One Night with an Earl by Jennifer Haymore Read Free Book Online Page B

through her embarrassment, he sensed her lingering arousal as she stood beside him.
    â€œI don’t believe a private room will be necessary,” Drew told Madame Lussier. He turned to Beatrice. “Perhaps a walk along the more well-lit and populated paths of the park would be preferable?”
    She looked at him, and a silent communication passed between them.
    I can kiss you as much as I want in the relative privacy of the park, he told her with his eyes.
    Yes. I want that. Very much.
    â€œThat would be very nice,” she murmured.
    Madame Lussier snorted. “Very well. If you wish to do it among trees and leaves, then who am I to stop you?”
    Drew gave her a quelling look.
    â€œOh, but I cannot leave,” Beatrice exclaimed. “Jess—my friend—will be looking for me.”
    â€œAre you speaking of that lovely blond Egyptian queen?” Madame Lussier asked.
    â€œYes. We came together, and—”
    â€œDon’t worry about her. I’ll let her know where you’ve gone.”
    â€œAre you certain?” Beatrice asked doubtfully.
    â€œOf course. I shall allay all her fears. Because”—she leaned forward and whispered in Beatrice’s ear, but it was in a loud whisper that Drew could hear very well—“the man you are standing beside is a gentleman of the highest order. You are safe with him, I promise you. Enjoy yourself, and do not worry about your pretty friend. I’ll assure her of your safety and happiness, never fear.”
    Beatrice nodded, and Drew felt a bit of the tension release from her fingers.
    â€œNow, go along, my doves. Have a wonderful evening. I know I shall!”
    And with that, she spun around in a confection of white and swept back into the ballroom.
    â€œWell, then.” Drew looked down at Beatrice. His voice was quiet but edged with roughness as he asked, “Would you care to go for a walk in the park with me, Lady Persephone?”
    She gazed at him for a long moment, then gave him a slow nod. “Yes. I would like that very much.”

Chapter Five
    H yde Park consists of three hundred ninety-four acres,” John told her. “Henry the Eighth used it as a deer park, and it was finally opened to the public by King Charles in 1637. The Serpentine wasn’t constructed until a hundred years later.”
    Beatrice drank it all in, fascinated by how he could remember such details. He’d been relaying facts about the park and London in general for the past ten minutes.
    He glanced down at her. “You’re very quiet.”
    â€œI just love learning about all these things. I haven’t spent much time in London over the past several years. I never—” She broke off, because she didn’t want to think about the past. She wanted to live in the here and now, with the warm body of this man at her side, explaining things to her and, evidently, simply enjoying being with her.
    â€œI…” He turned away with a slight grimace as he began to walk again, tightening his arm over hers and tugging her along with him.
    She frowned. “What is it?”
    His expression turned wry. “I think I almost told you my identity just now. But it isn’t midnight…yet.”
    â€œMidnight?” she asked.
    â€œIt is Madame Lussier’s rule. All her guests must reveal their identities at midnight.”
    She glanced back in the direction of Madame Lussier’s house, her mouth going dry. “Oh,” she said in a small voice.
    His hand squeezed the one she had resting on his arm, reassuring her. “You won’t need to.”
    It was cool out here in the park, but her linen cloak did an adequate job of keeping out the chill. She slipped her arm out of his and wrapped the cloak tighter around her, looking up at his glittering eyes. The night darkened them so much they appeared almost black.
    â€œHow do you know?”
    He stopped abruptly and turned to her, his brows