Bedding Lord Ned Read Online Free PDF

“how’s Jess doing?”
    â€œWell,” Ash said, his face as impenetrable as the fortress he’d drawn, “according to Walker.”
    Ah, so Ash and his wife were still communicating only through the estate manager. Ned wasn’t surprised. As far as he knew, Ash hadn’t spoken one word to Jess since he’d left Blackweith on their wedding night.
    â€œYou’ll have to do something about her soon, you know,” Jack said.
    â€œJack!” Ned scowled at his younger brother.
    Jack shrugged. “It’s true. Neither of you is ever in London, so you don’t get all the questions—and those are from the more polite members of the ton . The rest just whisper among themselves, coming up with the most outrageous tales they can imagine—and they have very lurid imaginations.”
    â€œBloody hell,” Ash muttered, his jaw flexing.
    Jack’s gaze held Ash’s. “Your odd marital arrangement has been the topic of gossip for years, Ash, but with you turning thirty, it’s literally taken over the betting books. Best odds are you’ll start some sort of formal separation proceedings in the next few months, but wagers are evenly split as to whether you’ll seek an annulment or a divorce. The supposed grounds run the gamut from insanity to adultery to impotence and, er, worse.”
    Ash’s face had turned red during Jack’s speech. He looked very much like he wanted to hit someone. “Damn it all, my marriage is no one’s business but mine and Jess’s.”
    Ned hated to pile on, but Jack was right. Ash had to face facts. “You are the heir to a dukedom.”
    Jack nodded. “People are curious, especially since no one has seen you or Jess in Town for ages. And of course all the idiots that come to this annual festivity are quick to report there’s never any sign of your wife.” He jiggled his foot. “A number of ambitious London mamas have dared be so bold as to ask me if Jess died and no one thought to announce the fact.” He shook his head. “Frankly, I’m surprised Mama and Father haven’t been more ... emphatic about the situation.”
    Ash ran his hands through his hair. “Mama bites her tongue most of the time, though she’s taken to throwing me more of those sad, worried looks of hers. Father, however, is becoming more and more pointed in his comments. It’s not been pleasant here of late.” Ash let out a long breath. “And if what you say is true ...” He rubbed his face, suddenly looking years older. “You’re both right. It’s time to resolve the situation. Once this blasted party is over, I’ll go to Blackweith.”
    â€œIf there’s anything I can do to help,” Ned said, “you need only say the word.”
    Jack nodded. “You can count on me as well, I hope you know.”
    â€œYes, thank you, but there’s nothing anyone else can do.”
    It was on the tip of Ned’s tongue to ask what exactly the problem was, but he swallowed the question—as, he was happy to see, did Jack. It was none of their business, after all. If Ash wanted them to know, he would tell them.
    â€œHell, I need more brandy,” Ash said, filling his glass. “Anyone else?”
    They passed around the bottle. Getting drunk before meeting Mama’s guests would not be a good plan, but one more glass would only make Ned more ... relaxed. He took a long swallow and then gestured at Jack. “So if your collarbone isn’t broken, why bother with the sling?”
    â€œIt saves me from having to caper around ballrooms with feather-headed chits.” Jack grimaced. “I expect to make good use of it this visit. Mama’s invited Miss Isabelle Wharton.”
    Ned raised his brows. “Should I know the name?”
    â€œJack tells me she’s notorious in Town,” Ash said, sounding much relieved to no longer be the