Earl of Scandal (London Lords) Read Online Free Page A

she might, there seemed no way to quell the odd bubble of excitement that seemed lodged in her chest.
    At least she had been able to keep her discomposure to herself: For once, her sharp tongue had aided her. If she could convince him that she despised his company, maybe she could persuade her own treacherous self of the fact!
    He cleared his throat and spoke conversationally. “You mention your sister. Is there no one else at home who will worry if you are late?”
    “Of course. Both Bob and Papa would fret if I didn’t arrive by dinnertime. But tonight, I’m only late by half an hour, so Elizabeth alone will note it. Bob will be busy with chores, and Papa will be in his study.”
    “Is Bob your brother?”
    “You ask a great many questions, Mr. Faraday. For a man who saw fit to lecture me on my behavior, your own sense of propriety seems sorely lacking.”
    Merissa smiled at her own tart words. That ought to set his back up a bit.
    “My apologies, Miss Cassell.” He inclined his head in a bow. “I meant no disrespect.”
    Oh, he was the perfect gentleman now. Irritated, she took the turn onto the drive more sharply than usual. They bounced down the rutted drive. As soon as they reached the house, she halted the team, tied the reins to the bar and hurried to get down from the wagon. She had no intention of having him try to help her once again!
    Christian hurried after his hostess, frowning in consternation. Where the devil was she going in such a hurry?
    By the time he caught up with her, she was talking to a stocky, roughly dressed man carrying a lantern. “.... about a mile down the main road. He said one of them had pulled up lame.”
    The man lifted the lantern to shine it on Christian’s face. “Sir, do you think your horses are sound enough to be led this far?”
    “I believe so, but if Jezebel balks, leave her there. There should be a carriage robe you can throw over her. I’ll go back for her myself.”
    “You, sir?”
    Unlike Merissa, this man obviously recognized him as someone to be reckoned with, Christian thought with satisfaction. “She’s a valuable animal, but I don’t want to put you to any trouble.”
    “Never you fear, I’ll see to the horses,” the man said. “I’ll report back to you as soon as they’re safe. You’ll be staying for supper, won’t you, sir?”
    “Well...”
    ‘Course you will. Elizabeth wouldn’t hear otherwise.” Bob went to unhitch the team.
    “Jezebel?” Merissa asked. “What sort of name is that for a horse?”
    “In. London it’s all the rage to name your cattle fanciful things,” Christian explained. “I suppose it represents an attempt at wit.”
    “You’re from London?” Merissa asked as they started towards the house, walking more sedately this time.
    “I spend most of the year there. When I’m not hunting or visiting friends.”
    “And what do you do in London?”
    “Do? Why, I entertain myself”
    “I see,” she said in a decidedly frosty tone.
    He felt a vague embarrassment that he hadn’t given a more serious answer. Then he quickly repressed the feeling. There was nothing immoral about indulging in the usual pastimes of a gentleman.
    They entered the foyer and were immediately met by a gentle-faced young woman. “Good heavens, Merissa! What’s happened? Why are you so late?”
    “This gentleman ran his carriage off the road, and I stopped to help him.” Miss Cassell’s gaze met Christian’s, as if daring him to give a different interpretation of events.
    The woman, who he assumed was Elizabeth, approached him. “Dear me! Are you hurt, sir?”
    “Not a bit. But my rig took a bad tumble. I think the axle’s broken and one of my horses may be injured.”
    “How awful! Is someone tending to the poor animal?”
    “Your... er... hired man went to take a look at the mares.”
    She nodded. “Bob will know exactly what to do. We’d never manage without his help. He’s like one of the family. But you, sir, you must sit down.