Once Upon an Accident 02 - Lessons in Seduction by Melissa Schroeder Page A

bluestocking circles. Douglas repressed a shudder. Intellectual study was not his forte and while he didn’t disdain the study of history, gatherings such as these caused memories of Eton to rush back into the front of his mind. Damned if he wanted to remember that hell.
    “Surprised to see you in attendance, Your Grace.”
    He turned and found Bridgerton studying him with sharp interest.
    “Why is that?”
    The earl shrugged. “I had not noticed your interest in this particular study before now.”
    “Lately I have found myself remarkably intrigued by history.” He turned his attention back to the door. It had taken plenty of coins to get one of his stable lads to frequent the kitchens of the Ware household. He was not going to miss his chance to corner Lady Cicely. He had stopped short of sending a missive to her, for he was sure it would not go unnoticed by others in the Ware’s employ. Haunting her doorstep would not work either. This public venue would do nicely, however.
    Today, she would not escape him. He would make bloody sure the woman explained her actions the other night. He relished their meeting.
    “Hmm. I heard a delicious rumor about you.”
    Douglas did not look in Bridgerton’s direction when he said, “Is that so?”
    “Yes, I heard that you had trouble remembering the steps to the waltz at the Fredrickson’s ball the other night. I remember you being distracted, but forgetting steps? That is unheard of.”
    The sarcastic tone caught Douglas’ attention and he turned to face the other man. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Nor do any of the people saying such foolish things. Are we clear?”
    “As long as you understand that your interest in history should be on an intellectual level only.”
    The warning in Douglas’ voice needed no explanation. He saw the way Bridgerton had looked at Cicely at the ball. It had not escaped his notice that the other man had danced a waltz with her either. Knowing that it was rumored the earl’s mother was pushing for a wife did not make Douglas any happier. Cicely would have to explain her behavior the other night before he would let her even consider an offer from Bridgerton.
    “Do not worry, Bridgerton. I will not…intrude on your enjoyment of the genre.”
    When Bridgerton raised one eyebrow, Douglas realized how threatening his voice had turned. Before either of them said anything more, a rise in excited murmurs drew their attention to the entrance of the room. In droves, men and women pressed in on whatever was causing such a commotion.
    “What is it?” Bridgerton asked.
    “I don’t know.” Even at his height, Douglas could not see what the excitement was about. Both he and Bridgerton started walking to the door. When a rather large woman stepped out of the way, the sight before him made every thought of Bridgerton and a possible offer dissolve. He briefly felt lightheaded and thought that every drop of blood must have left his brain and moved south.
    Standing in the arched entryway was Cicely, but not the woman he had known before. This was a beautiful, voluptuous goddess.
    The first thing that drew his attention was her hair which was decidedly shorter. It barely reached her shoulders and now had a slight wave. The new style showcased her strong jaw and high cheekbones, giving her a more feminine look, less severe, softer.
    As his gaze moved down her body, he swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. The delicate layers of her day gown draped her curves, which there were—if he did say so himself—many more than he remembered. In the years he had known her, Cicely had always worn the pastels of a young debutante that had made her appear sallow. But the dark shade of pink she now wore, and the more mature style, lent an air of sensuality to her appearance he had never seen before. It brought out the golden highlights in her hair and the rosy undertone to her complexion.
    “Holy Christ,” Bridgerton muttered. “Where the hell did that