This Earl Is on Fire by Vivienne Lorret Read Free Book Online

be?” he asked, wary. If he had a mirror as well as his eyesight, no doubt he would see that his complexion had gone pale.
    â€œYou must promise not to marry me.”
    Relief came out on a puff of air that was part laugh. “You are a debutante in London for the Season. Your goal can only be to capture a husband.”
    â€œI already explained that I will not have you. So please stop volunteering ,” she teased, issuing a huff of feigned exasperation. “Besides, some debutantes might want to visit London solely for the adventure.”
    â€œAdventure?” He knew she must have still been teasing. “What adventure could be gained from attending a few balls and parties?”
    â€œPlenty, if you’ve never been.” The playful note vanished, replaced by curtness.
    But what debutante had never been to a ball? “Are there no assemblies in your village?”
    â€œI have not had the inclination to dance at those assemblies.”
    He felt his brow furrow beneath the bandages. He thought every young woman enjoyed dancing. Then again, perhaps she’d had an inferior master to train her.
    He pushed that puzzle aside for the time being. “If you do not dance, then why would you want to attend a ball?”
    â€œTo see what it’s like, of course,” she said as if he were a simpleton. “There is more than dancing at a ball, or so I’ve read.”
    â€œTrue. A courteous host will have a card room as well. Otherwise, I see no purpose in attending.” His sardonic tone drew a small laugh from her.
    â€œThere is music, punch, terraces leading to garden strolls, and—”
    â€œAnd scandal, if you’re not too careful with that last one.” At his own words, Liam felt a jolt of inspiration hit him. If this was her family’s first trip to town, then perhaps they weren’t aware of his despicable reputation. He set about amending that. “And I know a thing or two about the topic. Simply read any issue of the Standard and you will see.”
    â€œAre you a libertine?” The censure in her voice was a relief to him.
    While his reputation was bad, he still possessed a shred of decency. “I do not prey upon the virtue of innocent young women, no.”
    â€œThen what has earned you a place in the newspaper?”
    â€œMany depraved acts that are too salacious for a debutante’s ears,” he cautioned, dropping his voice a few notes. He sensed her utter revulsion of his character was only moments away. And then he would be safe from any designs she may possess.
    â€œHmm . . .” she murmured as if taking the matter under consideration. “Likely those include drinking to excess?”
    He nearly laughed at her naivety. Getting foxed from time to time was the least of his sins. “Yes.”
    â€œGambling?”
    â€œAs often as I am able.”
    â€œHorse races”—she breathed—“on Rotten Row?”
    The alteration in her tone gave him pause. Her excitement was palpable, charging the air in the room. “Occasionally.”
    â€œI imagine it’s quite thrilling to snap the reins, urging your horse faster and faster.”
    Liam frowned, not liking the turn of their conversation. “Precisely what do you hope to accomplish through these adventures?”
    She didn’t hesitate. “To prove myself capable of having them. Why else?”
    Her answer puzzled him and caused him no small measure of concern. “Racing is a dangerous activity, even for a skilled rider. And for a woman, the scandal would ruin your reputation, resigning you to a life of spinsterhood.”
    There. He might have laid on the warning a bit thick but felt this country miss needed it.
    â€œAnd?” She laughed, undaunted. “If I have no desire to marry, then why should I not take as much adventure as I can while I am here?”
    â€œBecause you would also sully the names of your parents.” He