Stealing a Lady's Heart: A Regency Fairytale (Fairfield Fairytales Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

home.”  Graham swung them both effortlessly off the horse, but he set Charlotte down a foot away from him. Disappointment coursed through her. She already missed the feel of his body.
    “You should have been more careful.” Baron Fairfield stepped up to his son, his look menacing.
    “The fault was mine. I rode out ahead, I wasn’t thinking.” Charlotte moved closer to Graham in her own act of protection.
    “He should have stopped you. He knows better.” The baron crossed his arms over his chest.
    “He’s right Charlotte.  I should have stopped you.” Graham gave her the smallest wink.
    Charlotte straightened. She didn’t like being dismissed. “I am my own woman.  I can make my own mistakes.”
    “Of course. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise.” The baron smiled at her. “Perhaps you would like a bath? We could have one brought up for you.” He began ushering her inside, but she saw the dark look he shot Graham over his shoulder. “We aren’t finished Graham.”
    * * * *
    Charlotte took a long, delicious bath but when she was finished, she could still hear work on the outside of the house continuing. It was going to be a long time until dinner. At least tonight she had time to properly dress. She picked out a dark blue gown that she hoped brought out the color of her eyes.  She blushed slightly and wondered what Graham would think of the dress. Then, she closed her eyes. She had to stop thinking this way.  He was the least likely candidate of any she had met. Would her father approve?  She shrugged to herself. She doubted he would disown her. She was his only child and heir.  But even if he did, Charlotte was wealthy in her own right. Her mother had left her a small fortune. She piled her hair on top of her head and pinched her cheeks one last time.
    Her shoulders immediately slumped when she walked into the parlor. After a long day of work, the Fairfield men looked tired and were dressed very casually.
    Will’s eyes met hers first and she could see surprise in them. Her cheeks colored at her gaff. She was overdressed. “Forgive me,” she addressed the men. “I was not thinking, wearing such a dinner dress.”
    Graham stepped forward. “On the contrary, it has been a long time since such a beauty has graced our rooms.  It is a rare treat to see a lady dressed as such. Thank you, Lady Charlotte.”
    Will nodded, as did the other brothers, but she silently thanked Graham for saving the situation.  He extended his arm to her. “Allow me.” His warm brown eyes danced.
    Charlotte felt her heart skip a beat. As her hand slipped around his elbow, the feel of his arm muscles underneath his shirt sent jitters all along her skin. She trembled slightly but composed herself. She could walk to dinner without making a spectacle of herself.
    They ate heartily, except for Charlotte, who watched the men around her.  Her respect for them grew by the hour.  They had more grace than most of the titled men she knew.  Charlotte watched as the hungry men politely ate and talked of the progress they made on their home and their plans for the future.  Charlotte traveled in the upper crust of society and yet she couldn’t remember meeting men she liked more than these.
    As the evening progressed, Charlotte realized that not one man had made advances toward her. Had she imagined her near-kiss with Graham?  If it had happened then wouldn’t he be trying to marry her? Not once had marriage been brought up at her visit to Fairfield Manor.  No wonder she felt so comfortable. For once, she wasn’t being accosted.
    She knew she tempted fate, but she couldn’t seem to help but bring up the conversation herself.  “I must ask. How do four eligible men find themselves all unwed?” 
    None of the men volunteered right away and Charlotte shifted uncomfortably. It was another rude question. Why did she keep forgetting her manners here?
    Nick spoke first, “I am but two and twenty and have all the time in the