Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 02] by Second Chances Read Free Book Online Page A

just going to have tea in the library—perhaps you would care to join us?" There was a flash of challenge in his eyes as he glanced at his father, as if daring him to contradict the invitation.
    "Max," replied Allegra. "I hardly think your father wishes..."
    "By all means, Mrs. Proctor, please join us."
    She could hardly refuse. Aside from being unspeakably rude to refuse a direct invitation from the earl, no matter how grudgingly extended, it would hurt the lad's feelings. "I should be delighted, then," she murmured.
    The glint in Wrexham's eyes told her he knew she would be anything but. "Excellent. We shall be down as soon as we have made ourselves presentable for company. Shall we say in twenty minutes?"
    Max broke into a satisfied smile. "I'll tell Cook, since I must drop our trophies in the kitchen." He hoisted the birds for Allegra's benefit, drawing a baleful look of reproach from the hound. "Oh come along, Sasha," he added. "You shall have a special treat for your day's work."
    Exactly twenty minutes later, the earl appeared in the library looking, once again, every inch the titled gentleman. Not a hair was out of place, not a wrinkle sullied the expensive navy merino wool of his perfectly tailored coat or buff pantaloons. But neither did he have the look of having fussed over his dress either, noted Allegra with reluctant approval. His cravat was knotted with a casual elegance and his shirtpoints were unfashionably low, bespeaking of comfort rather than foppishness. His waistcoat was a understated stripe with nary a fob or chain adorning its front. In fact the only glint of gold came from the heavy signet ring on his right hand. She couldn't help but think that perhaps the earl's natural grace had something to do with the fact that his athletic form needed little help from a tailor to show to advantage.
    Her hands brushed her own rather worn gown, and she was suddenly aware of its outdated design and less than flattering styling. Then her chin rose a fraction. As if it mattered how she appeared to the earl, she reminded herself!
    Max clattered to a halt outside the door, made one last effort at smoothing his unruly locks, then entered with a studied air of nonchalance that drew a ghost of a smile from his father. Allegra noted with further approval that he had the sense to refrain from commenting on the lad's attempt to appear quite the adult.
    A maid entered with a large tray bearing tea and an assortment of cakes. The sight of piping hot apple tartlets quickly melted Max's resolve to act like a lord. With a boyish grin, his hand shot out to filch one of the morsels before the tray was on the table.
    Wrexham gave his son a pointed look as the lad polished off the last bite.
    "Sorry," said Max with a sheepish look. "It's been a devilishly long time since breakfast."
    "You had a successful hunt, then?" asked Allegra quickly, changing the subject before the earl could begin any lecture on manners.
    "Oh, excellent!" he replied. "And I brought down more of the birds than Father."
    "I must have forgotten to wear my spectacles," murmured Wrexham.
    That brought a peal of laughter from Max. "Ha!"
    The earl glanced at Allegra. "You are lucky not to have children, Mrs. Proctor, as they inevitably grow up to mock one's old age—" He cut off his words abruptly. "Max, perhaps you would pour a glass of sherry for Mrs. Proctor." As his son crossed the room to where the decanter sat on a sidetable near the earl's desk, Wrexham turned back to her. "That was unforgivably clumsy of me," he said quietly. "Please accept my apologies."
    Allegra had gone ashen at his first words but she was surprised he seemed to have noticed. She was even more surprised when, on meeting his gaze, she saw only a genuine concern in his eyes. Confused, her head jerked towards the fire.
    "Think nothing of it, my lord. After all, one's servants are not expected to have feelings, are they?" The sharpness of her tone sought to mask the fact that for the