An Invitation to Seduction by Lorraine Heath Page A

the error of my ways.”
    You scoundrel, she thought. Setting yourself up so Farthingham might take no offense at your seeking me out. “I am not the only American in London.”
    “But you are the only one with whom I am familiar.”
    Familiar fairly purred out of his mouth, hinting at intimacy, reminding her that he was dangerous on so many different levels.
    “I would seek to remedy that by introducing you around, but I find myself much too busy this Season. However, you strike me as a man of considerable resourcefulness and I trust you can make do without my assistance.” She turned to Farthingham, desperately hoping that Weddington understood that her answer encompassed just as many levels. “Are we going to play?”
     
    “Kitty is lovely, isn’t she?” Farthingham asked.
    Standing to the side of the area marked for the tennis court, Richard watched Kitty and his sister play. He thought they were well matched in skill. But Anne did not have the drive for victory that seemed to fuel each of Kitty’s moves. For Anne—as it was for most ladies—tennis was merely a way in which to pass the time, perhaps engage in a bit of flirting with a gentleman opponent. For Kitty, it seemed defeat was not an option.
    “Indeed she is,” Richard finally answered.
    “I was unaware that you had such an unfavorable opinion of American ladies.”
    Richard shrugged. “A great deal depends on their motives.”
    “Interesting. I was under the impression during breakfast that you are insisting Anne marry a man of rank. How does that differ from American ladies seeking out a gentleman for a similar reason? A man is his rank.”
    “Anne’s situation is different.”
    “How so?”
    “It is her right to marry a man of rank. Her duty if you will. To keep the bloodlines pure. There is an indisputable difference between those born into the aristocracy and those who seek to enter it through marriage.”
    “You’re a snob.”
    “Damned right.”
    Richard took his gaze off the players and looked at Farthingham. “Our world is changing. The differences between those who hold titles and those who don’t are narrowing. I fear a day will come when even a king will settle for marrying an American. And then where will England be? They cast us off a hundred years ago, and now they want us back…on their terms.”
    “So? We take them back on ours.” Farthingham grinned. “Our future is not as dire as you predict. Besides, I find Americans fascinating. Their ladies are so very different from our own. You can see it right there, watching Kitty and Anne play. Kitty possesses a competitiveness completely lacking in Anne.”
    “If money were not a factor, would you marry her?”
    “Yes. I need an heir, and Kitty stirs me as few women do.”
    “Will that be enough for her?”
    “I shall devote myself to her and ensure that she is constantly happy. What more could any woman want?”
    Richard could think of a good deal more that a woman should not only want, but deserved to receive.
    “Game!” Kitty suddenly cried. Her triumphant laughter echoed around them as she marched to the net, hand extended. “Good game, Lady Anne.”
    “Hardly.”
    The ladies walked toward them, chattering away as though they were the best of friends. It seemed that Kitty was comfortable with everyone except him, although she’d certainly taken comfort in his arms by the sea.
    It did not occur to Richard until the pair reached them that he stood on Kitty’s side of the net, Farthingham on Anne’s so that it was left to him to greet the winner, to Farthingham to greet the loser.
    Farthingham took Anne’s hand and patted it gently. “I thought you played splendidly.”
    Anne rolled her eyes. “I gave Miss Robertson no competition whatsoever. Hopefully, you’ll prove more of a challenge.”
    “I doubt it. I’ve yet to beat her.”
    “A pity Richard doesn’t play.”
    Kitty arched a brow that seemed to say she wasn’t at all surprised that he couldn’t