Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 02] Read Online Free Page B

be difficult to slip in one night after everyone had retired. Their sleeping quarters were far enough away from the stalls she needed that if she were very quiet....
    But she wasn't nearly at that stage of her plans yet. She glanced down at the sketchbook under her arm. It was only today that she had managed to get her first glimpse of Westwood Manor, and even that was from afar. She would need to have a much closer look.
    At least her charcoal and paper gave her a perfect excuse. Few people would pay any notice to an insignificant female engaged in filling her pad with ordinary landscapes and views of the stately houses. She didn't draw overly well, but that wasn't the point. At night she could study which approach was best and where the windows and doors were located.
    She tugged at the strings of the large, ugly bonnet that nearly obscured her features. It was deucedly uncomfortable during her long walks, but it made it unlikely that anyone would recognize her face.
    Yes, she thought with grim satisfaction, she had thought of everything.
    Her mind was so occupied she failed to notice that the earl had reined his mount to a halt and was watching as she scrambled over a tall stile. Smoothing her skirts down over her sturdy half boots she suddenly became aware of his presence. Though the unbecoming bonnet shaded most of her face, a hint of a frown peeked out from beneath the broad brim.
    Drat the man. She really preferred to avoid him as much as possible.
    "Oh—good afternoon, my lord." Her tone was as chilly as her expression.
    He inclined his head a fraction. "It appears you are partial to taking the country air."
    "Lessons are over for the day. I am following your wishes to make myself scarce."
    "I did not mean it literally, Mrs. Proctor," he replied dryly. "Do not feel that you must... wear yourself to the bone."
    Her lips repressed a smile. So the earl actually had a sense of humor. "I enjoy doing a bit of sketching," she said.
    Wrexham raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't have expected you to indulge in such a frivolous pursuit."
    "It does not meet with your approval? Perhaps you consider it a pastime fit only for young females."
    The earl dismounted with an easy grace and fell in step beside her. There was a flash of amusement in his eyes at her last comment though he chose to ignore her challenge.
    "What you choose to do with your own time is your concern, Mrs. Proctor," he answered as he casually wrapped the reins of his dappled grey stallion around the long fingers of one hand. "My concern is with Max."
    Her eyes shot up to meet his. "Is something wrong?"
    "Not at all," he admitted. "Max has made great progress in his studies. He has responded well to your teaching."
    She looked at him warily. "I trust you do not mean to imply..."
    "No. I do not believe you are throwing your cap at my son."
    "I should hope not," she muttered. "Why, I'm almost old enough to be his mother."
    The earl regarded her face and the errant wisps of honey colored hair that curled around her ears. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
    "Max is a highly intelligent young man," she continued. "It has been a pleasure to work with such a good student." She hesitated for a moment. "He is also unfailingly polite, cheerful and courteous."
    "Unlike his father," murmured Wrexham.
    She opened her mouth as if to speak.
    "It does seem that his moods have improved considerably," he went on, without waiting for a reply from her. "At least he is no longer flying into the boughs every time I speak to him." He shook his head. "I know this is an awkward age for him, but I was beginning to think he couldn't abide my very presence."
    "You needn't worry on that account, my lord. Max thinks you are—how did he put it—a great gun."
    "He said that?" The earl's features softened perceptibly.
    "Indeed he did."
    "Thank you, Mrs. Proctor," he said after a moment. "You did not have to say so."
    She decided to change the subject. "I was wondering sir, have you made any