Surrender to the Earl Read Online Free PDF

Mrs. Blake,” in a voice so loud Audrey almost reared her head back.
    Mildly, she answered, “Apology accepted, sir, although next you might try apologizing for the assault on my ears.”
    When chuckles swept around her, it was a little dizzying to imagine so many people in places she couldn’t predict, couldn’t see.
    Someone sat beside her, and the cushions angled down from the weight. She balanced herself carefully.
    “Interesting book, Mrs. Blake.”
    Lord Knightsbridge, she thought, relaxing. “It is, my lord, one made especially for the blind. You can feel the letters, if you’d like.”
    He did so, his fingers light across the page, but beneath the book, she could feel the faint pressure of them trailing across her thighs. It made her shiver, and she pressed her lips together. What was this? Such a strange sensation. The others continued to converse; it was reassuring to think no one watched them.
    “It is good to know you have access to the world of books,” he said.
    “I am fortunate to have a lady’s maid who will read for hours on end in the evening. Right now, we are studying the countries of Africa.”
    “Ah, you are a scholar.”
    Her cheeks felt hot—was he actually making her blush? “No, I am not so talented.”
    “What else do you do to pass the time?” he asked, then added, “If you do not mind telling me.”
    “I don’t mind honest curiosity, sir,” she answered. She wet her lips, knowing that how she portrayed herself would influence his decision. Conversely, his behavior would influence her as well. “I love to walk. I’m out every day with my maid, to strengthen my health and enjoy the air. I ride as well, although I sometimes need to be guided.”
    “Sometimes?” he echoed.
    The surprised amusement in his voice wasn’t condescending.
    “My gelding, Erebus, knows his way about the estate, as do I.”
    “Erebus,” he echoed. “Greek god?”
    “Excellent memory, my lord. The god of darkness.”
    “Aah,” he said, and the amusement was back. “Shaped like mist, not a man. Appropriate. Please continue with your pastimes.”
    He was well read. She liked that. “As for indoor amusements, besides reading, I can crochet and knit. We all know how important needlework is to a lady,” she added dryly.
    He laughed, and more than one conversation died.
    Suddenly, Blythe spoke up in the silence. “So what are you two discussing that is so amusing? Do share!”
    Audrey was surprised to feel a gentle understanding for her sister. Blythe also knew what it was like to worry about the future. She had been out for three years now, and though she’d turned down several inappropriate proposals, a good match had not presented itself. Blythe no more wanted to grow old in this house than Audrey did. Whenever Audrey grew angry with her sister’s impatience and temper, she tried to remind herself of this.
    “We are discussing needlework, Miss Collins,” Lord Knightsbridge said.
    Someone guffawed.
    “I myself used to have terrible hobbies for a young future earl,” he continued.
    “Oh do enlighten us, my lord,” Blythe urged.
    “I thought myself quite the scholar and intellect.”
    “But you became a soldier,” Blythe countered. “Would that not make you an outdoorsman in your youth?”
    “My father would order my brother to drag me from my books to the archery field or fencing match.”
    “Surely your brother had your best interests at heart,” Edwin said with hearty good cheer.
    Audrey could imagine him giving Blythe a playful elbow to the side, but not her, as if it would be cruel to have fun with an invalid.
    “Oh, my brother had more than my best interests—he was very competitive, being older than I.”
    “But you are the earl,” Blythe said, confusion in her voice.
    “My brother died at fourteen. Now, Miss Collins, do not look so sad. It was a long time ago, and I’ve since thought my brother has enjoyed watching me from above as I stumble from mistake to