As an Earl Desires by Lorraine Heath Read Free Book Online Page A

acting as though she wasn’t quite
certain of where she stood…or more precisely as though she
was unsure how to tell him exactly what she thought of him.
    He sat at one end of the long table, while she sat
at the other, eating with precise, concise movements, never taking her eyes from her food as though
she feared if she so much as blinked, it would dash off her plate.
He was accustomed to her delighting him with silly gossip about one
person or another. She seemed to care little for England’s
political affairs, but she knew a great deal about the personal
politics and affairs that affected the
aristocracy. Who was seen with whom. Who should be seen with whom. Which ladies had
unblemished reputations, which had demonstrated questionable
behavior and should be viewed with suspicion. Such as Lady Jane
Myerson and her scandalous absence of gloves.
    â€œI did not realize that Lady Jane Myerson had
an interest in me,” he said quietly, trying to bridge the
river of silence separating them.
    She set down her fork, signaled to the nearby
footman for her plate to be removed, and dabbed delicately at each
corner of her mouth. He truly wished she wouldn’t draw
attention to her lips. He so wanted to kiss her again.
    â€œAll the ladies have an interest in
you,” she finally responded. She pierced him with a glare.
“That is one of the reasons that it is so very important for
you to be measured for hunting attire. I received word from the
tailor that you were not available to him once again.”
    â€œShortly after you rushed out I went for a
walkto gather my thoughts. I saw you standing
on the knoll at a nearby park.”
    â€œI didn’t see you.”
    â€œI was too far away. By the time I reached
the spot, you’d left. You seemed very lonely up
there.”
    â€œI wasn’t lonely. I was watching the
children.”
    â€œI would think that would be a painful
undertaking.”
    â€œWhy?”
    He was wishing now that he’d simply told her
that he’d gone for a walk. He’d not meant to traverse
this uncomfortable ground. “I would think it would be
difficult to look upon what you cannot have.”
    â€œAs we’ve gone to the art museum twice,
I assume you enjoy looking at paintings.”
    â€œIndeed, I do.”
    â€œBut you cannot purchase them all.”
    He fought back his grin. “No, I
cannot.”
    â€œDoes that dim your enthusiasm for
them?”
    â€œNo, rather it makes me appreciate them
more.”
    â€œThere you are.” She signaled for more
wine to be poured.
    â€œYou don’t like pity, do
you?”
    â€œNot particularly, no. Nor do I like
informing the tailor that you will be in your residence when you
will not.”
    That again. The blasted clothing. “In the
morning I shall go round to his shop to be
measured,” he assured her.
    â€œI devoted a good many hours and went to
great lengths to select the fabrics that would complement your
coloring. Many people do not realize that the shade of fabric can
enhance one’s appearance as much as the style of the
clothing. I do not appreciate feeling as though my efforts were
wasted.”
    â€œI assure you, Camilla, I’m grateful
for everything you’ve done for me. I don’t know how I
would have managed without you.” And then because he could no
longer stand the distance separating them, he shoved back his
chair, picked up his plate, utensils, and wineglass, and began
walking toward her end of the table.
    She looked positively terrified. “What are
you doing?”
    He set everything down at the place beside hers,
pulled out the chair, and sat. “ Joining you for dinner.”
    â€œIt’s improper.”
    â€œWhat does it matter when it is only the two
of us? My father sat beside my mother every day of his life so when
they spoke neither had cause to raise their voices. When I’m
sitting at that end of the table, I feel as