An Improper Suitor Read Online Free

chance upon him again,’ she said, resolutely, ‘I’ll give him the cut.’
    ‘Of course you won’t,’ said her grandmother, forcefully. ‘Now that you’ve been introduced to him, you have to acknowledge him. To cut him would imply that something untoward had occurred between you.’
    Julia let out an irritated breath. ‘I did not mean the direct cut, and well you know it. But if you think that I’ll look more favourably at him as a possible husband after today, you’re very much mistaken.’
    She expected Grannie to berate her, to tell her not to be childish or some such thing.
    Instead, Grannie nodded. ‘I don’t expect anything at all, although I must say he seems a tolerable young man. Quite attractive-looking,too. But if you are really planning to choose your own husband, you had better move a bit faster. Time has wings, and it doesn’t wait for anyone.’

CHAPTER 2
    There was no mistaking those elaborate flourishes. The small white letter lay on the silver tray, looking harmless. But a letter in this particular handwriting never boded well. He picked it up and tore the top with his silver letter opener. The content was perfectly familiar.
    Dear Lionel
    I must see you urgently. Please do not delay.
    Your darling Mama
    He threw the letter into the fireplace. Though not an accomplished letter writer, his mother always made herself clear. He sighed and reached for the bell-pull.
    Hodgkin appeared immediately.
    ‘Do I have any matters that require my immediate attention, Hodgkin?’
    Hodgkin’s expression did not change, but he glanced towards the silver tray, empty of its letter, and then up at the ceiling. The ceiling apparently did not inspire him, since he answered, ‘I’m afraid not, my lord.’ His voice held a note of apology.
    There was no escaping it, then.
    ‘In that case, Hodgkin, I’d better be on my way.’ Had the old retainer’s mouth actually twitched? There was no knowing with Hodgkin, of course. ‘If anyone asks for me, I’ll be visiting my mother. And you can let Cook know I will not be returning for dinner.’
    ‘Yes, my lord.’
    ‘And Hodgkin’ – the butler’s impassive face did not change – ‘haveyou heard any rumours I should know about?’
    ‘No, my lord.’
    ‘Thank you, that will be all.’
    Hodgkin bowed.
    Lionel stepped out of his townhouse on St James Square. It was a beautiful spring day. He could so easily be tempted to dawdle. His mother would not take kindly to it, however.
     
    ‘Good afternoon, Mrs Duffel.’ The housekeeper’s big round face was as familiar as his mother’s. ‘Has my mother already worked herself into a state?’
    The housekeeper, clearly torn between loyalty to her mistress and her soft spot for him, replied with a tiny smile. ‘She’s been expecting you this last hour, Lord Thorwynn.’
    He grinned, ‘In other words, since the moment she finished writing the letter.’ He tossed his hat and topcoat to the footman, and waited to be announced.
    ‘His lordship’s here to see you, my lady.’
    Mrs Duffel allowed him to pass, and closed the door slowly, careful of her mistress’s nerves. She shot him a quick look which he could only interpret as sympathy. Damn if he needed sympathy to face his own mother.
    Lady Thorwynn was lying on the sofa, surrounded by a variety of herbal concoctions for her nerves, each more evil looking than the other. She had tasted none of them. As the door closed she struggled up into a seated position, wringing her hands.
    ‘Come to me. My poor, poor boy,’ she said. ‘What have you got yourself into this time?’
    He had come to the conclusion some time ago that, no matter his age, his mother still saw him as a five-year-old boy with scraped knees. She pulled his head down to plant a kiss on his brow, then cupped his cheeks and peered into his eyes.
    ‘Let’s see how you get out of this one,’ she said, releasing him and sinking back on to her sofa. ‘Sit, sit.’
    Confound it. I’m not a