One Bashful Lady
Chapter One
Desmond brushed off his sleeves, straightened the cream silk cravat and raked a
hand through his hat-ravaged hair. He looked up, not for the reason that he had
finished his perfunctory grooming, but because he sensed someone watching him.
A halo glowed above the head of a young lady standing on the staircase. Her
stillness reminded him of a startled animal. If the beautiful vision on the
riser was his intended bride, he'd be a blessed man. However, he feared there
might be no way to start his heart again if the angel belonged to another.
"M'lord?" A servant spoke and Desmond raised a hand to silence him.
He waited for the young lady to speak. Only the longer he stared, the less
likely it seemed she'd make any noise. Not a sound stirred. Not even a rasp of
air to say she was real. He usually got some response from women, even if it was
a sigh. Then he witnessed the truest form of innocence. Shyness washed over her
face in a red blush and he watched with stunned bemusement as the lovely young
lady hurried down the remaining steps.
"Good evening. I'm Lord ... Duns ... read full excerpt from One Bashful Lady ebook
