A Marriage Made in Mayfair Read Online Free Page A

woes. Royce, as head of the family, had not been as careful as one should.
    Yet not all was lost. Suzanna had kissed him, after all; perhaps there was hope for them still. He turned his attention back to Henry March. “Would such a decision not be up to Miss March? She is of age, is she not?”
    The deadly gleam that entered March’s eyes gave Royce an odd sense of pleasure. Annoying the bastard calmed the raging beast inside him that wanted to beat the cocky gentleman to a pulp.
    “Seek her out for her fortune, and there will be hell to pay, Danning. Your treatment of her last year was uncalled for and nearly ruined her in the eyes of society. I would see her married to a man she loves and to one who will love her in return. Do I make myself clear?”
    Royce chuckled. “And if I love her, will my suit then be welcome?”
    “An easy gesture, to profess love to a rich lady when you are broke. You made it obvious she was not acceptable last season. Need I remind you my father established business in textile trading and finance? He worked his way to the wealth and position we hold in society. Or has her fortune blinded you to our common heritage?”
    Royce looked away from Suzanna and inhaled a calming breath. “I have not forgotten. But I believe you have also overlooked the fact your sister had a tendre for me, one I wish restored. Keep an eye on her, March; my rakish wiles may see her wedded and bedded before the month is out.” He smirked.
    “Watch your mouth lest you find yourself wed and dead,” March said, with a pointed stare before storming away.
    Royce watched March go, and sighed. How he regretted his words to Suzanna all those months ago. Hated to see her esteem for him wither and die with every hurtful word he’d uttered. His temper, having been spiked by his wayward brother, had been unfairly released on an innocent woman—one who would take much persuasion to believe he meant no harm by his words. It was probably for the best if he left her alone. Just then Suzanna laughed—a warm, wondrous sound—that sent fire coursing toward his groin. Impossible.
    Royce looked away and caught sight of his friend, Lord Renn. The Earl waved and strode over.
    “Danning, my good man, how have you been? It seems an age since I saw you last.”
    He scoffed. “If I recall the last time I saw you, Renn, you were disappearing from a ballroom with the married hostess. Who by the way,” he said, nodding toward a group of ladies, “is looking in your direction.”
    Renn laughed. “It was a good night if I remember.”
    Royce raised an eyebrow at Renn’s ignorance to his sarcasm. He shook his head. “What brings you to town? I thought you were for the continent this season?”
    “I was. Made it all the way to Spain, then turned for home. Problem with my prized mare. Seems she’s fallen pregnant and will not be racing this year after all.”
    Royce knew very well about prized mares. His gaze sought out Miss March. “Perhaps her foal will be your next great galloper.”
    Renn snorted. “Highly doubtful when its sire has a tendency for laziness during a race.” He took a sip of his drink. “Saw you dancing with Miss March and having a cosy tête-à-tête with her brother. Care to enlighten an old friend?”
    Royce stifled a growl over the reminder. “March was merely warning me off his sister.”
    Renn sputtered and choked on his drink. “Like you could possibly be interested in such a disaster. Do you remember last year when she spilt her champagne down the front of her white dress at the Dupree’s garden party? But for all her awkwardness, she did have a lovely décolletage .”
    Royce clamped his hands into fists. The last thing he needed to do was lose his temper and come to blows with his best friend before the ton . He took a deep calming breath. “I would suggest you forget about Miss March and her awkward first season. I would also recommend your low opinion on Miss March be kept to yourself.”
    Renn