Only an Earl Will Do by Tamara Gill Page B

with him. “Well, allow me to converse with you as I take you to your brother.”
    Elizabeth swallowed her unease. “If you wish, my lord.”
    They walked, edging the dancers on the floor. Elizabeth spotted Henry among the guests already taking advantage of the talented musicians, and her stomach knotted when she noticed him dancing with Miss Andrews. A moment later Josh came into view, and some of her unease left her before Lord Riddledale pulled her to a stop some distance from him.
    “Lord Muir is certainly enjoying society and all the niceties wealth entails.”
    Elizabeth frowned at the menace, which laced his every word. And now she understood why Lord Riddledale hated him so much. She looked toward the throng of dancers and watched with a steel-encased heart as Henry twirled a more-than-willing American about the floor. “I believe Lord Muir is enjoying the season, as are his guests and everyone else here, I hope.”
    He made a noncommittal grunt, his mouth turning up with distaste. “His years spent in England before his trip to America have taught him how to act a gentleman, I suppose. No Scot could be termed as such if not for this great country and our manners.” He pulled her closer than he ought, and the smell of sweat made her stomach churn. “To think he assaulted you while living under your father’s roof is beyond reproach. I ought to call him out.”
    Elizabeth stilled, her racing heart pounding too hard against her ribs. “You’re mistaken, my lord. Lord Muir never assaulted me.”
    He raised his brow, his eyes void of any emotion. The dead look on his face made dread claw up her spine. “I know he did. I saw you. Both of you the day you gave yourself to him by the lake.” He shook his head, distaste clouding his eyes. “How could you do such a thing, Lady Newland?”
    Elizabeth looked about, sure everyone was watching them, but they were not. The ton, frivolous and fickle, continued to thrive about them as her world crumbled around her feet. “You watched us? You should’ve made your presence known, sir.”
    He wiggled his brows, and she fought not to be sick. “And miss the show? I may be a gentleman, Elizabeth, but I’m still a man. And you were worth watching.”
    She yanked her arm free, her hand flexing, wanting to slap his face. Her brother’s concerned look gave her pause, and she smiled to hide her unease. “How dare you?”
    “Oh, I dare, madam. And not only do I dare, you will be my wife because of what I saw. Do you understand?”
    “I will never marry you. Ever.”
    He laughed, and it was tinged with madness. “You have no choice. You lay in a bed of grass and now, my fair lady, you will lie in my bed for the rest of your days. Make peace with it. I do not want to create a scene here or in the future with you, but I will have you.”
    “Good evening to you.” Elizabeth walked off, ignoring as best she could the mocking laughter that followed her every step. Tears smarted behind her eyelids and she cursed the day she gave herself to Henry. How could she have thrown her innocence so carelessly away without any thought to what her actions could create? A bloody mess in the future, that’s what.
    She smiled at Josh as she came to stand beside him. He nodded in welcome and then continued on with his conversation about the excellent cattle going up for auction at Tattersalls.
    The multitude of guests flowed about them as she thought of ways in which to leave early, the ball no longer holding any importance to her. Everywhere she looked it seemed people were staring at her, dismissing her as a wanton woman who gave the most valuable prize away before marriage. She swallowed her rising nausea knowing she had indeed done just that.
    Dear God, how could she be in the situation she now found herself? Panic threatened to consume her, and she seized a glass of wine from a passing footman. Taking a few sips in quick succession did nothing to calm the nerves that rioted her body.
    She