Only an Earl Will Do by Tamara Gill Page A

beside him, folding her hands in her lap. “Was there something you wanted, Josh?”
    “Nothing in particular. I just wanted to know what the parcel was in the front foyer.”
    Elizabeth grimaced. “Another flower arrangement, accompanied yet again without a card.”
    “Do you have any idea who is behind these offerings?” Lord Dean asked, his attention fixed on her more than she liked.
    “I do, and there is something I wish to discuss with you, Josh, but…” She frowned, not really wanting to speak openly in front of Lord Dean.
    “But what, Elizabeth?” Josh sat forward, as eager as ever to meddle in her life.
    “I will come back later when you’re not busy.”
    Lord Dean stood, pulling his gloves from his pocket. “Stay, Lady Newland. I had best be on my way. I promised my sister I would accompany her to the theater tonight.”
    Elizabeth smiled at his lordship’s kindness and bade him good-bye, relieved to be alone with her brother with what she was about to disclose. Nerves skittered about in her stomach as to how Josh would react to more news.
    As soon as the door clicked shut, Elizabeth took a fortifying breath. “Two weeks ago I received an offer of marriage from Lord Riddledale, which you’ll be pleased to know I refused. And furthermore, he is the gentleman sending me the gifts.”
    Her brother laughed, throwing himself back in his chair. “Something tells me he’s not accepted your answer as final. Am I right?” he asked, laughing some more.
    “He has not. Do you think you could use your influence to keep him away from me? He’s really starting to be bothersome at balls, and you know I do not wish to marry again, and certainly not to Riddledale in any case.”
    “I will speak to him for you, of course. Consider his pestering of you dealt with.”
    She smiled, leaning back in her chair. “Thank you. I was hoping you would say that.”
    “Have you heard from Lord Muir as to the missing letter?”
    “No, nothing yet, but I can’t help but feel it will be soon.”
    Her brother stood and came around the desk, taking her hand. “No matter what Muir ends up knowing, or what he thinks, or how he acts, know that your family will stand behind you, and nothing will happen to injure Samuel. I’ll not allow that.”
    Elizabeth stood, pulling her brother into an embrace. “You’re the best little brother a sister could have. Thank you.”
    He hugged her back. “You’re welcome.”
    …
    Elizabeth entered the Featherstone’s ball, and her eyes widened at the vision before her. Hundreds of candles sprinkled light throughout the grand-proportioned room. Gold leaf framed every painting and fire surround. Hothouse blooms filled the air with wonder, making the outdoors seem like it lived within.
    The terrace doors stood open, and from where Elizabeth stood she could see people milling about outside, enjoying the balmy night air. With the orchestra starting up a quadrille, she stepped into the throng of guests and looked about for people she knew.
    “Ah, my dear Lady Newland. How lovely you look this evening.”
    All but this person. She cringed, pasting a smile on her lips and turning toward his lordship. “Lord Riddledale.” Elizabeth brought forward all of her good manners that were instilled in her over the years as she fought not to give him the cut direct. “It is lovely to see you, my lord. Are you enjoying yourself this evening?”
    “I am now that you have arrived,” he whispered conspiratorially, moving closer than he ought.
    His smile made her skin want to crawl away and hide. She looked about, hoping no one else heard his inappropriate words.
    “Perhaps you would accompany me to the terrace? I would like to be alone with you if I may.” His lordship held out his arm.
    “I’m sorry, my lord, but I really ought to pay my respects to our host then find my brother. He is expecting to meet me here.”
    Elizabeth stilled when his lordship placed her hand onto his arm and pulled her along