Secret Admirer

Marriage by Obligation: Book 1 Secret Admirer Ruth Ann Nordin This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and also represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. Secret Admirer All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023 Ruth Ann Nordin V1.0 Design Credit: Book Wizz This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without expressed written consent of the publisher/author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Table of 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 Next Book in this Series All Books by Ruth Where to Find Ruth Chapter One January 1830 Lady Rachel Abbot waved her fan to help cool herself off. The ballroom was full, and more than half the people were dancing. Her gaze went to the available bachelors, most of whom she’d already danced with since starting her Season. Unfortunately, not a single one interested her. She turned to her two friends. “How are we supposed to pick a gentleman if not a single one interests us?” “I think we’re supposed to pick the one who has the most money,” Miss Lydia Hamilton said. “Though,” her gaze went to Lady Carol Bellington, “you might have already secured the wealthiest bachelor in London.” Carol shook her head. “I didn’t secure him. My father did. And he did that when I was a child.” “Yes, but you must be pleased with the match,” Lydia insisted. “He’s gorgeous.” Rachel followed Lydia’s gaze and saw Carol’s betrothed, who was scowling as someone talked to him. “I don’t think the Duke of Augustine is happy tonight.” Carol rolled her eyes. “He’s never happy. He looks at me like that all the time. I’m just glad I’m not the only one he scowls at. It assures me that there’s nothing wrong with me.” “Of course, there’s nothing wrong with you,” Rachel said. “You’re a lovely person. If you weren’t, Lydia and I wouldn’t be your friend.” Lydia gave another look at the Duke of Augustine. “Are you sure he’s not scowling because he has something sharp stuck in his boot? Maybe it’s lodged in there so tightly he can’t get it out.” Carol shook her head. “You’re much too nice. There’s nothing stuck in his boot. He’s just an unpleasant person. I don’t know who enjoys being around him.” Lydia sighed. “What a shame. No one that good-looking should be unpleasant to be around.” She scanned the ballroom. “What about him, Rachel? He’s not bad looking, and he’s well dressed.” Rachel followed her friend’s gaze and saw a blond-haired gentleman who was standing off to the side of the room. At first, she thought he was moving to the lively upbeat music, but then it occurred to her that he was fidgeting. Her eyebrows furrowed. Whatever was wrong with him? “Does he seem unusual to you?” she asked her friends. Lydia and Carol studied him. He seemed to realize someone was staring at him, for he looked in their direction. He jerked in panic. Rachel and her friends hurried to avert their gazes so as not to cause him more unease. She waited for a couple of seconds and chanced another look in his direction. He was gone. She searched for him and saw that he had moved to the doors of the veranda. When their eyes met, he gasped and hurried to open the door and slipped outside. Lydia laughed. “You might have a harder time finding a husband than we expected if the gentlemen you look at bolt for the door.” Rachel stared in surprise at the veranda before directing her gaze to her friend. “I don’t understand it. Won’t he get cold out there?” Lydia shrugged. “I have no idea what he was thinking when he ran off like that.” Rachel’s brother, Horatio Abbot, the Duke of Creighton, approached. “Did you notice anyone interesting?” Ignoring the way Lydia chuckled, Rachel gestured to the veranda. “There was a gentleman I seemed to have made an impression on. He headed out of the ballroom when he realized I was looking in his direction.” Horatio’s attention went to the gentleman who was standing outside. Just as she thought, he was getting cold out there. He was starting to shiver. “You need to talk him into coming back inside,” she said. “He seems uncomfortable out there.” “I’m sure he is, given how chilly it is,” her brother replied. “But I’m not surprised you managed to chase him out of the room with a simple look. That’s Lord Quinton.” He patted her shoulder. “Just know that you’re not the reason he ran. He’s a bit odd, but he’s a good gentleman.” “How do you know him?” Lydia asked. “He’s a member of White’s. I see him there all the time,” he replied. Lydia glanced back at the veranda. “Is he wealthy?” “Very,” Horatio said. “But he’s also skittish.” His attention went back to Rachel. “I want to take you around the room and introduce you to a few people. Maybe we can find someone worth marrying you.” Rachel offered her friends an apologetic smile before she headed off with her brother. She hated leaving them, but she was here to find a husband. She’d have to wait until she was betrothed before she could fully enjoy herself at these balls. “We have enough money,” Horatio whispered, “so we don’t have to be concerned with the gentleman’s financial status. You have the benefit of choosing someone whose company you enjoy. Earlier today, you said you’d like someone with a sense of humor?” “Yes, I love to laugh.”