Only an Earl Will Do Read Online Free

gaze and refused to react to the man’s implication. What was he trying to say? Was there an understanding between Miss Andrews and someone… Miss Andrews looked up at Henry, her coquettish gaze saying without words what gentleman she had in mind.
    Elizabeth narrowed her eyes.
    “Do you wish to make England your home, Miss Andrews?” Victoria asked.
    “No, not at all,” Miss Andrews replied. “But I wouldn’t be against Scotland or Ireland. I find the people in the north more to my taste.”
    Elizabeth started at the barely masked insult against those who lived south of the Scottish border. Again Miss Andrews fixed her attention on Henry, and the lady’s liking of everything north of the border became clear. Elizabeth cleared her throat, taking her sister’s arm. “Well, Miss Andrews, perhaps you could join the society in Edinburgh or Dublin, since those are more to your taste. We would not wish to keep you here if it makes you unhappy.”
    Henry stepped forward and bowed when Miss Andrews didn’t reply but merely glared at Elizabeth’s remark. She smiled.
    “Lady Newland, would ye care to accompany me for the next dance? I believe it’s to be a cotillion.”
    Elizabeth ignored the longing that the request brought forth in her. She steeled her resolve to remain strong, detached, withheld. “That is kind of you, my lord, but I do not wish to dance. My feet are feeling poorly after my earlier efforts.”
    “Come, Lady Newland, surely there is one more dance in ye,” Lord McCalter said jovially.
    “Perhaps another time,” Victoria stated, clearly sensing her growing unease. “Elizabeth did say when she finished the last set that she wouldn’t dance again this eve. But the season still has many more dances in it. I’m sure Lord Muir can wait to take advantage at another ball.”
    Henry smiled, but the gesture never reached his eyes. “Of course. I would never wish to cause unease for Lady Newland.”
    Elizabeth bit back a nasty retort and directed her attention to the dancers swirling about on the dance floor. Henry’s years in America had turned him into a hypocrite.
    “How is Dunsleigh? And ye father? We’ve only been back in the country a week or so, and I’ve not heard how ye family goes on.”
    Like you care.
    The bitter thought should shame her; to think so cruelly wasn’t something that was in her nature, and yet the man before her was the very reason she’d married a total stranger. Had used him poorly.
    “We’re all very well. Although Father hasn’t accompanied us to town; he remains in the country,” Victoria said.
    “Are ye staying at Newland house or the Duke’s London residence?” Henry’s eyes burned with a hatred Elizabeth wondered at. That he was annoyed with her was odd, since it was by his own doing that she’d married someone other than himself. Had he returned when they’d written him, they would be married right at this moment.
    “I’m staying at my brother’s home.” Elizabeth’s reply was clipped, and Mr. Andrews shifted with unease. The tension among the party was almost palpable, and uncomfortable to say the least.
    Henry laughed, the tone mocking. He took a sip of his wine, draining the contents. “How diverting. Ye English husband doesn’t mind that ye stay with your family when in town. I thought he would wish ye beside him at all times.”
    Victoria met her gaze, her eyes wide with disbelief.
    “I do not believe my husband would wish me to be beside him at this very moment, Lord Muir, since he’s buried in the family plot in Wiltshire.”
    Henry started at her words, his eyes widening in shock. “Ye’re a widow?”
    Elizabeth glared at the Scottish oaf. “Lord Newland passed away over a year ago.”
    “I’m sorry for your loss, Lady Newland.” Mr. Andrews threw her a consoling look. “We apologize for bringing up what must still be so painful for you.”
    “Thank you.” She looked back at Henry, who watched her, or more like contemplated her