The Earl's Wager Read Online Free Page A

had never said a word.
    She glared at him and bit down, lest she say something she’d regret. She was already in enough trouble.
    He eyed her in return and said, “Besides, we need to discuss our tutoring schedule.”
    “We will be discussing no such thing.” Georgia crossed her arms and stood her ground. She would never agree to something so silly as tutoring. She was quite capable of managing her own affairs. Especially when they entailed finding a husband.
    Oliver glowered at her in that fatherly way he always did. “Certainly, you may accompany us Grandleigh, but be quick about it.” He turned to his brother-in-law. “And perhaps while you’re at it, create some kind of diversion, so when my jockey gets into my carriage no one will notice.”
    Grandleigh gave a curt nod. “Of course.” He retreated, and after a few moments he went into a loud coughing spasm. As much as the man annoyed her, he did do a good job of attracting attention upon himself.
    “Hurry along.” Oliver patted her shoulder. “Inside with you now.”
    Georgia did as she was bid. Eloise sat on the far side facing forward, and Georgia slid in next to her, while Oliver sat across from them. Once inside the enclosed carriage, Oliver shut the door behind them, and Georgia removed the jockey cap that caused her scalp to itch. “Why are you allowing him to ride with us?” she asked.
    “Because he’s correct. We have much to discuss, and maybe having him nearby will save you from me taking you over my knee and giving you a sound spanking.”
    She’d never seen Oliver quite this angry before, and although she told herself not to worry, she did. “You would never do that.” She said the words, but she wasn’t quite sure she believed them.
    “Wouldn’t I?” Oliver asked. “Maybe I’ll be compelled not to if Will is here to keep me from losing my temper beyond what it already is.”
    “That’s still a bad excuse for allowing him to ride with us.” She closed her mouth knowing she’d said too much, although inwardly, she fumed. Her goal was to make sure Harland stayed in their employ, and she mustn’t rile Oliver’s temper further.
    A knock sounded on the door, followed by Grandleigh’s voice. “It’s just me, Marsdale. Is it safe to open the door? No one is paying me any mind.”
    Oliver pushed outward on the door, and Will Sutton slid in beside him. “I’ve given my horse to your groom to secure.”
    The man was so tall, his knees nearly touched hers. His green eyes pierced her with such intense focus, she felt something shift inside her. She refused to acknowledge him and instead looked past Eloise to the window and the curtain covering it.
    Once Oliver tapped on the roof, they departed for Autumn Ridge. The carriage rocked, and silence filled the tight quarters. Georgia knew this was as good a time as any to make her plea on Harland’s behalf.
    “Oliver, please don’t dismiss Harland, I beg of you. It wasn’t his fault. The blame is entirely with me. I locked him in the tack room. There was nothing he could do to stop me.” She paused to gather her argument in some semblance of order in her head. “You know, once I make up my mind, how I am.”
    He sighed. “Yes, I know how you’ve convinced me to let you partake in horse training and racing. From now on, I’ll never be obliged to do so again.”
    “You know that’s the only thing that’s made my stay here even remotely bearable.” Tears pricked her eyes. Without Harland, or access to horses and racing, she’d have nothing. Well, not completely nothing. She did have Arabella, at least, but in her increasing state, she couldn’t be at the stables as much as she’d like.
    “Things are going to change, Georgia,” Oliver said very simply. “You’re to marry. Grandleigh has agreed to tutor you in some of our customs. He’ll make sure that you’re skilled at dancing and whatever else it is debutantes do.”
    She couldn’t allow this, couldn’t be maneuvered