Page 1 of 10 Things I Hate About the Earl

Chapter 1

London,

May 5, 1820

Stuffed to the gills, Lady Hamilton’s ballroom glittered with candlelight, fine silks and satins, and every type of precious jewel known to the world. The music had a lively air, the first dance being a waltz, and Miss Katherine Locke would’ve thought herself fortunate to be out again in Society after a long, dull winter in Somerset save that her partner, Lord Haversham, was the rudest man in London.

Well, his lordship was about to discover that Kate Locke wasn’t one to suffer fools lightly.

“So, you refuse to allow your sister to waltz, yet you are quite willing to stand up with me and dance this, according to you, most scandalous of dances.” Kate smiled into the odious wretch’s face. “My lord, I should say that smacks of hypocrisy.”

“Indeed.” Lord Haversham turned them skillfully at the end of the floor. “I would say it showed a want of character in your brother for allowing you to dance it with me. The waltz should be danced by married couples and no one else.” He pulled her close against him, so their bodies almost touched.

She gasped at her proximity to the rogue. How dare he make a spectacle of them on this crowded dance floor?

“You see?” he whispered, peering into her face, his gaze intent upon her mouth.

All she could see were his dark eyes, and the crisp scent of his sandalwood cologne filled her nose.

“Ainsley should be horsewhipped for allowing it.”

“I’ll see to it he horsewhips you if you don’t let me go.” Kate gave a hopping step and smashed her foot down on top of his.

Lord Haversham lurched forward, jaw clenched.

For the briefest moment, they stood pressed together in a warm embrace that made Kate tingle all over. Then outrage swept through her, and she pushed him away. “How dare you?” she seethed, trying to get away from him.

“That was your fault, and you know it. And if you make a scene that results in me having to marry you, I swear I will lock you in the tower at my grandfather’s castle and throw away the key.” Lord Haversham righted himself and smiled at her with clenched teeth.

“Of all the students at Oxford, my brother had to befriend you?”

“He had you for a sister—his luck was due for a change.”

“Well, I wish mine would change. If I have to endure you for five more minutes, I will fall down in a dead faint just to get away from you.” Kate wanted to scream in frustration at her brother’s best friend, but the man was right. Any scandalous behavior could end with her compromised and married to him before the month was out. The Season had just begun. She refused to let it end in a single night with the man who’d been the bane of her life for years.

“Luck must be on your side tonight, as the dance has, mercifully, come to an end.” He dropped her hand as though it had burned him and offered his arm. “Shall I see you to your brother?”

“Lord, yes.” She barely touched his proffered arm. The less contact with him the better. “Nathan must see that I completed the dance with you.” She avoided his eyes. “Ah, there he is, talking to our cousin, Lady Celinda.”

“Do you think she will be slighted if I don’t ask her for the next dance? I am weary of having my toes stepped on, although she may have better dancing form than my last partner.” Lord Haversham didn’t smile, but his walnut brown eyes twinkled with merriment.

“I think she’ll be delighted to escape having a conversation with you about your antiquated views on the social graces.” Beyond caring who heard her, Kate allowed her voice to rise above the hubbub of conversation. “And if your poor sister isn’t allowed to waltz before she is married, you should be ashamed of yourself.”

They stopped in front of her brother and cousin, the one trying to contain his laughter, the other glancing about the room with an alarmed expression on her face. Kate could only thank goodness they weren’t at Almack’s. She might very well lose her voucher. Lord Haversham always knew exactly what to say to goad her into inappropriate behavior.

“There, Nathan.” She stared malevolently into her brother’s face and jerked her hand from the crook of her escort’s arm. “My forfeit is completed. Come, Celinda,” Kate turned to her cousin, “let us retire to the supper room and beg some lemonade. I’m absolutely parched and must have something to drink or I shall certainly die.” Snaring her cousin’s hand, she sent an arch glare at Lord Haversham and tugged Celinda toward the doorway. Oh, but she simply couldn’t escape the wretched man quickly enough. “Sadly, when a gentleman has no idea how to lead his partner, the dancing is much more exhausting.”

“Please allow me to fetch you some refreshment, Miss Locke. I would not want you to suffer one bit more than necessary.” Haversham’s sickeningly sweet tone set Kate’s teeth on edge.

“Oh, God forbid I put you to work, Lord Haversham.” Kate smiled and returned his saccharine attitude. “It would be the on-dit of the night.”

According to a conversation she’d overheard between her brother and Celinda’s father, the Haversham fortunes were failing, and Marcus, Lord Haversham hadn’t lifted a finger to help with his family’s estates. Apparently not even the severe downward spiral of the family finances after his father’s death had prompted him to busy himself with the management of the properties.

Lord Haversham’s cheeks paled then flushed with bright spots of color. He clenched his jaw then bowed. “It’s no trouble at all, Miss Locke. Delighted to assist you.” He turned to Celinda. “Would you like something to drink as well, Lady Celinda?”

Her cousin cast a disapproving look at Kate then shook her head. “No refreshment, I thank you, Lord Haversham. I would, however, enjoy some exercise. May I accompany you to the refreshment room?”

“But, Celinda—” Kate tried to protest, but her brother’s warning hand on her arm made her bite her tongue.