Improbable Eden Read Online Free PDF

beer or cider.”
    Eden politely declined his offer. She was too anxious to hear what he had to say to waste time with further social amenities. Having tossed off the draft and made a face, the Earl got to his feet, casually tucking in his cream-colored shirt and flexing his neck muscles. “When I was a young man,” he began gazing into the shadows, “I had to make my own way in the world. I was born John Churchill, and my father was an ardent Royalist who lost everything when the first King Charles was deposed and executed.” He paused. There was a touch of regret but no sign of resentment in his expression.
    â€œ Later, after Oliver Cromwell died and King Charles was restored, this country rebelled against the harsh Puritan yoke. As will happen, an era of great licentiousness followed.” The gray-green gaze was sympathetic. “You must know all this, my dear.”
    Eden inclined her head. “Some of it. But,” she admitted candidly, “I’m not very astute at history.”
    The Earl looked genuinely perplexed. His interest in the affairs of his native land was so all-consuming that he found it hard to accept another’s indifference. But being a tolerant man, he shrugged and took up his tale. “Into this decadent society, I brought my hopes and ambitions. A most influential—and beautiful—lady sponsored me. Her name was Barbara Villiers, Lady Castlemaine, the Duchess of Cleveland. She had been King Charles’s mistress for years and had borne him several children.”
    Eden recalled that memorable day she had watched King Charles riding to Tunbridge Wells. Had Lady Castlemaine been one of those beauties in the royal cavalcade? Eden thought not—the name evoked a more distant era from the earlier days of Charles’s reign. “I have heard of Lady Castlemaine,” Eden put in, lest Marlborough think her an ignorant bumpkin. “She was very promiscuous and drank too much.”
    Giving Eden a rueful glance, Marlborough sat down on the bed. “Everything you’ve heard about her is probably true,” he conceded, his face once again taking on that strained look. The fire in the grate was smoking, the glass in the window was sweating profusely, and the room had grown very close with the odor of medicinal herbs. Eden stifled a yawn and tried to keep her gaze level with Marlborough’s. His anecdotes were entertaining, but not the reason for which Eden had braved the barriers of social custom. She wanted information about her parents, not court gossip that was at least twenty years old.
    â€œ You see, Eden,” Marlborough said, taking her hand in his, “Lady Castlemaine showered not only wealth and perquisites on me, but her affection as well.” His mouth twisted slightly and his gaze turned melancholy. “In return, I gave her two daughters. The elder girl is a nun in France.” Marlborough’s grip tightened. “The younger child, my dear, is you.”

Chapter Two
    T o the astonishment of them both, Eden laughed—a clear, sharp sound that seemed to stir the room’s heavy air. The Earl’s grip slackened and his forehead creased. Yet for all his bold manner in battle, he was not an impatient man. Composing his features, he waited for Eden to regain control.
    Moments later, with much chagrin, Eden’s shoulders slumped. “How strange,” she murmured. “For years I’ve envisioned my father as … someone else.” Her ebony eyes glistened with untapped emotion. “Are you certain? Why do you think I’m the … your child?”
    Having unburdened himself, Marlborough relaxed, once again appearing younger. “I shan’t try to prettify my own actions. That last night I spent in milady’s arms was a mere convenience for both of us. I was in London for a brief stay, and never being one to waste money, I accepted the invitation to sleep under her roof.” He