The Earl in My Bed: A Forgotten Princesses Valentine Novella by Sophie Jordan Read Free Book Online Page A

away to war, and you’ve formed no other attachments. I fear that obligation to Owen holds you in check.”
    Immediately, Jamie’s face flashed before her. Evidently she was not in check. Not at all.
    “You don’t think it wretched of me?” She moistened her lips. “I mean how will Owen feel if he returns to find me and someone else—”
    Alice Mary covered her hand with her own. “You cannot prevent yourself from living for fear of hurting Owen’s feelings. I’m sure he only wants you happy. No one would blame you for seeking out your own happiness. Not even him.”
    She winced. “I’m not so certain of that.” She could think of one person who would blame her if she sought her own happiness. He would heartily blame her.
    “There was never that spark between the two of you.” Alice Mary nodded almost sadly. “I watched you both together and always thought you behaved more like friends than sweethearts.”
    Paget nodded, understanding perfectly now that she’d sampled the spark firsthand. “I confess that I’ve come to think the same thing myself.”
    “Ah-ha!” Alice Mary’s eyes danced with delight. “So there is someone. Hm.” She tapped her chin. “Who could it be? He’d have to be young . . .”
    “No,” Paget quickly rejoined. “There is no one.” The last thing she wanted was for her friend to start wondering thoughts that led her to conclude that the Earl of Winningham had struck her fancy. “Only I’m open to the possibility of forming an attachment to an eligible gentleman. That is all.”
    Alice Mary clapped her hands together gleefully, her blue eyes glinting conspiratorially. “Well! Then we shall endeavor to find you a worthy gentleman who can deliver a spark. My ball shall be the perfect place to start. Let me think. An old school friend of John’s will be attending. Mr. Bromley is quite the gentleman. He cuts a fine figure. I’ve witnessed many a lady bat her fan in his direction. And what better setting than a Valentine’s ball to set the stage for romance? If my efforts come to no avail, Cupid will surely have a hand in this.”
    Paget smiled and hoped it looked sincere and not as brittle as it felt.
    Somehow after yesterday’s kiss— kisses —very well, it was rather more than a simple kiss. Her face heated as she thought of all the wicked things his mouth did to her—it felt false to forge a romance with someone else so soon. To feel passion again in such a short amount of time. Surely passion wasn’t that easy? Surely it wasn’t something to be had with just anyone?
    If that were the case, she would have had it with Owen. That would have been preferable. Instead her body had reacted and chosen Jamie.
    She scowled at the turn of her thoughts. It almost sounded as though she felt loyal toward Jamie. Absurd. He certainly felt no fondness for her.
    But she refused to let him ruin her dream.
    Her smile widened. Perhaps a Valentine’s ball would be the perfect place to begin the romance she so desperately craved.
    She nodded and smiled at Alice Mary. “I should be delighted to meet your Mr. Bromley.”
    J amie strolled amid the partygoers, edging the dance floor where hundreds of delicate love knots dangled from ribbons attached to the ceiling. The baroness had obviously gone to great efforts for tonight’s ball.
    He stopped to greet familiar faces as he scanned the crush, straining for a glimpse of Paget. He hadn’t seen her since their encounter in the rain. He imagined there would be some awkwardness. Especially on her part. No doubt she would not even be able to meet his gaze. Despite her bold manner, she was a country miss. A vicar’s daughter. Inexperienced. She was probably mortified, hiding behind a potted fern hoping to avoid him.
    For the best, he supposed. Especially considering he’d thought of little else besides her. Her scent. Her taste. It was utter torment. Although worth it if he had succeeded in securing her for Owen. That’s all that