Читать книгу The Wicked Baron - Sarah Mallory - Страница 2

‘Carlotta, do allow me to present Lord Darvell to you.’

Carlotta froze. She had known this moment would come, had rehearsed it a thousand times, but still she was not prepared for the stomach-wrenching spasm that threatened to render her senseless when she heard his name. Gathering all her strength, she turned and dragged her eyes up to his face. The gentleman standing before her was achingly familiar. As he bowed over her hand she looked at his brown hair and remembered the silky feel of it beneath her fingers, the touch of his lips, not on her glove but on her own mouth, caressing, demanding—She thrust such thoughts away. They had no place in her life now. He had no place in her life now.

She forced herself to look at him. His glance told her he knew her, but there was no sign of uncertainty in his hazel eyes as he smiled. He was so sure of his welcome. Her training had been very good: she buried her feelings and presented him with a bland, polite mask. She withdrew her hand from his grasp, saying coolly, ‘My lord.’

‘Your aunt tells me you are not engaged for the next dance. I would be honoured if you would allow me to partner you…?’

His assurance made her seethe. He was laughing at her.