The Stranger She Married Read Online Free Page B

Mr. Wallace's arm. “Alicia, Lord Sinclair has offered to take a group of us on a tour of his gallery. Will you come with us? Captain Hawthorne and Lord Amesbury, you of course, are invited as well."
    "I've seen it, and I'm afraid I don't have much of an eye for art.” Captain Hawthorne bowed to Alicia. “I shall await your return, Miss Palmer."
    Alicia nodded. “Of course, Captain Hawthorne.” She turned to Lord Amesbury. “Lord Sinclair's gallery is rather extensive, I hear."
    Lord Amesbury smiled again. Alicia had never met anyone who smiled so easily, or with such warmth. Odd, but moments ago, she'd had the distinct impression he secretly laughed at everyone. Now he seemed genuinely warm. Perhaps her first impression had been wrong.
    "Then I would be remiss if I failed to view it,” Lord Amesbury replied graciously.
    On his arm again, and trying to smother the unreasonable joy that honor elicited, Alicia followed Elizabeth and Mr. Wallace to a group forming at the edge of the ballroom. She caught sight of Colonel Westin, but fortunately, he did not appear to notice her. She maneuvered herself so that Lord Amesbury shielded her from the Colonel's view.
    Her uncle hoped she would choose either Colonel Westin or Mr. Braxton for a husband. In return for marriage to Alicia, both had agreed to pay off Willard's debts and provide a fresh start for the Palmers. Of the two, the whining retired Colonel Westin seemed a better choice than Mr. Braxton, a man who simply terrified her. She looked up at Lord Amesbury. If only...
    She sighed. Such wishing would lead nowhere but disappointment.
    "I believe everyone who is interested in seeing the gallery is present,” Lord Sinclair announced. “If you will all follow me."
    Their host led the group into the gallery. A marble floor mirrored expansive ceilings. The walls were painted a deep red to showcase the art. Gilded, carved molding lined the soaring ceilings. Gas lamplight revealed the most breathtaking works of art Alicia had ever seen.
    "Oh, Ali, look, isn't this exquisite?” Elizabeth pointed out the nearest statue and pulled on Alicia's hand until she was obliged to release her hold on her escort.
    As Lord Sinclair informed the crowd about some of the more impressive pieces, Alicia spotted Mr. Braxton near the front of the group. Her heart sank. Would she spend the entire evening evading undesirable men?
    Catherine Sinclair appeared next to them and smiled up at the viscount. “Lord Amesbury. How delightful that you've joined us. I understand your brother is something of an artist, so you must have a great eye for art as well. I'd appreciate your opinion on our latest acquisition.” With a seductive smile, she urged him forward. “It's this one, my lord."
    Out of the corner of her eye, Alicia saw Lord Amesbury glance back at her, but she pretended to be engrossed in a nearby painting.
    It was inevitable. No man would ever look at her for long with Elizabeth and Catherine nearby. She linked her arm through Elizabeth's and hoped her disappointment did not reveal itself.
    "I'll return shortly, Miss Palmer,” he whispered.
    Nodding dismissively without looking at him, she hushed the cry in her heart as Lord Amesbury left with the radiant Catherine.
    She could not see Mr. Braxton at the moment, but did not dare remain and risk an encounter. She needed to escape. Alicia remained standing in place while the crowd trickled past her toward the next display. Perhaps she could go back out the door they came in. No, it was too far. She could be spotted. Another door just on the other side of the nearest marble column might be a better choice. She glanced back to the art enthusiasts, but only saw Catherine with her arm through Lord Amesbury's. Curse the man, he appeared to be enjoying her company.
    As Lord Sinclair continued his steady stream of history and explanation, Alicia looked back at the door. Each time the crowd moved forward to admire another piece of art, Alicia held back