A Marriage Made in Mayfair Read Online Free Page B

looked at him with astonishment. “You’re courting the disaster?”
    Anger surged through Royce, and he turned a menacing glare on his soon-to-be ex-friend. “One more word against Miss March, and we are no longer acquaintances,” he said, barely controlling his temper. “I wronged her last year and wish to make amends. I’ve always admired her person. It is just unfortunate she cannot choose her relatives.”
    “Yes, what a ghastly family. They stink of trade. Why, before her father died I swear he would arrive at entertainments covered in ink,” he said and laughed. “I’m surprised Miss March can attend any balls and hold her head up high.”
    Royce watched Suzanna make her way back to her sibling, her easy graceful movement sure and confident. Last season she would have tripped over her own feet by now and would probably have been trying to stand without showing her ankles. Royce reluctantly admired her transformation into a graceful butterfly. She was a remarkable woman to grace the high sticklers of the ton and face them square on. Last season she could barely muster a word without stuttering but not anymore. “I suggest you leave, Renn. Now.”
    Renn frowned. “Apologies, Danning. I did not know your intentions toward the girl had changed.” He cleared his throat. “Do not take offense, old man; who is to look out for you if not I. I am your oldest and best friend. One who, I believe, has the right to remind you the Dannings do not marry those without a title.”
    “Her brother’s a gentleman,” Royce said, not bothering to mask his menacing tone. “She is then worthy of my hand by your values.”
    Renn held his hands up in defeat. “All I meant was the people from trade are different from us. I do not want you to regret a decision you cannot easily mend. I mean, get hold of yourself, Danning; her grandfather was a farmer.”
    Royce gave his friend a hard look and refused to answer the man’s spiteful and lofty principles. He let the taut silence stretch between them.
    “Will we see you at Ascot this year?” Renn asked at length.
    “No.” Royce glared at March across the crowded ballroom, one of the men responsible for his missing the meet. The weight of the debt he owed settled on his shoulders and threatened to crumble him to his knees. “Not this year I’m afraid.” Royce pushed the disappointment aside. Such circumstances were wont to happen when one was broke. He should probably start getting used to it.
    “Probably a wise move. I hear Jannette is odds-on favourite of winning the Gold Cup. Next year perhaps,” Renn said, signalling to an acquaintance across the room. “I’m off then. Good luck with Miss March or with whatever you decide.”
    Royce watched Renn walk away, and he glared at his retreating back. He didn’t appreciate being reminded of her lineage. Lineage that, should his parents still be alive, would never have suited. Yet Suzanna intrigued him. Had done so since the first night he saw her across the room last season, trying to hide behind her aunt and an abundance of fernery. She was sweet but with a strength of character that suited him. All he had to do now was convince her of this fact and see where it took them. Maybe all the way down a church aisle.
     
    ***
     
    “Lost in thought?” her brother asked Suzanna as he came to stand at her side, Victoria clasping his arm.
    Suzanna pulled her mind away from the past. “Yes, you could say that.”
    “Why was Lord Danning sniffing about your skirts?”
    “Henry,” she admonished. “You should know better than anyone. Lord Danning would not go sniffing about my skirts.”
    “He might with the newly improved Suzanna who now graces the ton and lights up every room.”
    Suzanna slapped her brother’s arm with her fan. “Don’t be such a tease. His lordship cares for me as much as I care for him, which is naught. He was merely being polite, I imagine.”
    Her gaze sought Lord Danning, who was bending to talk to a