. “I am afraid I cannot…”
    “Oh, you must,” Jeanette said. “Please. I would like for you to get to know Claremont. He tells me you barely knew each other before he left for the Continent.”
    The bile she’d been fighting at the back of her throat threatened to erupt all over Jeanette’s shoes.
    “I am so sorry, Miss Belkin, but Lady Mary promised me her company in my carriage this afternoon.” Redgrave stood and looked kindly on Jeanette as he moved across the room to stand next to Mary.
    Mary swallowed, her mouth dry. “Yes, that is true, Jeanette. I did promise Redgrave.” At this moment she didn’t care that Redgrave saw her distress and had come to her rescue once again. She did not want to spend time alone with Jeanette and Claremont. She linked her arm through Redgrave’s extended arm, practically hanging on for dear life.
    Claremont moved farther into the room. “We must be off, my dear. I have an engagement later today.”
    Jeanette clasped Mary’s hand. “Why not the both of you join us?” She regarded Claremont. “There is room, is there not, my lord?”
    Claremont gave Mary a slow perusal that turned her blood to ice. “Yes, my dear. There is plenty of room for Lady Mary