Helen Dickson - From Governess to Society Bride

‘And I don’t suppose you can see what women see in him either,’ William teased gently.

‘Yes, I can,’ she responded laughingly. ‘I’ll do him the justice to admit he’s terribly attractive. What is your opinion of him, William?’

‘I like and respect him—I always have. But make no mistake. Whatever that man does, he does on his terms. There isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t be impervious to him.’

‘There you are, then,’ Eve said, laughing lightly. ‘You are one of the most sensible people I know, William, so I would believe you above all others.’

Beth smiled. ‘Bless you for that, Eve, and I do agree with what you say about my husband. Lucas Stainton is one of the most attractive men on the social scene, a man who stands out among his fellow men. Wherever he goes women strive to please him, for despite his cynical attitude—although some more sensible members of the ton have remarked that he has good reason to be cynical where women are concerned—there is an aura of virility about him that does dangerous things to their hearts.’

‘And how does Lord Stainton react to these adoring females who simper around him? Is there not one among so many who is capable of thawing his cold heart?’

‘Not to my knowledge. Oh, he is no more immune to a pretty face than the next man, but since his divorce he has conducted his affairs with absolute discretion. There are those who know him well, like my own William, who say he inspires esteem and respect because he represents a rare specimen of a nobleman par excellence . On the other hand, there are those who accuse him of being a brute and intolerant of others, and with his droll replies in conversation and stunned expressions, he makes people feel that they are utterly stupid.’

‘Perhaps that’s because they are,’ Eve murmured with a half-smile. ‘As you have just said, Beth, perhaps if they knew him well they would perceive that he is much nicer than he appears.’

Beth looked at her curiously. ‘Eve, what is this? You aren’t enamoured of him after just three encounters, surely?’

‘No,’ Eve replied, laughing at the very idea. ‘Quite the opposite, in fact. My encounters with Lord Stainton were anything but friendly—in fact, I found the man quite insufferable—but I have seen some of the qualities you speak of and I’m willing to take a chance on him—as he might with me.’

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