Lady Barbara's Dilemma Read Online Free Page A

hearing you play.”
    “Friends it is, then,” agreed Barbara.
    She felt better than she had in weeks. Her conversation with Sir David had reminded her of her talks with Judith. There had been instant rapport and openness. And with Judith so preoccupied, she could only rejoice that she had found a new friend.
     

Chapter 4
     
    Peter Rushcliffe, the Marquess of Wardour, was not present at the Harlech ball. He had only arrived in London late that afternoon, having traveled all day from Kent. He had hoped to be in town before the beginning of the new Season in order to have every possible opportunity of seeing Lady Barbara Stanley, but the week before he was to leave, his estate manager had presented him with three separate crises. The marquess was nothing if not a conscientious landowner and so he ignored his mother’s suggestion that he leave it all to Evans.
    In fact, had it not been for his planned courtship, he would not be going to London at all. He only went up for the Season infrequently, and had been there last autumn because his niece was getting married. Attending the festivities leading up to the wedding had led to more socializing than was usual for him, and that was how he had been introduced to Lady Barbara.
    He had never experienced more than a passing attraction to a woman before Barbara Stanley. She was mature, a fact that pleased him. She was also a most attractive lady: tall enough so that he did not feel he towered over her, but not so tall that he didn’t top her by a few inches. Hers was a classic English beauty, with her blond hair and blue eyes. He decided that the old adage that opposites attract was clearly wrong, for here, obviously, liked called to like. He himself was more serious than many of his contemporaries, he himself was above average height, and his hair was even a shade lighter than hers.
    From the beginning he knew she would make him an excellent wife, and by the end of the Little Season, having received some encouragement from her, had decided, if all continued as it had begun, to make her an offer by the end of the spring.
    He had, of course, no doubt that should he decide to make an offer, it would be accepted, for he was used to getting what he wanted. He had inherited the title when he was only ten, and had been supported, protected, and even a little spoiled by his mother and older sister. It was not that he got away with any wrongdoing. In fact, he had never been inclined, even as a child, to get into mischief. He had been a perfectly behaved boy and had grown up into a perfectly behaved young man. He never made unreasonable demands—or any demands. It was just that his mother and his sister had been so sympathetic to him being fatherless at such an early age that his every want was satisfied almost before it was expressed. Luckily he was not a greedy or a selfish young man, or he might have turned into a monster of egocentricity. Instead, he was a devoted son, caring brother, responsible landowner, and good neighbor. However, he always expected that things would go his way, for they always had. His was a subtle kind of pride, the kind that takes respect and privilege for granted, for the Wardours of Arundel were an old family, the title was an early one, and the property extensive.
    The second day he was in Town, therefore, Wardour sent Barbara a small bouquet with a note informing her that he hoped to see her at the Whiting rout.
    * * * *
    “Barbara, you look absolutely stunning.”
    “Thank you, Robin.”
    “I imagine that the dress will complement Wardour’s coloring,” added Robin with a wicked grin. “Do you expect him to be at the Whitings’ tonight?”
    Barbara blushed.
    “Ah, a direct hit, I see,” said her brother.
    “Now, Robin, don’t tease,” chided Diana. “We are all aware that Wardour seemed attracted to Barbara in the fall. But let us wait and see what the Season brings.”
    “Thank you, Diana,” said Barbara with a grateful smile. “I am happy