The Lady and the Earl (Seabrook Family Saga) by Christine Donovan

She stood on tiptoe and twisted her
head from side to side, trying to glimpse him.
    “Amelia, who are you looking for?” Emma asked as she looked around as
well.
    “Lord Bridgeton.”
    “Our neighbor in Dover? That Lord Bridgeton? But I thought
Wentworth said he never came to London.”
    “He doesn’t,” Amelia replied as her heart pounded against her ribs.
Indeed, what brought him here? Did she dare hope he had come the distance
because he wanted to see her?
    Finally her eyes fell on him. Her breath stopped. She’d never seen him
dressed in formal attire. It suited him. William wore a black frock coat over a
silver embroidered waistcoat that highlighted the several gray streaks
threading his dark, thick, wavy hair. His white shirt and cravat were
impeccably ironed, and he wore black Hessians instead of the heeled dress shoes
worn by most gentlemen present. The boots made it hard to tell where his black
trousers ended and his boots began. Then she noticed he was not alone.
    Beside William stood a handsome gentleman of similar height and build.
Those were not the only similarities. The resemblance was close enough that
they could be brothers. Except they could not be, as William’s brother was
dead. They each had a beautiful young lady draped on their arms. These women
also resembled the two men, but were beautiful rather than handsome. Leading
the group was a proud old matron walking with a cane. Amelia did not think she
had ever seen any of them before. Who were the people that accompanied William?
    Since the receiving line had ended long ago, Myles and his parents
approached the newcomers with welcome smiles. Clearly Myles’s family knew them
and expected them. After a time, William looked across the room directly at
her. His expression was guarded, though he did nod his head.
    “Did you see that?” she asked Bella and Emma, her voice breathless.
    “See what?” Bella asked.
    “Lord Bridgeton. He looked directly at me.”
    “Oh, is that him? He is handsome. Resembles his cousin, Mr.
Stuart Spencer,” Bella remarked.
    “That’s his cousin?” Amelia gasped. No wonder they looked alike. “Who
are the two young ladies present?”
     “Mr. Spencer’s younger sisters,” Bella answered. “And the other
woman with them is their grandmother, the Dowager Countess of Bridgeton.”
    “Bella,” Amelia murmured, “how do you know them?”
    “Oh, one sister came out last year. And I’ve danced several times with
Mr. Spencer the past two Seasons. You were too wrapped up with Captain Rycroft
your first Season to notice anyone else. I believe I caught Mr. Spencer’s eye
my first Season. But as you both know, only Myles will do for me.”
    “Bella, to say such things, when anyone could hear,” Emma chastised.
    ***
    William didn’t think he could stand there another minute while Amelia,
looking breathtaking, stood across the room staring at him. However, he forced
himself to stay put. Both Amelia’s brothers were present. William noticed
Sebastian standing across the way, and he did not look pleased to see him. The
older brother, the duke, stared at him with intelligent and knowing blue eyes.
If William had the slightest chance of courting Amelia, he needed to take his
time and plan a course of action. He needed the duke’s respect and permission.
    Before William could formulate a plan, both of Amelia’s brothers were
by his side.
    “Lord Bridgeton, what brings you to London this Season?” Wentworth
asked, his eyes alight with knowledge. William got the feeling the duke had
been informed that he and Amelia had spent time together.
    “Spencer finally convinced me to come out of hiding, as I’ve nothing to
hide.” He paused and looked at the other brother. “Lord Sebastian, it’s good to
see you again.”
    “I wish I could say the same,” Sebastian mumbled.
    “Please excuse my brother’s poor manners,” Wentworth apologized
stiffly. “He’s been in America too long.”
    “I prefer gentlemen who