The Complicated Earl Read Online Free PDF Page B

He would never encourage anyone into marriage after what he had seen from his parents’ marriage.
    “I’m hoping that you will eventually allow me to achieve my ideal of happiness with your sister,” James said using the opportunity to bring the conversation back around to Sophie.
    Tom did not provide any coherent response and withdrew from what had been the first real conversation James had had with him. They soon drained their glasses and moved to join the ladies once more. The rest of the evening was spent without any further revelations on both sides, restricted to the usual entertainments an evening in company offered and eventually the invited party took their leave and left the White Hart.

Chapter 3
    Isabelle woke with the anticipation of having the opportunity of learning more about her future sister. James was besotted with Sophie and Isabelle was determined to spend as much time with her as she could during their visit. She dressed quickly and joined Mary in the breakfast room. James was a late riser and she was able to question Mary about her opinion as they breakfasted without him.
    “What did you think of Lady Sophie?” Isabelle asked as she settled down to eat her ham, scones and warm bread rolls.
    “She is very beautiful,” Mary answered with a rueful smile. “I’m surprised there isn’t a trail of beau x following her to Bath.”
    “She is , isn’t she? No-one could doubt her beauty, but what about her character and what she has in common with James? She seems very young doesn’t she?”
    “She did, but that will change and you are forgetting James’s character, he perhaps needs someone younger than himself to achieve happiness in marriage. You sound uncertain of her character, do you not like her?”
    “Oh yes, I like her from what I have seen so far, who could not? It’s just the compatibility I worry about, but James has known her for longer than I have. I am perhaps being too cautious. I should allow myself to observe them more before making any firm judgements.”
    “You are being a loving sister with your cautiousness. If James has chosen her for his bride, she is a very lucky girl and we shall have plenty of time to see how well she deserves him over the coming weeks.”
    “You are sense itself Mary and I realise that I am being too hard on Lady Sophie, I did like her a lot. I shall leave my concerns behind and enjoy her company,” Isabelle shook herself out of her anxiety and went to dress in her riding habit.
    When she returned to the drawing r oom Mary was entertaining Lady Sophie and the Earl who had arrived for the ride early. The Earl had positioned himself near the window, looking out onto Great Pulteney Street, while Mary and Sophie sat companionably on the sofas near the fireplace. They turned to the door as Isabelle entered.
    “I am sorry for arriving at this early time; I just could not wait to go out on your horse!” Sophie came across the room in greeting to Isabelle. “You look stunning Miss Crawford!”
    Isabelle laughed at Sop hie, “Thank you, but there is only one person in this room who is stunning and that is you.” Sophie did fit the description perfectly; her riding habit was of a blue that made her eyes even more vivid. Her hat was perched on her curls and feathers curled around and seemed to skim the side of her face. Isabelle had dismissed the compliment given to her as a well-meaning polite gesture, but she failed to recognise the picture she portrayed. Her riding habit was of a deep red, Isabelle always chose striking colours and with her dark colouring, she chose to good effect. She had no additions on her outfit such as feathers, opting for simple elegance.
    “Come , my groom should have brought the horses around by now, let’s make a start,” Isabelle invited her guests.
    She led the way outside and mounted her horse; he was a sleek black animal, built for strength and speed, a fine addition to any stable. Her second horse was as impressive