My Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett Read Free Book Online

gown to keep in your armoire.”
    â€œWhy?” A pretty dress wouldn’t stop the ton from ridiculing her and her sisters. It wouldn’t transform her from a wallflower to a diamond of the first water. Why did he care?
    â€œBecause even though you think it’s frivolous and extravagant, you might need it one day.” He leaned toward her slightly. “You might want it.”
    Lord help her, she did. But even more than she wanted a pretty gown for herself, she wanted one for each of her sisters. Maybe she should let the earl buy her a gown so that she could give it to them. It would be too short for Julie, but Beth could wear it, and perhaps add some lace to the bottom to make it work for Julie too.
    Her heart may have been tempted, but pride was in control. “While I appreciate your concern for my hypothetical needs and wants,” she said stiffly, “I can assure you that an elegant gown would serve me no purpose beyond collecting dust and attracting moths.”
    The earl seemed to consider this as he crossed his arms, his wide shoulders and muscular biceps testing the seams of his dark green, tailored jacket. His eyes, brown as melted chocolate, searched her face with an intensity that unsettled her. He didn’t understand why she defied him, couldn’t accept it. And something in his gaze told her that he would not be content until he knew all her secrets—the fears and desires she held so closely that not even her sisters were aware of them.
    A shiver ran the length of her spine, but she would not yield, nor would she apologize.
    An odd combination of puzzlement and hurt flashed across his face so quickly she might have imagined it. He pressed his lips together, then nodded—a silent admission of defeat.
    Why, then, did she not feel victorious?
    â€œI have no wish to contribute to the proliferation of dust and moths in your armoire,” he said with a wry smile. Turning his attention to the girls, he added, “Having survived the ordeal of dress shopping, I think we have earned a visit to the park. What do you say?”
    â€œYes!” they exclaimed in unison.
    â€œI’ll let the footman know the packages are ready,” Meg offered.
    â€œNo need.” Lord Castleton shot a charming grin at the shopkeeper as he scooped up their purchases and marched toward the shop door. The shopkeeper gripped the edge of the counter as though she feared she’d swoon, while another of the shop’s patrons fanned herself—vigorously.
    Meg wanted to roll her eyes. So the earl carried a few packages. That hardly qualified him for knighthood.
    â€œAre you coming, Miss Lacey?” he called over his shoulder. “If you’ve reconsidered and have decided to order a gown, we’ll be happy to wait.”
    â€œNo,” she said through gritted teeth. “I’m quite done with shopping.”
    *   *   *
    Meg would have liked to cling to her contrary mood for the remainder of the afternoon, but the glorious spring day made it nigh impossible. As she, Lord Castleton, and the girls strolled along the pebbled footpath in the dappled shade, a warm breeze eased some of the tightness from her shoulders. The earl steered their little group to a bench at the edge of the Serpentine and waved an arm at the surrounding lawn. “Ladies, how do you fancy this spot?”
    â€œPerfect!” Valerie said.
    Diana tossed a ball from hand to hand. “ Now may we play?”
    â€œOf course,” Meg said with a smile. “Shall we have a game of catch?”
    â€œYes!” the girls cried in unison.
    â€œNot I.” The earl lowered himself onto the bench, stretched out his long legs, and crossed them at the ankles.
    â€œMy question was directed toward the girls , my lord.”
    â€œWas it?” he said, his mouth curling into a dangerous smile. “I don’t know whether to be relieved or insulted.”
    â€œEither way,