A Chance Encounter (24 page)

“Oh, no,” moaned Lady Dewesbury, putting her hand to her head.

Lady Cassandra chuckled cheerfully. “Oh, yes!” She tucked her hand into her daughter’s arm. “How I do adore a lively party! Come along, Charlotte. We must go greet your new guests. And the rest of you may as well come also. No, not you, Edward. I think it best if you and your delightful wife were to stay away until the first shock has died somewhat.”

The breakfast-room door swung closed and Joan and Lord Humphrey were alone. The room seemed incredibly quiet of a sudden. They looked at each other, and spontaneous laughter burst from both.

Lord Humphrey turned up his wife’s face with one hand. “We have at last achieved a measure of peace, my lady.”

“Yes, but I doubt for long. At any moment that door must be pushed wide and ourselves caught up in long explanations,” Joan said.

“Then we must make good our escape while we may,” said Lord Humphrey. He grinned down at her. “Have you ever found the center of the maze, Joan?”

“Why, no. I should like to, however,” she said, her eyes beginning to gather an answering twinkle.

“Then we shall. As soon as the new arrivals are safely into the drawing room, we shall dash through the entry and take ourselves off to the maze,” said Lord Humphrey.
He
touched her lips with his finger. “But I think that the time intervening can be put to good effect.”

“Indeed, my lord?” Joan asked. She lifted her lips
in
daring invitation.

Lord Humphrey laughed softly. “Indeed, my beloved lady.” He bent his head to prove it to her.

Other Books by Gayle Buck

The Righteous Rakehell

Mutual Consent

Willowswood Match

The Demon Rake

Love’s Masquerade

The Fleeing Heiress

Cassandra’s Deception

Belle’s Beau

Magnificent Match

Honor Besieged

Lady Althea’s Bargain

Love For Lucinda

Frederica’s Folly

Chester Charade

Cupid’s Choice

Lord Darlington’s Darling

A Chance Encounter

The Waltzing Widow

Tempting Sarah

Lord John’s Lady

Lord Rathbone’s Flirt

The Desperate Viscount

Hearts Betrayed

The Hidden Heart

Miss Dower’s Paragon

Lady Cecily’s Scheme

Regency Tales

Old Acquaintances     Holybrooke Curse

Christmas Cheer     Season of Joy

Regency Tales: Christmas Collection