Reckless Viscount

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Book: Reckless Viscount Read Online Free PDF
Author: Amy Sandas
Tags: Fiction, Historical Romance
being the accomplished horsewoman she was, chose to ride horseback to London. The shocking part was when Abbigael saw the woman vault astride onto the back of a towering roan gelding wearing a riding outfit that included breeches like those worn by young men.
    Abbigael barely recovered from the amazement of seeing a gentlewoman dressed in such a manner when she realized she would not be making the trip alone in the carriage. Lord Blackbourne, rather than riding horseback alongside his wife, chose quite happily to ride in the carriage with Abbigael and his two-year-old son, Brian.
    Without the benefit of a nurse or other servant to attend to the small child’s needs.
    During the short time with the Blackbournes, Abbigael had come to understand that as a rule they did not typically do things as most aristocratic families would. At first glance, the earl appeared to be a quintessential example of English aristocracy. An entitled, confident, leisurely gentleman. But beneath the surface of his refined manners and easy-going attitude, his inner spirit and world views were as unconventional as those of his wife. And when it came to their son, they both took an unusual amount of personal interest in his upbringing. To the point that the child was rarely in the nursery and more often could be found following on the heels of his mother as she went about her daily tasks or playing quietly in his father’s study as he managed the vast Blackbourne holdings.
    While the ride from Essex to London was not a long one, with a two-year-old child it could be an excruciating trial. Yet the earl handled every whine and whimper and complaint from his son with relaxed and gentle sternness and still managed to keep up a witty and amusing stream of conversation with Abbigael.
    They arrived in London as the sun was setting. Young Brian had just fallen asleep in his father’s arms and the earl was content to let the conversation drift into a companionable silence and they entered the city. Abbigael experienced her first views of London in quiet observation. She craned her neck to stare through the carriage window at the passing city scenes and allowed herself to be overtaken by the excitement of the adventure ahead.
    Here was her future.
    Now was her final and best chance to break free from the fetters of the past. She had an opportunity to create herself in any image she wished. She did not have to be the politician’s lonely daughter or the girl who had been devastated by her mother’s sudden death. She could be bright and charming. Someone people actually wanted to know.
    She would find a way to create the life she craved. One full of the warmth and light and love that had been absent for far too long.

Chapter Four
    “Are you all right, dear? You look a bit pale.”
    The question came from Lady Blackbourne. Abbigael nodded quickly and took a deep breath as she turned.
    “Yes, I’m fine. It is all just a bit overwhelming.”
    The countess nodded and waved a dismissive hand toward the crush of people that filled the enormous ballroom. Though the Carmichael’s ballroom was spacious and well lit with modern gas lights, it did not succeed in lightening the oppressive atmosphere caused by several hundred people standing nearly elbow to elbow.
    “I suppose it can be. You just have to remember that all of these people have their own bothersome insecurities, personal motivations and in most cases…dark little secrets,” she added with a sly wink. “For all the pomp and arrogance members of theton like to surround themselves with, they are no different than other human beings. Perhaps just a bit more practiced at hiding their humanity behind a façade of wealth and privilege.”
    The countess smiled with calm assurance, but Abbigael still wasn’t convinced that any of the glittering beautiful people surrounding her were anything at all like her.
    “Ah,” Lady Blackbourne said with a slight stiffening at the edges of her broad smile as she gazed
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