The Dark Earl Read Online Free PDF

Thomas is a Whig.”
    “Surely you can tell me more than that.”
    Johnny eyed her with speculation. “Well, let’s see. He’s dark, handsome, thirtyish, unwed, an art expert. He’ll inherit his father’s earldom, but no fortune, I’m afraid.”
    “He’ll inherit Shugborough Hall.”
    Johnny hid his glee. He knew of Harriet’s passion for houses. “Viscount Anson is a very serious, no-nonsense sort of man. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly. I warrant he’s far too sober and straitlaced for you, Harry.”
    Indeed! Thomas Anson is direct, assertive, and utterly self-assured. He delivers his reprimands in a clipped tone. “I invited him to my ball, in spite of the fact that he thoroughly disapproves of me, and makes no bones about it.”
    “I thought D’Arcy Lambton was at the top of your list of suitors.”
    “Oh, he is. Absolutely! The Earl of Durham owns Lambton Castle.”
    “Have you ever seen the castle?”
    “No, but I’ve seen it in paintings. It was designed in the style of a Norman stronghold. I can’t wait to visit it.”
    “It’s built on the site of a more ancient castle known for its legendary dragon. You must ask D’Arcy about it.”
    “How fascinating! I love legends. Ireland is steeped in them. I shall ask him about the dragon tomorrow night at the ball.”
     
     
    The following day, the Hamilton ladies greeted John’s wife, Fanny, and Lady Rachel. They arrived in the afternoon with ample time to dress for the ball.
    “I’m so glad you’ll be staying with us for a while, Rachel. I’m dying to hear what you are planning to write in your next book.” Harry picked up Rachel’s hatbox and they headed up the stairs to the guest wing.
    “Why don’t you share the guest chamber with me? I need some good ideas, and two heads are decidedly better than one.”
    “That’s a splendid idea.” Harry had always been proud that her aunt penned romance novels, and was thrilled at the prospect of contributing to her next book. “We can also help each other dress for the ball. I hope your gown is ravishing. Mother has invited every eligible bachelor in London.”
    “Harry, need I remind you that I am a twenty-eight-year-old spinster?”
    “Rubbish! You are a fascinating woman of the world and a redhead to boot. You simply have to marry, Rachel. An unwed woman has no more rights than a child. Once we are married, we can join the Married Women’s Property Committee. They are doing their utmost to change the law so we can own property in our own right.” Harry laughed. “First things first. We are going to have great fun, starting tonight.”
     
     
    “You are a marvelous dancer, Father.” Lady Harriet, partnered by the Duke of Abercorn, opened the ball, while her sister Beatrix danced with their uncle Lord John Russell. “I chose to wear green for Ireland, even though it flaunts convention.”
    James smiled down at his daughter. “I’m surprised you didn’t insist on the ancestral Abercorn crimson.”
    “Mother has dibs on that color, though I must admit she looks glorious in it.”
    “I predict that you and Beatrix will steal her thunder tonight, and she wouldn’t want it any other way. I see she let you wear her emerald and diamond earrings.”
    “Yes, she’s the most generous mother in the world.”
    “I predict it won’t be long before you have your own jewels.”
    “By that, I take it you mean I will soon have a husband.”
    “I warrant there are at least a half dozen suitors here tonight, eager to steal you away from me.”
    “I’m looking for someone exactly like you, Father.” She gazed up at him with genuine love and admiration.
    “Oh, if your standards are that high, I shall be stuck with you forever,” he teased.
    “You’re full of blarney. Go and dance with Trixy.”
     
     
    The Earl of Durham claimed the second dance with Lady Harriet.
    “Have you been waiting for me, D’Arcy?” Harry’s eyes sparkled with happiness.
    “Longer than you think. I’ve