Desired by a Lord (Regency Unlaced 5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

the added benefit of the skirt being split and then sewn together on either side, and so allowing her greater freedom of movement when she had to go up or down a ladder. She still showed the occasional glimpse of ankle or leg, but not to a scandalous degree.
    What had disturbed Emily the most about Whitney’s comment was the knowledge he must have studied her closely enough during the course of the morning to have taken note of the style of her gown, when she had been positive he was totally engrossed in his own work.
    She kept her lashes lowered. “I believe, with your permission, I will take a short break from working now, my lor—Whitney?” she corrected awkwardly. “A walk outside in the fresh air would be pleasant after so many hours spent indoors.” And might help to cool her in both body and thought.
    He frowned. “Do not be deceived by the sun shining. This is Yorkshire, and the wind is quite cold.”
    She gave a dismissive smile. “I am not afraid of a little cold.” Her five years of marriage to Edmund, with no money to squander on such frivolities as extra coal, even during the cold winter months, had helped to build that immunity.
    “Would you like me to accompany you and point out the places of interest in the garden?” Whitney offered.
    As Emily’s sole purpose for going outside was to cool down from the discomfort of this gentleman’s effect upon her… “No, thank you.” She smiled to take the sting out of her refusal. “I shall enjoy exploring on my own.”
    Xander had made the offer only out of politeness, but now he found himself irritated by Emily’s refusal.
    Which was as good a reason as any to distance himself from this woman, aware as he was that he had almost kissed her a few minutes ago. “Very well.” He nodded tersely. “I will be out riding about the estate this afternoon.” He had just made that decision. “You will take care when using the ladder in my absence.”
    Her eyes widened before she lowered her lashes. “Yes, my lord.”
    Xander’s gaze narrowed as he searched for mockery in her expression. He could not see any, but that did not mean there was none. He was learning that Emily Marsden could be surprisingly dry of humor when she wished to be. “Try not to get lost during your walk.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    Oh yes, her acquiescence and her continued use of the term “my lord” after he had clearly instructed her not to do so proved this woman was indeed mocking him. Surprisingly Xander found he enjoyed the experience rather than feeling annoyed by it. “There will be no more tea and biscuits for dinner in your bedchamber either. You will dine downstairs with me in the evenings in future.”
    Her gaze rose sharply. “That would hardly be appropriate, my—Whitney,” she substituted quickly as Xander’s scowl darkened. “I am not a guest, and am perfectly content to take my meals with the other servants.”
    Emily had been placed in something of a dilemma the evening before. Neither fish nor fowl—servant nor guest—she had been unsure of her eating arrangements. Too tired last night to care, and relieved she was being allowed to stay, even on a trial basis, she had made do with the tea and biscuits in her bedchamber for dinner.
    “I do not recall asking if you were content with the arrangement,” Whitney drawled. “Only stating that in future, you will dine with me in the evenings. Dinner is served at eight o’clock. I expect you downstairs in the green salon at least fifteen minutes before that time.” He nodded abruptly before striding purposefully from the room.
    Emily’s breath left her in a relieved hiss once she was alone, at the same time as she was consumed with dismay at the thought of dining with Whitney every evening. She possessed only five gowns, and although she had brought all of them with her, they were not all suitable for formal dining. Two of them were in mourning colors of gray and purple. The other three were day dresses in