Compromising Miss Tisdale Read Online Free PDF

out of place.
    Hers was not the same freedom as her sister’s.
    Lilly brushed a discarded gown from the chaise to the floor, then promptly occupied the space. “I know I shouldn’t gossip, but I am weak and cannot resist.”
    Ambrosia scooped the gown off the floor, placing it on the bed. “No tittle-tattle is worth compromising one’s integrity.”
    “But it’s so difficult to avoid. Everyone I call upon has a different story to share. First, there was talk about the Earl’s phaeton ride with some little-known actress in the park. Then, there was report about his evening at Vauxhall with an Italian opera singer. And all the chitchat about the gaming tables and those absurdly large wagers . . . ”
    Loose women and gaming?
    Ambrosia yawned. She was hardly impressed. His offenses were no worse than every other gentleman in London that fancied himself a rake.
    “And just this afternoon I heard the most shocking bit about the Earl and two French women in Lord Beauford’s orangery during a musicale. Can you imagine? How can anyone not be tempted by tales of Lord Bristol’s exploits? They’re far more entertaining than anything I have to offer.”
    Ambrosia was shocked into silence; visions of flying fruit, to the tune of a poorly executed sonata, played in her head.
    “Oh, dear, forgive me. I’ve offended your delicate senses. I’m sure it’s all grossly exaggerated. This is London, after all, and unless you’ve heard it from the servants, then it probably isn’t true.” Lilly made her way back to the wardrobe and continued perusing through the dresses.
    Ambrosia hardly considered her senses to be delicate, but had to admit that even she was a bit taken off guard by such debauched behavior. The Earl of Bristol was not just another gentleman with rakish pursuits. He was the real thing—a true libertine.
    And she couldn’t have been more intrigued.
    “Mama mentioned that you received an offer of marriage from one of the Chaddock men.” Lilly held up a gown and smiled, finally finding something suitable amidst Ambrosia’s limited wardrobe. “What do you think about this one? I’ve never seen you wear it before and I think it would be just perfect for the theatre tonight.”
    Ambrosia nodded. She would have agreed to a burlap sack if it meant ceasing conversation about the Earl of Bristol. For once, she welcomed the topic of marriage and her lack thereof. “I told Mama I wasn’t interested. Those Chaddocks are much too . . . ” she grasped for the right word, choosing to abandon her statement instead. “Well, neither of the Chaddocks will do.”
    Lilly held the gown up against Ambrosia. “I don’t understand how you can keep finding fault with all these men. Remember that poor gentleman you refused last Season—Lord Bartlesby? I can’t for the life of me figure out what was so unsuitable about him.”
    Ambrosia pushed the dress aside. “I admit he was a handsome enough fellow. He came from good stock and possessed a large fortune. But he was a bit on the plump side. Poor man could barely button his waistcoat. A man that can’t control his cravings is certain to lack discipline in other areas of his life.”
    “What about Lord Montgomery’s son? The younger one?”
    “Too tall. I hardly wish to raise a brood of giants.”
    “Viscount Hornsby?”
    “A bit too fond of the gaming hells.”
    “The Marquis of Westerfield? He is such a lovely gentleman.”
    “That dandy? I’d prefer a man who stares at me for hours rather than his own reflection. Besides, I could never live with a man who spends more time dressing than I do.”
    “Nonsense!” Lilly exclaimed between giggles. “There has to be someone out there that meets your standards, as impossible as they might be. Just what is it that you’re looking for?”
    This wasn’t the first time she had been asked that question and always her answer remained the same. “I’m not quite certain exactly what it is. But I simply refuse to compromise