The Stranger She Married Read Online Free Page A

not think my behavior unseemly, my lord."
    The curves of his mouth softened and the gleam deepened. “Fear not, my lady, I shall declare my honorable intentions as your protector to your vigilant chaperone."
    "It's not only Mrs. Hancock that concerns me."
    "Then I shall call out anyone who dares to question your purity."
    Startled, she stared at him, but his features revealed nothing of his true thoughts. She hoped he merely jested about calling anyone out. Dueling, while illegal, happened far too frequently. It had been the cause of her brother's maiming which led to his untimely demise.
    She missed her twin, Armand, with a pain that eclipsed even the loss of her parents. Some days, she might never have gotten out of bed were it not for her younger sister, Hannah.
    Her troubles lay squarely upon the shoulders of that dueling fiend. If not for him, her twin brother would still be alive. Her parents might even still live. Then she would not be in this dilemma of needing to marry for money. Even when her father lived, they were not considered wealthy, but she had never been tempted to seek out a husband merely because of his riches. She had always despised fortune hunters, and to be forced into their class seemed a fate too humiliating to bear.
    Aware of his probing stare, she moistened her lips. “Still, I must guard my reputation."
    "In this crush, we will not be seen entering together, I assure you."
    She glanced up at him, curious at his insistence. Could he be so chivalrous that he now saw himself as her protector? She smiled to herself. Her silly romantic notions had little to do with real people. Lord Amesbury, however kind he seemed, had no reason to protect a plain, penniless orphan. Still, walking on his arm gave her the absurd urge to preen. He escorted her to Mrs. Hancock who sat gossiping with the dowagers.
    "There you are my dear, I nearly sent someone in search of you.” When she noticed Lord Amesbury standing next to Alicia, her eyes narrowed in concern.
    "Forgive us for alarming you, Mrs. Hancock,” Lord Amesbury said smoothly. “Miss Palmer felt the need for some air and I insisted upon escorting her to protect her from any unsavory characters that may be about.” The disarming smile he turned upon Mrs. Hancock would have transformed stone to mush.
    Mrs. Hancock actually blushed. “Oh, of course. How kind, Lord Amesbury."
    Alicia smothered a smile. Who would have thought this sensible lady would fall for the charms of a gentleman? But as she let her eyes rest upon him, she wondered how long she would retain a hold over her own sensibilities if he actually tempted her to discard them.
    A young man with serious dark eyes approached and bowed, preventing further conversation with Lord Amesbury. “Miss Palmer."
    She curtsied instinctively and then as she recognized him, a smile crept over her face. “Mr. Hawthorne? Is that you?"
    He nodded. “It is. Only it's Captain Hawthorne, now."
    "Oh, yes, I had heard. You have grown taller. How many years has it been?"
    A faint grin curved his mouth. “I left for the peninsula eight years ago. You've grown up as well, and become quite lovely. May I have the honor of the next dance?"
    Alicia accepted, knowing his flattery as only a polite gesture. She introduced him to Lord Amesbury, and then smiled back up at Mr. Hawthorne. He had grown broader and more handsome, but he'd always had those heavily-lashed, dark eyes. Something about him made her think of her father. Memories of her family, and the longing for them, dimmed her pleasure.
    With a will, she pushed them aside and looked back up at Captain Hawthorne. “How is your father?"
    His face closed. “Not well, I am afraid."
    "I'm sorry to hear that. He and my father were friends years ago I believe, although I never knew him well. Please give him my best."
    A strange light entered his dark eyes that gave her the insane desire to rub her arms.
    "Yes,” he replied slowly. “I shall."
    Elizabeth hurried to her on