A Kiss from the Heart Read Online Free PDF Page B

the occupant – a single lady on her own – closed her pink parasol and coquettishly greeted the Earl in a familiar tone.
    â€œRobert! A most unexpected pleasure!” she sighed, fluttering long dark eyelashes that fringed deep blue eyes the colour of Indian sapphires.
    â€œMiss de Montfort,” he exclaimed, with a bow from the waist. “The pleasure is all mine.”
    â€œIt is such a beautiful afternoon,” she continued, smiling up at him and completely ignoring Lord Albert.
    â€œAs ravishing as the lady I see before me,” the Earl muttered, trying to keep a restless Monty still.
    â€œI was rather hoping that you might call upon me this week, Robert. Mama is still in Bournemouth and Papa is in the country.”
    The Earl shifted in his saddle.
    He had passed an enjoyable evening with her some weeks ago but, afterwards, she had plagued him with notes and incessant invitations. Whilst it was true that she was desirable and beautiful, she presented no challenge to him and he had quickly lost interest.
    The problem was that she was the niece of a friend of his mother’s – and so he had to proceed with caution.
    â€œAh, I am sorry, Miss de Montfort, but my father’s affairs are taking rather longer than expected to bring to a conclusion. Mama – ”
    â€œAnd how is your poor dear mother? My aunt informed me only yesterday of your father’s sad demise. You should have said – I would not have been quite so – persistent in my solicitude.”
    She looked down and the Earl thought he saw a tear forming in the corner of her eye. But her emotion did not touch or soften his heart. Instead it furthered his resolve to avoid her without causing undue offence.
    â€œMama is as well as can be expected. We do not partake of much social interaction,” he explained, quietly urging Monty forward. “It has been pleasant to see you, but, if you will excuse me, it is not good for my horse to stand still for too long.”
    Before she could answer he had spurred Monty into a brisk walk with Lord Albert quickly following him.
    â€œTempleton, you are a rogue!” he sighed enviously. “Had such a pretty filly as that been making it quite clear that she was willing to be a good sport, I would not have been so quick to rebuff her.”
    â€œDid I rebuff her?”
    â€œOnly in the most polite of terms, but I don’t think the poor dear thing is bright enough to have cottoned on to your meaning.”
    The Earl nodded with a satisfied air – that was just what he had intended.
    Serena de Montfort was well versed enough in the ways of Society to know that to pursue a recently bereaved person was ill bred. He knew he would have no further trouble from her at least until his period of mourning was over. And by then – who knew what his circumstances might be?
    The Earl now changed the subject.
    â€œSo, Albert, tell me of this paragon who is about to yoke you to the cart of matrimony!”
    *
    An hour later after several turns round the Park, the two friends parted company, promising to dine together the following week at Lord Albert’s Club.
    The Earl rode back to Brook Street, feeling that his humour had somewhat improved.
    He was even looking forward to dining with his mother at the Criterion .
    â€œBack already, my Lord?” the coachman greeted him. “Was Monty bein’ a handful again?”
    â€œMonty and I have established an understanding,” he smiled. “He only behaves impeccably when there are ladies present!”
    The coachman did not comment, but simply held the reins while he dismounted.
    Striding back through the house, he was accosted by Hiscock, bearing a silver salver.
    â€œMy Lord, a letter arrived while you were out.”
    Even before he took the letter, the Earl recognised the handwriting.
    He turned the letter over in his hands repeatedly. The elaborate script seemed to taunt him as he mulled