Kiss the Earl Read Online Free PDF Page A

clothing beneath, but he was only a man, damn it. The décolletage of the gown was positively sinful, revealing the upper curve of what was a quite incredible set of breasts. The hem of her gown—if it could even be called that—stopped a good hand’s length above her knees, which were covered with some sort of skintight black lace. The amount of flesh on display would have felled a lesser man.
    But he was in no way lesser.
    She tossed her head, that sinful black hair catching the moonlight. “My name is Ella. Ella Briley.”
    Patrick swallowed, almost stunned when he did not swallow his own tongue. That outfit really was quite extraordinary. “Miss Briley, a pleasure. Would you please cover yourself?” The request wasn’t one he made lightly, but he was in serious doubt of his capacity to conduct a normal conversation with a beautiful woman clad in naught more than a shift.
    The woman looked down, and even in the moonlight, he noted the sudden color in her cheeks. She wrapped the cloak around herself, covering the deliciously indecent display. At least she noticed the impropriety of her dress. Why, then, had she come out dressed in such a fashion? Was this Amelia’s unsubtle way of matchmaking?
    â€œMiss Briley, I recommend that we continue on our way as we converse. Brigands sometime plague this road, and as Argonaut seems to have left us without transport, we should really find an evening’s rest in a safe place. There is an inn but two miles down this road.”
    Miss Briley cast a glance back the way they’d come, but Patrick sensed her thoughts. He shook his head. “Returning to Town would take more than double the time, I assure you. The Hart and Dove is our only true option to get any rest this night.”
    He offered her his arm, but she did not take it, choosing instead to continue alone along the road on wobbly feet. Before taking a step beside her, he noted the thin, tall heels of her bright shoes. That explained her height. Odder and odder she seemed.
    â€œMiss Briley, might I be so impertinent as to ask if you are acquainted with my friend Miss Amelia Brownstone?” Patrick slowed his stride to match hers. She really could not move quickly along the rough road in those ridiculous shoes. At this rate, it would be dawn before they ever reached the inn.
    She glanced over and up at him. “Nope, never heard of her. I’m sorry, but I’m really not from around here. I don’t know anybody. Except… Oh!” A startled cry leaped from her as she pitched forward, her ankle twisting as her shoe’s tiny heel slipped on a stone. Moving quickly, Patrick grabbed her arm before she could take a serious tumble. He did not let her go until she was steady on her feet again.
    â€œThank you.” Her thanks were grudging but genuine. He inclined his head.
    â€œBefore I went into major klutz mode, I was about to say that I have met someone around here, but I don’t know how long it’s been. I met Lady Chesterfield in 1817. At least I think it was 1817.”
    â€œLady Chesterfield?” Patrick wrinkled his nose in thought. “Ah yes, the Duchess of Granville was Lady Chesterfield before she wed His Grace.”
    â€œThey got married? That’s great!” Miss Briley’s face lit up, all smiles, and Patrick was struck with the simple beauty of her visage.
    Her cheeks were round, with a dimple in each one. White, straight teeth flashed bright, and her eyes positively sparkled in the moonlight. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen when she smiled.
    â€œAh, yes,” he continued, training his gaze straight ahead. “They have been married these last two years or more. I believe they are touring the Continent at present. I am not personally acquainted with Their Graces, but I am told they are vastly happy.”
    â€œSo they’re not there.”
    Patrick glanced over at his unexpected companion at the