Lady Libertine by Kate Harper Page A

basing this on?’
    ‘I did not say that she is Lady Libertine. Merely that she knows something. I saw her coming out of the offices of the Times . Twice.’
    ‘Did she give you an explanation?’ Julia inquired.
    ‘She said that she knew the editor, Thomas Beaufort.’
    ‘Well, there you are then.’
    ‘I don’t believe it.’
    ‘You don’t believe that Lucy knows the editor of the Times ?’ Julia said, bewildered. ‘Why ever shouldn’t she?’
    ‘I’m not saying that she does not know him. I am saying that there is more to it than that. She was acting very oddly when I encountered her.’
    ‘You often have that effect on females,’ his sister returned sweetly, ‘they either salivate or reach for a weapon. Why is it that, do you think?’
    Rand ignored his brother-in-law’s choking noises from the other side of the table. Instead, he glared at his sister, a turn-you-into-smoldering-ashes kind of glare. Somehow, she remained untouched. ‘Can you arrange a dinner? Some small thing, not too many people?’
    ‘Why?’ she demanded. ‘I won’t have you persecuting her, Rand.’
    He recalled their last meeting and his unaccountable retreat. Him, persecute her ? ‘When have I ever persecuted anyone? I just want the opportunity to talk to her.’
    ‘Then call on her.’
    ‘You know I cannot. The mother will immediately think I am interested. I loathe raising the expectations of others unnecessarily.’
    For once, Julia forbore to comment. ‘Well, it will have to wait. She told me this morning when we encountered each other in the park that she has to go to some dreadful house party in Dorset. Billingsworth is hosting it. It sounded utterly ghastly, but of course Lucy has to go. The man is wooing her frightful mother, after all.’ She gave a small shudder. ‘What a pair they will make! Thank God they are past the breeding stage.’
    A house party in Dorset? ‘When are they going?’
    ‘Tuesday, I believe.’
    ‘Tuesday…’ Rand narrowed his eyes, thinking. Was there really any better opportunity than a house party to corner an unwilling guest? He knew that from experience for he had been cornered on more than one occasion. Admittedly, he did not number Lord Billingsworth among his close, personal friends or even among his friends, for that matter, but all the world loved an earl, especially one who was socially retiring. Snaring his attendance at anything was usually quite an achievement. It should not take too much to wrangle an invitation. ‘What club does Billingsworth favor again?
    ‘Boodles,’ Edward replied dryly. ‘Do you really mean to go down to Dorset for some random house party just to question Lucy Landon?’
    ‘Yes. I really do.’
    ‘If you upset her,’ his loving sister growled, ‘I will beat you senseless. And thanks to my delicate condition, there is nothing you can do in return. I mean it, Rand. Lucy is a very sweet girl. Do not make her unhappy.’
    ‘What about my happiness?’ he protested.
    ‘Pffst!’ she waved a hand dismissively. ‘You are the happiest man I have ever encountered. Sometimes I think you are a little too happy. Just remember this; Lucy Landon is not to be played with. Do you understand?’
    Rand and Edward shared a look. They both knew that tone of voice. Julia, for once, was serious. ’Ware the poor fool who did not watch their step for if one really incurred her displeasure, they deserved everything they got.
    ‘Yes, Julia,’ Rand said dutifully, ‘I faithfully promise not to misuse the lady.’
    After all, how hard could it be?
    One thing Rand was perfectly sure of; Miss Lucy Landon was not his type at all.
     

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
     
     
     
    Lucy looked at the impressive pile of grey stones that made up Lord Billingsworth’s country estate and grimaced inwardly. Beside her, her mother was practically squirming with joy. This was the place she was determined to – very shortly – call home. It was even grander than Kensmere, the