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“He’s the worst sort of scoundrel. It is rumored he’s killed a dozen men. I’m quite surprised he was even invited to this party.”
“Oh.”
The insipid girl sounded disappointed that she wouldn’t be meeting the worst of the ton’s scoundrels, only the second worst.
“We shall wait for them to quit their conversation before I introduce you.”
Jennette finished her sherry as they waited. She finally caught Matthew’s eye and nodded toward Mary. He inclined his head and left Somerton. Jennette watched his strong legs as he sauntered toward them. The black cotton fabric stretched across his muscled thighs with each extension of his legs.
“Oh my, he is coming,” Mary said in a very excited voice.
“Stay calm and remember he is used to women—”
“I know. Women who are more sophisticated than I,” Mary interrupted.
“Lady Jennette, how lovely you look tonight,” Matthew said as he reached their position. He quickly bowed over her hand.
She tried to ignore the spark that leapt up her arm with the brief contact. “Good evening, Lord Blackburn.”
Jennette turned to Mary. “I don’t believe you have met Miss Marston. Mary, may I introduce Lord Blackburn.”
“It is a pleasure, my dear,” Matthew replied and bowed over her hand.
As he rose, Jennette couldn’t help but notice the gleam of appreciation in his eyes as he took in Mary’s appearance. She was everything he’d requested and more. A full bosom, slender waist and hips, plus blond hair and she barely reached his shoulders.
And she had no scandals in her background.
The roiling in her stomach told her that Mary was perfect for him.
Chapter 9
Matthew smiled at the young woman looking up at him. Mary Marston had every quality he’d asked Jennette for except possibly the right age. She couldn’t be more than nineteen. Her innocence radiated from her like a beam from a lighthouse. Perhaps she was just the woman who could help him.
“Are you enjoying the party?” he asked.
She nodded with wide eyes. “Oh yes.”
“It’s almost time for dinner,” Jennette commented. “Lord Blackburn, perhaps you would like to accompany Miss Marston to the dining room?”
“It would be my pleasure.” He held out his arm for Miss Marston.
Miss Marston sent him a shaky smile then linked arms with him. There was no spark of energy as there was with Jennette. Instead, the light contact felt comforting, warm, and far more like that of a sister than a potential bride.
As they walked into the room, he said, “Tell me more about yourself, Miss Marston.”
She giggled slightly. “There is nothing much to tell. I’m eighteen and completed my first Season this past year.”
“What type of hobbies do you enjoy?”
“Hobbies?” she asked with a frown.
They reached their seats, conveniently located next to each other. He pulled out the heavy mahogany chair for her. After they had taken their seats and greeted the others around them, he attempted to discover more about her again.
“I believe we were discussing hobbies. Do you paint? Perhaps a musical instrument is your passion?”
“I have to admit to not having an ounce of talent when it comes to painting. I can carry a tune but that seems to be the extent of my talents.”
Remembering his mother’s love of books, he thought that might be where her interests lie. “Do you enjoy reading?”
