The Dark Earl Read Online Free PDF Page A

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    When all the debutantes had been presented, everyone was free to mingle and partake of the refreshments. Harry joined her family. “The queen complimented my gown and Mother’s fashion sense.”
    “Victoria’s manners are always perfect,” her father declared. “She’s after your mother for her Mistress of the Robes .”
    The duchess rolled her eyes and gave a delicate shudder.
    James laughed before turning to his daughters. “Are you ready for your ball?”
    “Yes. Harry and I can’t wait. Are you coming home tonight, Father?”
    “I am, my dear.” James spoke to his wife. “I’m tired of sleeping alone, aren’t you?”
    Louisa gave him a sideways look. “What makes you think I’m sleeping alone?”
    Harry smiled at their banter. Mother holds him in the palm of her hand. They act like lovers. That’s the kind of relationship I want.
    James Hamilton greeted Richard Curzon-Howe, who had been lord chamberlain to the late Queen Adelaide. He stood with his daughter Emily, from his first marriage. Abercorn was always amazed that the aging earl had been able to attract such a young second wife.
    Lady Abercorn greeted Lady Curzon-Howe and felt a twinge of compassion for the young Irish beauty. The ladies had coordinated the dates of their debutante balls.
    Lady Emily drew close to Harry and whispered in her ear, “I want you to formally introduce me to your brother.”
    “Are you sure? He’s only sixteen,” Harry informed her.
    “What the devil does that matter? He’s extremely handsome and someday he’ll be a duke of the realm.”
    Harry approached her brother, with Emily in tow. “James, I’d like you to meet Lady Emily. She’ll be at our ball tomorrow night.” Harry winked. “Seems she’s attracted to younger men.”
    Emily smiled. “It runs in the family. My father wed a lady not much older than I.”
    James took her hand to his lips. “How fortuitous. I’m raving mad about older women. I shall claim the first dance tomorrow night.”
    Harry said dryly, “A match made in heaven. I shall give you some privacy.”
    She joined her mother, who was in conversation with Lord John.
    “May I rely upon you to bring our sister Rachel to the ball? If everyone sees she is held in high esteem by her family, it will put an end to the scandalous gossip about her.” When Rachel was born, the rumors were rife that the famous artist Edwin Landseer had fathered her. The speculation had begun again when Georgina, Duchess of Bedford, passed away.
    “Poor Rachel was absolutely devastated when she heard the rumor. But I believe the fact that she still resides at Campden Hill with the family’s blessing has done much to quell the gossip,” John assured her. Lord John and his wife, Fanny, lived next door to Campden Hill in Kensington, at Holland House. Lady Holland had left it to him in her will, perhaps because Johnny had been like a son to her, or more likely because she detested her own daughter-in-law.
    “Rachel is such delightful company,” Harry declared. “Will you please invite her to stay with us for a few days after the ball?”
    “Of course. Rachel has such a happy disposition. John, tell her to bring enough clothes for a fortnight. ’Tis a pity that she is still unwed. It always falls to the last daughter left at home to look after the mother, and Rachel dutifully dedicated herself to Mother the last few years. I’ll try my hand at matchmaking while she’s in London.”
    Harry saw that Prince Albert was making a beeline toward her mother. Lady Lu attracted admirers from grooms to princes. Harry knew that where Albert went, Victoria followed, so she took Johnny’s arm and led him toward the refreshment table. “There’s something I want to ask you. I believe Thomas Anson is a member of Parliament. What can you tell me about him?”
    “Thomas is the member for Lichfield, Staffordshire. His father, the Earl of Lichfield, was also a politician until his health gave out. Like me,