Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel by Samantha Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

an advantageous match while you still have time. The good Lord knows I made the mistake of listening to my heart, and you can see what a lonely existence I enjoy.”

Six
    Drew leaned forward and urged the black stallion his father had presented for his expert opinion into a gallop. The Thoroughbred was descended from the Godolphin Arabian and bred for swiftness and agility. His father would be pleased the animal possessed a perfect blending of both qualities to render him a superior foxhunter.
    The magnificent beast’s strong flanks propelled them forward at impressive speeds, and the wind whipped through Drew’s hair. He laughed aloud. How easy to forget pleasures afforded by the country when residing year-round in Town.
    He spied Shafer Hall in the distance and reined in the horse to allow him a cool-down before reaching the mews.
    As he rode up the circular drive, he spotted Phoebe in the gardens with his nephew. His sister-in-law leaned down to examine something the boy cradled in his palm. Drew’s heart warmed. Rich had a family and it was a lovely one.
    He dismounted, left the horse in the care of the footman, and jogged toward the gardens.
    “Phoebe. Stephan,” he called.
    Both of their heads popped up. Stephan’s fist closed to entrap whatever he held. “Uncle Drew, come see what I found.”
    He grinned, pleased with the way the boy accepted his presence at his home without question as if it were an everyday occurrence.
    Drew knelt on one knee beside his nephew. “Let’s take a look.” Stephan opened his hand to reveal a black beetle. “My, he’s a big one. Will you keep him in a jar?”
    “Mama says he’ll miss his family, so I have to let him go. It’s terrible to miss family. Do you not agree, Uncle Drew?” Stephan wandered off with his bug secured in his hand without waiting for a response.
    Yes, missing family was a terrible condition, and missing out was even worse. Drew glanced up at Phoebe, her abdomen rounded from the baby growing inside, another tiny nephew or niece. “You look amazing, Pheebs.”
    Her hand moved to caress her midsection as her arched brows pulled together. “Yes, well, thank you and good heavens. What are you doing here?”
    He laughed and got up from his knee. “That’s a better welcome than I received from Mother. I believe her words were along the lines of ‘you cannot be here.’ There is no room for me at Irvine Castle. So, here I am.”
    She tipped her head to the side, her brow furrowed in confusion. “That explains why you are at Shafer Hall, I suppose. But what brings you to Northumberland? You haven’t been here in years from what I’ve gathered.”
    He shrugged. How could he explain the yearnings he had been experiencing? He’d grown restless in Town, and had been for weeks. It seemed there should be something more, although hang him if he knew what it could be. He thought the ennui would pass after a time, but it hadn’t. Not yet, though he didn’t want to voice any of this to his sister-in-law.
    “All of London is here , my lady. I’ve no one to entertain me.”
    “Poor Drew,” she said with a touch of playful sarcasm. “No one to love him in Town. I suppose we can find room for you.”
    “How gracious of you, my lady.” Before they turned to approach the house, Drew caught sight of a willowy figure in the distance. “Who comes this way?” he murmured.
    His heart skipped a beat. Miss Hillary.
    He couldn’t mistake the fiery hair bouncing around her shoulders. Her hat swung carefree in her left hand while she grasped a fat bouquet of colorful flowers in her right. Her steps slowed when she seemed to realize Phoebe had a visitor.
    A close-up view revealed cheeks flushed pink from the fresh air and exercise. Why did women make themselves up with powders and perilously balanced hairstyles when their natural state proved so beautiful?
    Phoebe stepped forward. “Drew, I’m sure you remember Miss Hillary.”
    He nodded. “It is a pleasure to see