To Wed A Viscount by Adrienne Basso

that she and Griffin agreed on these days.
    His eyebrow inched up in mock surprise. “How strange. I thought most women felt Prinny has been most unkind toward Princess Caroline.”
    â€œAll women are not the same,” Faith responded loftily, although she truly did believe the regent’s treatment of his poor wife was both scandalous and unnoble.
    Yet she’d sooner start nibbling on her bouquet of roses than admit to the viscount that she hadn’t been paying attention to the conversation.
    He stared at her for a brief moment, but let the matter drop. “If you have no objection, Lady Meredith, I would like to speak with Miss Linden alone.”
    Faith bit her tongue to keep her gasp of surprise from escaping.
    â€œThat is for Faith to decide, not me,” Meredith responded. “Faith?”
    She regarded the viscount warily. “I have no secrets from Meredith.”
    â€œSo I gathered. Still, I prefer that we speak privately.”
    He ended his request with a smile that transformed his face from handsome to irresistible. Faith discovered it was nearly impossible to resist, though she struggled mightily.
    â€œPerhaps it would be best,” Faith replied slowly. Who knew what he was going to say? Though Faith fully intended to relate every detail to her dearest friend, it might prove less embarrassing not to have an audience.
    Also, Faith had not forgotten the way Griffin had stared at Meredith last night, as if he were a starving man sitting before a ladened banquet table. The memory was vaguely disquieting. At least if they were alone Faith would have his full attention.
    â€œVery well. If Faith wishes it, then I shall leave the two of you alone. For a time.” Meredith walked toward the door, then paused to cast the viscount a cool smile. “I shall, however, stay close enough to hear any loud voices.”
    â€œShe is rather protective of you,” Griffin commented as the door closed. “Or is it just me she mistrusts?”
    â€œLady Meredith has a realistic opinion of men and is well acquainted with their limitations,” Faith replied primly.
    â€œI daresay the right man would make her change her tune. Quickly.”
    â€œPerchance, would that man be you, Lord Dewhurst?”
    He gave her a long considering look that made her tremble deep inside. He seemed on the verge of saying something, thought better of it, then merely grinned. “No, I am definitely not the man for Lady Meredith.”
    An odd sense of relief rushed through Faith. Instinctively, she knew it would be unbearable to see Griffin pursue Meredith. With his charm, grace, and good looks, he just might be the man who finally captured her heart.
    Faith assumed a thoughtful expression. “I suspect you are curious about last evening,” she began, but she was interrupted by the arrival of two servants with the tea tray.
    There was a great amount of fussing and shuffling as the footman and maid set up the tea service. Twice Faith found herself biting her lip in frustration. Now that the matter was at hand, she was eager to get this discussion with Griffin finished.
    My heavens, would the servants never leave?
    â€œTea?” she offered, halfheartedly, when at last they were alone again.
    â€œNo, thank you,” he replied. “Perhaps later.”
    Too tense to even consider pouring herself a cup of the tasty brew, Faith drew in a breath. “As I was saying—”
    A sharp knock echoed through the room.
    â€œNow what?” Faith exclaimed in annoyance, jumping up from her chair. She strode to the door and unceremoniously yanked it open. “Yes!” she snapped waspishly.
    The startled young maid on the other side of the door nearly dropped the small pitcher she held.
    â€œI f-forgot to bring the cream, miss,” she stammered. “I’m so sorry.”
    Faith blew out a long, low breath. She took the pitcher from the maid’s trembling hands. “No, I