An Angel for the Earl Read Online Free PDF

fingers tingled, but there was nothing in them. Nothing.
    Lucinda gasped and swung her arm back. Kerry didn’t duck; he knew he deserved the slap. Her hand came around and he felt the air whoosh by, and that same tingle, but no contact. Nothing. Silently Kerry reached out again, this time gingerly, respectfully. He tried to touch her arm, tried to feel one of those silky red curls, even the fabric of her gown. Lucinda let him, standing still, and even reached toward him, as if to smooth away the frown lines between Kerry’s eyes. The hair on the back of his neck rose, the way it did when he was out in a lightning storm, then he felt light-headed, as if he were about to faint. He sat down in a hurry.
    â€œMy God, I didn’t know my imagination was that good!” was all he could say when he could speak again.
    Lucinda nearly ground her teeth in aggravation. “It’s not, you clunch. I am not a product of your muddled mind, not even a night dream. I found the diamond stickpin for you, remember?”
    â€œThen you’re a…ghost?”
    â€œI told you, I’m not dead yet. I’m just between positions right now, somewhat like an unemployed governess.”
    â€œNot an angel?”
    â€œAnd never like to be if you don’t show a little more cooperation, my lord.”
    Kerry got up and poured himself a brandy. His hands were shaking worse than Demby’s. Still, he managed to get most of the liquid down his throat before sinking back into his chair at the desk. Lucinda was sitting atop the cherrywood surface, swinging her bare feet.
    â€œSo you’re a minion of the devil,” he asked, “here to save my soul? I thought it was the other way round.”
    â€œHeaven knows the devil doesn’t need any more souls. And I am not quite consigned to hell yet either, so they gave me the opportunity to save both of us.”
    â€œUh, are you so sure I’m destined for Hades?”
    â€œMy lord, do lust, gluttony, vanity, and sloth mean anything to you?”
    â€œI think you have just described the Prince Regent.”
    â€œGambling? Gossiping?”
    He was glad he’d thought to bring the bottle with him so he didn’t have to get up again. He didn’t bother pouring into a glass either. “And every other gentleman of fashion in London. It’s not so bad.”
    â€œIt’s not so good. Can’t you see, the tonnish life is leading you to perdition.”
    â€œDash it, if I’m so wicked, then why did they even bother sending you? Assuming, of course, that any of this is real.”
    â€œThey sent me because they thought there might be hope for you. Someone spoke on your behalf.”
    â€œMust be Uncle Nigel. He speaks to everyone. Well, I hope you can help with this mess.” His hand indicated the bills and such still in neat piles on the desk in front of him.
    â€œThat’s nothing compared to the mess your immortal soul is in.”
    The drink was taking effect. The earl flashed Lucinda a sweet smile. “Then one more sin won’t matter. What did you say your name was?”
    She sat up straighter and stopped swinging her legs. “Miss Lucinda Faire, my lord.”
    â€œI’ll never accept you as a prim and proper Miss Lucinda Faire. Why, if St. Peter ever got a glimpse of those ankles, he’d never let you out of the Pearly Gates.”
    Lucinda thought she blushed, but without a mirror, of course, she couldn’t be sure. “I have already been taken in by two silver-tongued devils: the one who got me into this fix in the first place, and the one who set me the impossible task of reforming a confirmed hellraker. So don’t waste the effort of turning me up sweet, my lord. You may call me Lucinda, Lord Stanford, since we are to be such close companions.”
    â€œAnd I am Kerry to my friends and fellow fiends, Lucinda. No, Lucy, that’s better. Ah, Lucy Faire, how clever. Let’s have