Tempting Miss Allender (Regency Rakes 3) Read Online Free Page B

stepped up beside the squire.
    “Charlie, Paul, we are leaving,” she said, looking about for the easiest escape route before Mathew could spot her. However, she was penned in on all sides.
    “We have a special guest with us today, Lord Belmont,” the squire said, and Patience watched in horror as Mathew then looked down at her, the look of astonishment on his face no doubt mirroring hers. It was then replaced with a slow smile.
    “I am acquainted with Miss Allender, Harry,” he said, his gaze holding hers steady. “Good morning.” Balanced on a narrow piece of wood, he managed to offer her an elegant bow, which made the men laugh and Patience grind her teeth.
    “Good morning, Lord Belmont. If you will please excuse us, we have an appointment and must leave,” she said. “Thank you for the informative talk, Squire Rawlinson.”
    “Do you know that man, Patience?” Charlie had moved back from the pigs to study Mathew.
    “Yes. You remember the Belmont family,” she whispered in his ear. “Well, that is the eldest son, Lord Mathew Belmont.”
    “Just stay for a while, Patience,” Mathew said.
    “I-I was not leaving because of you, my lord.” Patience felt the words dry in her throat as Mathew raised a brow. “Well, perhaps we can stay for a few minutes,” she amended.
    “I really do know what I’m talking about, I promise.”
    “I never doubted that, my lord, as I remember you know a great many things.”
    “I am not sure that is a compliment.” He smiled down at her, and her heart lurched.
    “Are we leaving or not?”
    “Just a few more minutes, Charlie. For now, go back to the piglets.”
    Shrugging, her brother did as he was told, while she tried to still the thumping of her heart.
    Stay calm , she warned herself. He is an acquaintance, and one who you will see occasionally during the season . Surely with exposure this ridiculous fluttering and silliness inside her would ease.
    Unsettled, she tried to ignore his deep voice as he began to talk about the methods he used at his estates. She was soon impressed as he spoke about the implementation of several successful changes he had made to his lands.
    “I hear you’ve changed your crop mixes, my lord?”
    Patience felt Mathew’s eyes rest on her head briefly before he answered the question.
    “Yes, to wheat and rye…”
    The questions were varied and Mathew confidently answered each of them. She did not look at him, instead concentrating on scratching the back of the sow and watching Charlie with the piglets. Around her she felt the men’s concentration as they focused on his words and she had to grudgingly admit that he was very easy to listen to. His voice was as smooth as malt whisky.
    She could see two big, black-leather-clad feet from the corner of her eye, toes and heels hanging over the sides of the railing. He was like a towering oak looming over her. Lifting her eyes, she saw muscled thighs encased in buff-colored breeches and the ends of his black coat, but refused to look higher. One glance at him had been enough to ensure Patience that his looks had not deteriorated overnight, so she kept her eyes averted. When she heard Mathew begin to conclude his talk, she quickly turned to Paul and indicated her intention to leave.
    “Come, Charlie. We shall leave now.”
    She would slip away before he finished. The men parted to allow her some room, and with relief Patience hurried through the warehouse, refusing to look back.
    “Did you learn anything, Patience?”
    Patience muffled a curse as Mathew drew alongside her as she neared the exit.
    “Yes, thank you, my lord. It was very informative, and I am glad I stayed to listen.”
    “Excellent. I am always happy when someone walks away having learned something. Now, I know we met when he was a babe, but will you introduce me to your brother?”
    “Of course. Lord Belmont, my brother, Lord Charles Allender.”
    “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Allender.” Mathew bowed, as did Charlie,