As an Earl Desires Read Online Free PDF Page B

patiently, holding a silver tray. Like
all the servants in her residence, Lillian, too, for that matter,
he technically worked for Archie because it was the Earl of Sachse
who paid the salaries. She fully understood that if it ever came
down to it, their loyalty would have to go to him rather than to
her. She was really no more than a guest, and she feared a time
would come when Archie would realize that.
    â€œYes, Matthews?”
    â€œA letter has arrived from his
lordship.”
    Her heart kicked painfully against her ribs, and
she had trouble drawing in a breath. “From Lord
Sachse?”
    The high tone of her voice surprised her,
sounding very much like the squeak of a mouse
when cornered by a large and ferocious-looking cat.
    The butler, as befitted his station, gave no
indication that anything was amiss in her response, and stated
levelly, “Yes, madam.”
    She felt as though her ability to think clearly had
stepped out of the room as Matthews stepped farther into it. What
could Archie possibly want? Why would he send a letter? Had he
written about their encounter that afternoon? Described it in
detail? Asked for another session? Demanded another kiss, or she
would indeed find herself with an allowance?
    It was as though she watched through a dark tunnel
as Lillian, reacting from years of habit, took the letter from
Matthews and, using an intricately carved silver letter opener,
unsealed the envelope in preparation of reading its contents aloud
to her mistress.
    â€œNo!” Camilla jumped to her feet, then
fought to regain her composure as both her employees stared at her
as though they didn’t quite know this woman who was acting so
unlike herself. She held out her hand. “I’ll take the
letter.”
    Lillian furrowed her brow, which caused the pointed
tip of her nose to appear more pointed. “You don’t wish
for me to read it to you first?”
    And risk the possibility of
revealing my very personal and private encounter
with Lord Sachse this afternoon? I think not .
    Although she knew that Lillian was the soul of
discretion, she also believed it was imperative to keep secret that
Archie had kissed her—and worse, that she’d kissed him
back—until she’d regained her senses. It was so much
less embarrassing that way. Deigning not to answer Lillian’s
question, she snapped her fingers impatiently. “The letter,
Lillian, if you please.” And even if she didn’t.
    â€œAs you wish, my lady.” Lillian handed
the envelope over to Camilla.
    â€œLeave me now,” Camilla ordered.
“I wish to have a moment of privacy.”
    Once the servants had departed, and the door was
closed, Camilla returned to her chair by the window. She removed a
single sheet from the envelope, unfolded it, and held it toward the
late-afternoon sunlight.
    In spite of her apprehension regarding what he
might have written, she smiled. She’d known that he’d
write with neat, yet bold, sweeping strokes. Slowly, she trailed
her fingers over the marks he’d made. So beautiful, so
elegant, so perfect.
    She’d known it would be so. He was a teacher
after all, and she’d known he’d teach by example.
    Tears filled her eyes. At that precise moment,she’d have gladly given up her hard-earned
title to be able to read what he’d written.
    Â 
    With letter in hand, Camilla retreated to the
sanctuary of her bedchamber. She was desperate to know what Archie
had written, but not desperate enough to risk asking Lillian to
read her the letter—especially after she’d broken from
their usual habit. How would she explain her sudden reversal
without appearing flighty? She certainly wouldn’t reveal the
truth: that she lacked the ability to read.
    It was her most shameful secret: her inability to
decipher the complex maze of scrawl that resulted in words that
allowed people to communicate through writing rather than
voice.
    She envied those