“I apologize for that appalling scene, your lordship, but I could think of no other way to oblige you to dance with me!”
At her unexpected words, Wyvern’s heart hammered almost to a stop, causing him to miss his step and necessitating the nearest couple to swing hurriedly out of harm’s way.
Stifling his exasperation, the earl corrected his error and guided Jessica to a less populated area of the floor, whilst racking his brains to conjure up some non-committal remark.
“I had not noticed that you were suffering from a dearth of dancing partners, Miss Beresford,” he managed eventually.
“I cannot imagine how you would know that!” she flung back at him. “You only turn up when it suits you to do so!”
When he did not immediately respond, Jessica’s indignation increased. “Do you dislike me so much that you cannot even bring yourself to converse with me, sir?” she challenged him.
“I do not dislike you, Miss Beresford,” he replied heavily as, doing his utmost to ignore the tantalizing feel of her soft, warm body beneath his fingers, he strove desperately to focus his attention on the maneuvers of the dance.
An Unconventional Miss
Harlequin®Historical
DOROTHY ELBURY
lives in a quiet Lincolnshire village, an ideal atmosphere for writing her historical novels. She has been married to her husband (it was love at first sight, of course!) for forty-five years, and they have three children and four grandchildren. Her hobbies include visiting museums and historic houses, and handicrafts of various kinds.
DOROTHY ELBURY
An Unconventional Miss
TORONTO • NEW YORK • LONDON
AMSTERDAM • PARIS • SYDNEY • HAMBURG STOCKHOLM • ATHENS • TOKYO • MILAN • MADRID PRAGUE • WARSAW • BUDAPEST • AUCKLAND
Available from Harlequin®Historical and DOROTHY ELBURY
A Hasty Betrothal #176
The Viscount’s Secret #183
The Officer and the Lady #195
DON’T MISS THESE OTHER
NOVELS AVAILABLE NOW:
#899 THE LAST RAKE IN LONDON—Nicola Cornick
Dangerous Jack Kestrel was the most sinfully sensual rogue she’d ever met, and the wicked glint in his eyes promised he’d take care of satisfying Sally’s every need….
Watch as the last rake in London meets his match!
#900 AN IMPETUOUS ABDUCTION—Patricia Frances Rowell
Persephone had stumbled into danger and the only way to protect her was to abduct her! But what would Leo’s beautiful prisoner do when he revealed his true identity?
Don’t miss Patricia Frances Rowell’s unique blend of passion spiced with danger!
#901 KIDNAPPED BY THE COWBOY—Pam Crooks
TJ Grier was determined to clear his name, even if his actions might cost him the woman he loved!
Fall in love with Pam Crooks’s honorable cowboy!
#902 INNOCENCE UNVEILED—Blythe Gifford
With her flaming red hair, Katrine knew no man would be tempted by her. But Renard, a man of secrets, intended to break through her defenses…
Innocence and passion are an intoxicating mix in this emotional Medieval tale.
#238 LORD HAWKRIDGE’S SECRET—Anne Ashley
Lord Sebastian Hawkridge proposed to Emily nearly five years ago, but she broke their engagement. Now he is intent on making her his bride.
Intrigue and splendour in London high society.
For John, in gratitude for his wholehearted
support and continuing encouragement.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter One
‘No luck, I’m afraid, Jess!’
His face a picture of utter dejection, Nicholas Beresford hurried into the tiny parlour of the wayside inn where, for the past half-hour, his sister had been anxiously awaiting his return.
‘The pole is totally shattered,’ he went on, flinging his slight form into the seat beside her. ‘And it seems that they can’t get a replacement until tomorrow. Added to which, it would appear that there’s not a single decent carriage for hire in the whole blessed place!’
Casting yet another uneasy glance at the clock on the mantelshelf, Jessica’s wide green eyes clouded in despair. ‘But what on earth are we to do, Nicky?’ she queried. ‘It is almost five o’clock and Harry promised Imo that we would be back well before six. Matt will just about crucify me if she starts to worry.’
Leaping to his feet, her young brother began to pace the floor. ‘Not you, Jess,’ he groaned. ‘It was my fault that we left Hampton Court so late—if only I hadn’t wasted all that time in the maze…!’
‘If only you had listened to Harry’s instructions, you mean,’ began Jessica crossly, but then, seeing her brother’s disconsolate expression, she sighed and, for the umpteenth time that afternoon, reminded him that it was hardly his fault that the carriage pole had snapped. In any event, surely they should just be thankful that none of them had been more seriously injured.
‘The doctor told Harry that a good night’s sleep will soon put Olivia back to rights,’ she then informed him. ‘And, thank heavens, Cartwright’s wrists are not broken after all—merely badly strained.’
‘Well, that’s something, I suppose,’ replied her brother, nervously polishing his spectacles. ‘I imagine Harry is still with his sister? Has he managed to sort out rooms for us all, do you know?’
‘I told him not to book for us,’ said Jessica, getting to her feet. ‘We simply have to find a way to get home, Nicky. Are you sure that you asked everyone? There has to be some sort of conveyance somewhere in the village, surely?’
Nicholas shook his head. ‘Only one small, rather disreputable-looking gig out in the yard here,’ he replied. ‘Barely big enough for the two of us, let alone Cartwright. Besides which, how on earth do you expect him to drive with his wrists strapped up?’
But