The Bookseller and the Earl (The Merry Misfits of Bath 1)

But it would be nice for a change to appear on the arm of a sought-after lord as if such a thing happened to her all the time.

Addie checked herself in the mirror and adjusted the bodice of her gown. The dark wine-colored velvet frock was fitted at her waist and snug around her breasts. The edging of the square-cut bodice and cuffs of the long sleeves had been decorated with gold embroidery,

How Mother had managed to get a gown made within a few days was surely a miracle. Addie could just imagine what her mother had paid for it in either coin or promises.

Agnes, her mother’s lady’s maid, had done up Addie’s generally untamed hair into a respectable upsweep hairdo that she braided pearls throughout. Mother had lent her a beautiful ruby necklace and matching earbobs.

She’d never looked so good, even though she hadn’t shed a pound. With how tight Agnes has pulled her stays the gown looked wonderful, but Addie was already finding it hard to breathe. As little as one country dance and she would collapse from lack of air.

“Miss, your gentleman has arrived.” Agnes blushed and giggled as she made her announcement from Addie’s open bedroom door.

Before Addie could mumble, “He’s not my gentleman.” Agnes was gone. Addie sighed and picked up her gloves and reticule. She gasped as she bent over. This was going to be a difficult night.

Of course, Grayson was closeted with Father in the library when Addie arrived downstairs. Most likely suffering an inquisition as to his income, investments, properties, and overall general health. She would not be surprised to see Father examining Grayson’s teeth.

She swept into the room to see Father and Grayson sitting comfortably in two chairs facing the fireplace, sipping on brandy as if they’d done it for years.

Both men stood as she entered. Grayson’s eyes swept over her, his smile growing as he regarded her, then bowed. “You are looking lovely this evening, Miss Mallory.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Addie made a slight dip, which was as much as she could handle without passing out.

Mother hurried into the room. “Oh, good. You haven’t left yet.” She sailed across the room to stand in front of Addie. She lowered her voice. “This could be your opportunity. Men love to walk in dark gardens with ladies.”

Addie sputtered. “Mother, whatever do you mean?” Surely, she wasn’t telling her to get herself compromised. Really. Sometimes Mother went just too far.

Mrs. Banfield had been acting as her chaperone for the trip, but since she was still responsible for Michael, she did not attend evening events. But then, with Addie being an acknowledged spinster and a businesswoman, there wasn’t much that could damage her reputation.

“Just making a suggestion, dear. No need to get yourself at sixes and sevens.”

“Would you care for a sherry, Adeline?” Father held up the sherry decanter.

“We have time if you wish,” Grayson said.

And give her mother more time to say inappropriate things.

“No, thank you.”

Grayson downed the rest of his drink and placed the empty glass on the table next to him. “Then we shall be off.”

Once they reached the front door, Grayson took her cloak from Grimsley and placed it on her shoulders. The night air was chilly and the area shrouded in fog. They made their way down the stairs to Grayson’s carria

ge.

“Have a lovely time, dear.” Mother called from the door.

Grayson had almost swallowed his tongue when Addie entered the library earlier. The gown she wore hugged every single curve on her luscious body. The deep red brought out the creaminess of her skin. But more than that, was the surprise he saw on her face when he complimented her.

She’d mentioned that she had very little success during her Seasons which baffled him. There should have been hordes of men pursuing her. Why she hadn’t been plucked from the group of young ladies was baffling.

They settled into his carriage and began the short trek to Lord and Lady Stevenson’s townhouse for the ball. After adjusting her skirts, Addie cleared her throat and looked him in the eye.

“My lord—”

“Grayson.”

“Yes, of course. I believe I explained to you that I am not the most graceful person at a ball.”

“Yes. You did mention something about walking into a footman.”