Edith Layton Read Online Free PDF

was, and Isuppose he didn’t want to ruin that. It was a source of pride with him. But he did hit her, because he didn’t know how else to argue or show his displeasure; we all knew that. He struck her for such infractions as speaking up, for not speaking, for being there when he was drinking deep, but mostly, I think, for being who she was. He was as proud as he was resentful of her superior breeding, knowledge, and spirit.”
    The room was still except for the spitting logs in the fire in the hearth.
    “I did not know,” the viscount eventually said. “I wouldn’t have guessed. You’re right. She possesses more than a lovely face and a clever mind. She must be a brave spirit, indeed.” He cast a bright eye on his host. “So, what exactly is your part in this now? Do you think you can make it up to her? I wouldn’t blame you. You could; you’d be a good husband. And she’s very beautiful, and single again.”
    “God! You have wedlock on the brain. No, and no, and no again,” the earl said, pacing in agitation. “I’m happy in my single life. I’m content. My wife was the best of wives; I’ve no desire to have less. And, sadly, I’d think any other woman was less.”
    “Oh, you’ve taken up monkhood then,” the viscount commented dryly. “A new order? One that gives up abstinence? Interesting. Do you fellows make cheeses or brandy when you’re not at your prayers?”
    The earl’s ears flushed. “I have my diversions, and well you know it. But those good women don’t demand more than my company and support. I can’t give them more, and don’t want more in return. As for Daisy? I always admired and pitied her, and just want to do good for her.”
    “And if she wants more from you? Because I suspect she does.”
    The earl stared at his guest.
    “Her voice, when she speaks to you,” Leland said impatiently. “Her eyes. Good Lord, you could see it if you opened your eyes. She wants you, and for more than an old friend.”
    “You see it, maybe” the earl scoffed. “I don’t, and I don’t look for it.” He stared at his elegant guest. “So. The only question is: Will you help me help her?”
    “You trust me with her?”
    The earl laughed. “With a beautiful woman? Of course not, unless you give your word not to toy with her, and I won’t ask that. Not to denigrate your charms, Lee, but I believe her to be impervious to them. Open your eyes, my friend. Didn’t you see how she reacted to you? I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but for once in your career, you must admit you failed to charm a female. She didn’t like you.”
    Leland gave his friend an odd look. “You thought so?”
    “Yes, and I’m glad of it.”
    “Am I then such a monster?” Leland asked mildly. “A seducer, a despoiler?”
    “No, nothing of the sort. You never do real harm. You take a willing female under your protection, or dally with one, and leave her none the worse for the experience.”
    “And usually a little richer,” Leland commented wryly.
    “Yes, in funds and experience. But I don’t want that for Daisy. Because for all her experience, she’s inexperienced with men such as you.”
    “There are no others such as I,” Leland said in mock affront.
    “Probably true, but I’m not joking,” the earl said. “She doesn’t seem to like you, and that’s good because it will keep her safe. The only problem with it is that she must work with you if you’re to bring her up to snuff.”
    Leland cocked his head to the side.
    “She has to take your advice and follow your lead,” the earl said, as he took his friend’s glass and filled it again. “You know fashion. You know who is acceptable, and who is not. You’re accepted everywhere. My God, you could rule London Society if you wished.”
    “I certainly do not wish,” Leland said. He raised his glass in a toast. “To not being king of the ton ! Society amuses me. It wouldn’t if I took it seriously. Nothing is amusing if taken seriously, and I