Miss Darcy Falls in Love by Sharon Lathan Read Free Book Online Page A

in whatever capacity you desire.”
    He grunted. “I will wait to see how the conversation proceeds before discussing any desires. God, why do you wear such hideous nightgowns? No wonder I feel no yearning to visit your bedchamber unless I have no alternative.”
    She did not flinch, although his words hurt, and instead remained calm and silent. Lord Essenton was silent as well, his eyes steady upon her gown-covered bosom despite his spoken indifference. Sewn from soft linen dyed pale rose with lace edgings and gathers designed to exhibit her assets, she knew his words were false. She had worn the gown in hopes he would visit, but with or without a pretty gown, Lord Essenton knew her body quite well.
    Once upon a time he had been a frequent visitor to her bedchamber, but years eroded her youthful beauty and birthing six children left marks and extra flesh that he found repellent. Competing with the numerous younger women available at the snap of a fingertip to a man of Lord Essenton’s wealth was nearly impossible. Lady Essenton held limited power over her husband, but she was aware of his attraction to her miraculously firm and bounteous breasts. He was probably attracted to any woman with large breasts, she amended, but when one was desperately in love with a man who did not return that love, one latched on to any advantage.
    It had been over a month since their last conjugal assignation, that one induced by too much liquor and her proximity, which happened to be convenient for his needs. Lady Essenton held no delusions as to her importance in his life, or any hope for a better future. No, she could only accept and be a wife when and how he chose. She knew he was only here now to gripe and scheme about Sebastian and, once done with that, might very well leave and satisfy his lust elsewhere. As often as not, that was the scenario. With luck and a bit of womanly wiles, perhaps the night would evolve as she wished.
    “So,” he finally blurted, pulling his eyes away from her chest and taking another gulp of brandy, “how can we make sure our errant son returns home and marries Lady Cassandra?”
    “Sebastian has a strong will, much as his father does. We must tread carefully.”
    “I must tread carefully, you mean. You are thrilled to see him wasting away his life with this nonsense and would just as soon forget Lady Cassandra.”
    “You are mistaken, my lord. I am pleased that Sebastian is happy, but I do want him to marry and return home soon.”
    “Just not now or with Lady Cassandra. I know you dislike her as intensely as he does.”
    “I am indifferent to Lady Cassandra, my lord. I merely believe another lady will prove more favorable to our son.”
    “You have prospects, I suppose? And quit ‘my lording’ me. I have a name you are allowed to use, Maria.”
    “As you wish, Albert.” She rose, retrieving the bottle of brandy she kept at hand for him, and bent low as she refilled his glass, the gown gaping and affording him a nice view. “I know of a dozen young ladies of virtue, eminence, and substantial dowries.”
    “Write them down for me and I will consider the alternatives. However, Lady Cassandra is my choice and is, in all ways, perfect as the wife of an earl. An obedient son, and wife, would not argue with me over it.”
    He scowled fiercely, Lady Essenton resuming her poised, and hopefully seductive, perch on the chair. She did not point out, this time, that his “perfect” choice was unattractive, fat, and dull as a post.
    “Sebastian has reservations regarding Lady Cassandra based on valid concerns. However, I cautiously suggest that his vehement denial might be lessened if you did not harass him.”
    Lord Essenton frowned in confusion. He was not a stupid man, but subtle scheming was not his forte. “But how can he not see the logic in marrying her? It frustrates me to no end! She is sole heir to a lucrative estate that will fall to her husband—an estate, as he knows, that lies adjacent to