accustomed to dealing with those of the Quaker faith, he did know that they addressed each other as thee and thou, something which this attractive young woman definitely did not do. He also believed Quakers to be rather modest, humble folk. There was nothing the least bit humble in the haughty air the pretty instructress adopted toward her newest pupil. Her short, slender frame was stiff with outrage and she made no attempt to disguise the hostility in her tone. Adrian grinned. She was a taking little thing with huge dark blue eyes, a slight dusting of freckles across her pert little nose, a determined set to her delicately sculpted mouth, and a riot of red curls framing her face—pretty rather than beautiful—but she was definitely no Quaker, of that he was now quite certain. If she was not a Quaker, then who was she? She was obviously someone who did not want to be discovered at Mrs. Lovington's, of that one thing he was sure. Adrian leaned back in his chair examining her in a more leisurely manner. Her graceful movements and cultured accents as well as her proud carriage proclaimed her a lady, and a lady accustomed to commanding the respect of those around her. Oh, she was gentle and encouraging enough as Fanny stumbled over a word and he could see from the way her students responded that her kindness and interest in them had won their trust. But the flash in her eyes whenever they fell on him and the resolute lift to her chin left him in no doubt as to the strength of her character. She was not 56
My Wayward Lady
by Evelyn Richardson
someone who allowed herself to be influenced by others, and he, Adrian, was most decidedly affecting her, he noted with satisfaction.
Well versed in the ways of women. Lord Chalfont could see that she was seething under the rigid calm she was so desperate to maintain. Her cheeks were delicately flushed, and the rise and fall of her bosom under the demure muslin kerchief that covered it betrayed her agitation. Lord Chalfont smiled broadly and chuckled to himself. He hadn't had such fun since he had sold out and returned to England. Unbidden, the image of his betrothed rose before him and he thought of the contrast she afforded to this young woman. Forever cool and calm, the Honorable Alicia De Villiers never allowed herself to become the least bit discomposed. In fact, now that he stopped to consider it, Adrian realized that she never reacted to anything, certainly not to him. He hastily banished all thoughts of his prospective wife as he concentrated on the expressive face of the young lady in front of him. He liked the fire in her eyes and the passionate undertones in her voice. Yes, he definitely liked all of her, even the mystery surrounding her—a mystery that he intended to solve or his name was not Adrian Julius Augustus Chalfont, seventh Marquess of Kidderham.
There was no denying it. The intruder assuredly had an effect on her, Harriet grimly admitted to herself as she struggled to regain control of her breathing. She could not understand it in the least. After all, she had grown up the constant recipient of her brother Charlie's teasing, and this gentleman, lounging back in his chair, arms folded across his 57
My Wayward Lady
by Evelyn Richardson
broad chest, was no more provoking than Charlie ever had been, at his most irritating. Long ago she had mastered the trick of ignoring even Charlie's most exasperating behavior, but she was not having any noticeable success where this man was concerned. All her standard tactics were of no avail. Harriet was still uncomfortably conscious of those tawny eyes fixed so steadily on her, the unnerving smile that hovered around the mobile mouth, the lines of amusement etched in the deeply tanned face. Oh, he had an effect on her all right. Furthermore, he was well aware of it and, what was worse, he was thoroughly enjoying it.
With a supreme effort, she forced her mind to attend to the matters at hand. "That was excellent. Fanny. Just be
My Wayward Lady
by Evelyn Richardson
someone who allowed herself to be influenced by others, and he, Adrian, was most decidedly affecting her, he noted with satisfaction.
Well versed in the ways of women. Lord Chalfont could see that she was seething under the rigid calm she was so desperate to maintain. Her cheeks were delicately flushed, and the rise and fall of her bosom under the demure muslin kerchief that covered it betrayed her agitation. Lord Chalfont smiled broadly and chuckled to himself. He hadn't had such fun since he had sold out and returned to England. Unbidden, the image of his betrothed rose before him and he thought of the contrast she afforded to this young woman. Forever cool and calm, the Honorable Alicia De Villiers never allowed herself to become the least bit discomposed. In fact, now that he stopped to consider it, Adrian realized that she never reacted to anything, certainly not to him. He hastily banished all thoughts of his prospective wife as he concentrated on the expressive face of the young lady in front of him. He liked the fire in her eyes and the passionate undertones in her voice. Yes, he definitely liked all of her, even the mystery surrounding her—a mystery that he intended to solve or his name was not Adrian Julius Augustus Chalfont, seventh Marquess of Kidderham.
There was no denying it. The intruder assuredly had an effect on her, Harriet grimly admitted to herself as she struggled to regain control of her breathing. She could not understand it in the least. After all, she had grown up the constant recipient of her brother Charlie's teasing, and this gentleman, lounging back in his chair, arms folded across his 57
My Wayward Lady
by Evelyn Richardson
broad chest, was no more provoking than Charlie ever had been, at his most irritating. Long ago she had mastered the trick of ignoring even Charlie's most exasperating behavior, but she was not having any noticeable success where this man was concerned. All her standard tactics were of no avail. Harriet was still uncomfortably conscious of those tawny eyes fixed so steadily on her, the unnerving smile that hovered around the mobile mouth, the lines of amusement etched in the deeply tanned face. Oh, he had an effect on her all right. Furthermore, he was well aware of it and, what was worse, he was thoroughly enjoying it.
With a supreme effort, she forced her mind to attend to the matters at hand. "That was excellent. Fanny. Just be
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