Undressed by the Earl by Michelle Willingham Read Free Book Online

surely that would not interfere with their family’s plans.
    The voice inside her head warned that it wasn’t right to meet with a gentleman so early. If anyone saw them together, there would be gossip.
    But then, she wanted to wed this man. If they were seen together—even if nothing had happened—surely it would only lead to what she wanted most.

    Sarah’s heart was pounding when she entered the house. The butler’s face revealed nothing as a maid took her bonnet and pelisse. It was clear that he believed she had no reason to be here. Even so, he would not disobey Amelia’s wishes.
    “Follow me,” he said.
    She did, and with each step, her guilt increased. Miss Andrews had been kind enough to invite her here. Likely she would offer her assistance, though Sarah knew she deserved nothing.
    The bitter secret was like a venom that she wanted to be rid of. She knew the power it held, and yet, she was afraid to voice it.
    When she reached the drawing room, Amelia Andrews was waiting. The young woman was seated upon a creamy settee trimmed with a crimson stripe. As soon as she saw Sarah, she stood and greeted her. “I’m so glad you came to tea. Sit down, and we can talk about what’s happened.”
    Inwardly, Sarah steeled herself, trying not to break into tears. Kindness was nearly impossible to bear. She’d had to be strong over these years, and she could not let down her guard now.
    “Thank you,” she murmured. Amelia poured her a cup of tea and smiled warmly, waiting for her to speak.
    There were a thousand ways to begin, and not one of them seemed right. “I need help,” she admitted. She poured out the horrors of the past four years, of Brandon’s misdeeds and her struggle to find a husband.
    “I know I am not the most attractive of women,” she admitted, feeling the rise of heat to her cheeks. Horse-faced, Brandon had called her. And perhaps that was so, but face powder could not cover up the features she’d been born with. She swallowed hard, mustering up the courage she needed. “But I still want to marry. I need to marry, for it’s the only way I can escape the scandal of my family. I thought you might know of a gentleman who would not be particular about the woman he marries.”
    Amelia had grown quiet for a time, as if thinking to herself. The longer her silence continued, the more Sarah longed to fill it. “I—I hoped you could get me an invitation to a ball where I—where I could meet someone.”
    This had to be the most humiliating moment of her life, but she took a sip of the hot tea to hide her embarrassment.
    “I’m not sure I can,” Amelia admitted. “After all that your brother did, most of the families want no connection with Lord Strathland.”
    “It’s not my fault,” Sarah blurted out. A rise of frustration took hold, of all the years of being a spinster. She didn’t deserve this life, and she wanted a way out. The longer she remained in this trap, the more likely it was that her cousin, Lewis Barnabas, would find a way to hurt her.
    A shudder came over her at the thought. No, she would never let herself be with a man like him.
    “I know it’s not your fault,” Amelia agreed. “But it’s a delicate situation. Perhaps it would be better if you attended an outing instead of an assembly or a ball. A smaller group might be best.” She sipped at her own tea and offered Sarah a plate of sandwiches.
    She took one, but her pulse quickened. Amelia Andrews needed to fully understand the necessity of her finding a husband.
    “I want a husband,” Sarah repeated slowly. “A respectable gentleman with a decent income, few debts, and a willingness to overlook my brother’s deeds.”
    “I can try to help you, but I don’t know if it’s possible.”
    Now was the moment to lay her cards upon the table. Though her conscience cried out, she forced out the words, “I know about Aphrodite’s Unmentionables.”
    Amelia blanched for the briefest moment before she smiled. “What