The Dark Earl by Virginia Henley Read Free Book Online Page A

I could be half in love without much persuasion,” she teased.
    He pulled her closer and demanded fiercely, “What good is half in love?”
    “Surely half in love is better than not being in love at all? You’re an earl of the realm with a castle. If you woo me in earnest, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.”
    D’Arcy kissed her again and Harry closed her eyes, enjoying the intimacy of his heated embrace to the full. When his hand reached for her breast, she pulled away. “Don’t be greedy,” she murmured. “If that’s what you’re after, it will take a little more wooing.”
    “I’m sorry, love. You drive me mad, and I’ve waited so long.”
    “School yourself to patience. ’Tis said that anticipation is half the pleasure.”
    “There you go with your halves again.” He smiled ruefully. “I’ve decided to host a dinner party next week. The invitation will include all members of your family, of course. I’ll invite some bachelors for your sisters as well.”
    “How lovely. Too bad there won’t be dancing, since it’s a perfectly legitimate way of holding me in your arms. Still, I shall look forward to your giving me a private tour of your grand residence on Carlton House Terrace.” Harry pulled on her glove, indicating that their tête-à-tête in the carriage was over.

     
    “Did you enjoy your afternoon drive, darling?” The duchess joined her family in the dining room for the evening meal. She made no bones about the fact that she thoroughly approved of a match between Harriet and the Earl of Durham.
    “It was everything I hoped it would be,” Harry said with a smile.
    “Last night it came as a surprise that you had invited Thomas Anson. I had no idea that Lichfield’s son was a friend of yours.”
    “He’s D’Arcy’s friend, not mine. I believe they were at Oxford together. He introduced Lord Anson to me at the opening of the Crystal Palace.”
    “Are you aware that his father is a debauched gambler who was disgraced by a financial collapse brought about by gargantuan gaming debts?”
    “Completely aware, Mother. Lord Anson is the antithesis of Lichfield. I believe he is overly stern and moral, with an impeccable character, to make up for his father’s reputation.” He’s also extremely good-looking, with black curly hair and pewter eyes that sometimes glitter silver.
    “It’s something that is never spoken of in polite society, but Lichfield’s wife is the daughter of a wealthy sugar planter in the West Indies, and it’s whispered that she could have native blood.”
    “But only whispered in impolite society, I take it,” Harry teased. That would certainly explain the devil’s swarthiness.
    Rachel laughed. “Well, thanks very much, Lu, for trying to palm him off on me last night.”
    “I did no such thing,” the duchess protested.
    “Of course you did,” Harry contradicted her mother. “But I came to the rescue and took him off Rachel’s hands immediately by switching partners so she could meet the dashing Lord James Butler.”
    “Rachel . . . you are blushing!” her sister said with delight.
    “Oh please, say it isn’t so. There is nothing so unbecoming in a redhead. Screamy-colored hair is bad enough without having screamy-colored cheeks to match.”
    “I have it on good authority that Lord Butler adores red hair,” Harry declared.
    Lady Beatrix interrupted. “William Montagu, Earl of Dalkeith, danced with me more than once last night.”
    Jane, who had been quietly captivated by the conversation, said, “Oh, I think William Montagu is divine . His Scots burr sends shivers up my spine.”
    “Thank heavens our brother James is dining out with Father tonight. He’d never let you live that one down,” Harry told her. “He’d follow you around teasing you about kilts, sporrans, and haggis until you ran from the room screaming.”
    “Thank heavens he’s still at an age where teasing his sisters amuses him. All too soon he’ll think himself so