Most Rebellious Debutante Read Online Free Page B

worry of my sons being in constant danger and my mother-in-law’s advanced age, we live very quietly here. Though I am sure I may be able toorganize a small private party for you, where you could do some dancing. Do you like to dance? I am sure young ladies like yourself enjoy dancing lessons. I know I did! Ah, those were the days, We thought they would last for ever, but, alas, they don’t.’
    Her gentle smile took away any sense of self-pity for the lost years of youth, but the memories of her own dancing lessons brought a blush to Lucy’s cheeks and she hoped the countess didn’t know of the reason for her temporary exile from home, nor her parents’ order to her sister that she was
not
to be allowed to dance during her visit. ‘Yes, my lady, I do like to dance but I will not pine away if I am compelled not to have the opportunity to do so for a while. I have brought some embroidery with me. I am fashioning some motifs on a layette for my new niece or nephew.’ She paused and then asked hopefully, ‘I also like riding. May I ride sometimes?’
    ‘Yes, of course. I, too, enjoy riding, so we may ride out together sometimes. And we can go on carriage drives, too. I am going to enjoy your visit, Lucy. I love my sons and wouldn’t change them for the world but, for a few weeks, you must indulge me and be the daughter I was never fortunate enough to have.’
     
    At that very moment, the Earl of Montcliffe, known as Lord Rockhaven, or simply Rockhaven by his associates, and Theo by his family and friends, was stepping from his carriage and ascending the steps of the Montcliffe town house in Park Lane, Mayfair. He had been discharged from hospital earlier that day and had spent a couple of pleasant hours at his gentlemen’s club before summoning hiscarriage. He winced as he attempted to bound up the steps, ruefully acknowledging that the wound in his side was not yet fully healed.
    Never mind – he was alive! Maybe the curse upon his family had ended at last? Death had reached out to him, but he had evaded its clutches … for now, at least!
    The door opened as he reached the top step and Lord Rockhaven strode through, tossing his hat with his gloves tucked inside to Dalton, the butler.
    ‘Welcome home, m’lord,’ Dalton murmured, catching the hat with a practised hand. ‘Your lady mother will be happy to know you are out of hospital at last.’
    Rockhaven’s steps paused. ‘Er, yes. She will, of course … though I am not returning to Montcliffe Hall just yet. A couple of weeks in Town, perhaps to … er, build up my strength a bit; a few rounds at Jackson’s, a bit of sword practice.’
    Theo wondered why he felt compelled to explain himself to his butler. Guilty conscience, perhaps? He knew his mother would be disappointed when she learned of his delay in Town, but what was a chap to do? Life in a military hospital was not much different from the disciplined life on the field.
    But it was he who had insisted on joining the army. As the elder son, he could have evaded the duty with no loss of valour, but that wasn’t Theo’s way. If he were going to die young, it may as well be on a battlefield as anywhere else. For King and country, he and Con had decided, with the arrogant confidence of youth.
    But the war had robbed him and many other young men of their carefree years and he was young enough to want toseize the opportunity for some Town living whilst he could … some gaming, drinking, trips to the theatre and, perhaps, who knew, some light-hearted feminine company? Nothing serious, of course. A soldier’s life was too uncertain for that.
    ‘I might even still be here when the House resumes its autumn sitting,’ he added, attempting to give some sobriety to his desire to remain in London.
    ‘Of course,’ Dalton agreed. ‘It’s good to have you back, m’lord.’
    Theo resumed his way upstairs, whistling tunelessly, his mind already contemplating the possible delights of the evening’s