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

Even though you feel well, it’s possible you were injured.”
    Elizabeth led him to an old-fashioned settle by the fire in the parlor and insisted he sit. “Now, you relax, sir, and I’ll bring you some tea. If nothing else, you must be quite chilled.”
    Christian looked around the room after his hostess left. The furnishings were simply made and obviously old, but they had been cared for with a loving touch. The wood furniture was polished to a high gloss, the brass candelabrum gleamed like gold and the white lace curtains in the small glazed window were immaculate. Crocheted doilies and embroidered chair covers completed the image of cozy charm.
    Christian could not imagine Miss Merissa scrubbing, polishing, and doing fine needlework. It must be the other sister who was responsible for the running of the household. “She’s rather the motherly type, isn’t she?” he remarked to Merissa, who’d remained in the room. “Is she older than you?”
    She nodded. “By nearly five years. And you’re right about her fretful nature. If you don’t stay alert, she’ll have your feet up on a cushion and a mustard plaster on your chest.”
    After warming her hands over the fire, Merissa began removing her black serge cape.
    “I’d help you with your wrap,” he offered, “but I fear if I left this spot, your sister would scold me soundly.”
    “There’s no need. I can manage.”
    Christian found himself staring as his hostess turned back to the fire. This young woman spoke and acted like a stiff no-nonsense matron, yet her masses of dark, unruly curls, rosy lips, and willowy figure better fit a wood nymph. Even the silver spectacles, which should have made her look hopelessly dowdy, added to her mysterious allure.
    She turned and frowned at him. “Why are you looking at me like that?” She glanced down at her dress. “Are my skirts dirty?”
    “No, no. I was merely thinking how fortunate I was to be rescued by such an attractive young woman.”
    She gave him a cold glance. “How very gallant you are, sir. I suppose I should swoon with delight at your courtly manners.”
    What was wrong with this woman? She seemed to interpret everything he said in the worst possible fashion. Christian opened his mouth to tell her what he thought of her shrewish tongue, when Elizabeth entered the room. “Here’s your tea, sir,” she said. “Now, drink that down, and I’m certain you’ll feel much better.”
    He obeyed dutifully. Although, truth was, he hated tea. What he’d really like was a tot of brandy. But somehow the atmosphere wasn’t conducive to asking for one.
    Elizabeth poured some tea for Merissa and herself then put down the pot. “I’m Elizabeth Cassell,” she extended her hand, looking startled when Christian kissed it. “You’ve met Merissa, of course,” she continued after a moment. “Our father, who is currently occupied in his study, is Albert Cassell, the rector of Whytcliff church.”
    Christian’s gaze shot to Merissa. A clergyman’s daughter. Perhaps that accounted for her curious mixture of innocence and audacity.
    “And your name is, sir?”
    He cleared his throat, embarrassed by his lapse. “Christian Faraday.” Standing, he affected a deep bow. “Charmed, I’m sure.”
    Elizabeth smiled politely, but Merissa appeared as stiff and unfriendly as ever. Christian made a mental note to forgo any more chivalrous gestures. They were obviously wasted on her.
    He resumed his seat. “I’m traveling to visit a friend who lives not far from here. You may have heard of him. Devon Langley, the earl of Northrup?”
    “No, I don’t believe our family is acquainted with him,” Elizabeth said.
    “He resides at Darton Park near Derlingham. Perhaps you can visit me there in the next few weeks, and the earl and I can return your hospitality.”
    “Hmmph,” Merissa said. “I rather doubt we would fit in with your friends.”
    Elizabeth gave her sister a quelling look then said, “Really, sir,