Shana Galen Read Online Free Page B

know Lucia Dashing?”
    Dewhurst’s eyebrows rose with interest, further irritating Alex.
    “Viscount Brigham’s youngest filly? I know the chit. Corky girl. Beautiful enough to make any man’s head turn but—” He sighed dramatically. “Alas, she’s been on the marriage market. Her mamma and that brother of hers were careful to keep any of ourkind away. Not that the brother was very effective. He’s just a pup.”
    Alex narrowed his eyes, and Dewhurst grinned. “Lower your hackles, Selbourne. Not my type anyway. Now, in a few years, when she tires of that fool Dandridge, she’ll be ripe for picking.”
    Alex wasn’t certain he liked Lucia being referred to as “ripe for picking.” He could well imagine the conversation the young bucks had when she was the topic. He scowled, immediately regretting the show of emotion when Dewhurst’s grin broadened.
    “Why the sudden interest, Selbourne?”
    “I saw her home tonight. Dandridge was trying to have his wedding night early.”
    “Dandridge dipping rather deep again, eh? Sad excuse for a man. From what I’ve seen of Miss Dashing’s spirit, she’ll have a rough time of it. He’s a sapskull and his mother is”—he shuddered—“frightening. Miss Dashing will have to toe the line.”
    Alex nodded and poured them both another. If Alex wanted information, Dewhurst could supply it. Freddie knew everyone and went everywhere. The ladies of the ton practically fell over themselves to offer him invitations to their balls and soirees.
    A small group of ardent gamblers behind them erupted into an argument, and Alex had to raise his voice, “Why is she with him?”
    Dewhurst turned away from the excitement at the faro table. “Oh, the lovesick youth courted her as they always do, but you can’t expect her to marry some twenty-year-old fop. I believe she had another offer from a marquis—one of the swell of the first stare—but her father refused him.” He sat back, looking uncharacteristically contemplative.“He wants her to marry into a family with ties to the Parliament. Looking to get ahead. Their fathers have been planning this wedding since the two were infants. Surprised you didn’t know.”
    “Never paid much attention before, but it makes sense. Dandridge is allied with Pitt, and despite all of Fox’s attempts, Pitt still holds the reins in Parliament.”
    “Precisely.” Dewhurst waved an arm, the lace at his sleeves fluttering. “She was brought to point non plus. A little coaxing from her father, all the bit about honor and duty, probably did the trick.”
    “Hmm.”
    Freddie scrutinized him for a moment and took a leisurely sip of his gin, finally inured to the taste. “Perhaps I was wrong after all. It is female trouble.”
    Alex snorted. “Not likely. I’m in London on business.”
    “Need help?”
    “It’s a minor affair. I’ll be back in Hampshire by the end of the week.”
    “Hampshire?” Freddie lowered his voice, the vapid expression on his face replaced by one approaching solemnity. “Is Paris becoming too dangerous? I haven’t heard anything.”
    “Wentworth advised me to disappear for a few months.” Alex kept his voice low but his manner casual. “Old Boney’s up to something, but I’m stuck here because of a few sketchy rumors.”
    “Perhaps you’ll find something to occupy you in London then.” Freddie waggled his brows.
    “My talents are wasted in London,” Alex said, ignoring Freddie’s meaning. “Neither you nor Middleton needs me.” Alex glanced around the room, now crowded with peers and gentlemen of the ton dressed in their finest. “Where is Sebastian, anyway?”
    Dewhurst was rarely seen without his cousin by his side, and Alex had known Sebastian almost as long as he’d known Freddie.
    Freddie rolled his eyes and emitted a world-weary sigh. “He’s fallen in love again. Dash it, but that puppy makes a fool of himself over some woman once a month.”
    Alex smiled at this unfortunate but accurate