The Dark One Read Online Free PDF Page B

gossip.
    â€œYes, a lovely young woman,” Armond found himself replying. “A pity the roast duck served at supper that evening did not agree with her. I was forced to help Lady Rosalind to her coach in all haste lest she embarrass herself on the dance floor.”
    â€œOh.” The earl sighed. “Well, so I’ve heard. She was a bit brazen, though,” he added. “Dancing with a man she hadn’t been properly introduced to.”
    â€œDancing with me, you mean,” Armond drawled. “The lady is my neighbor. She’s been kept to the country and didn’t realize I was an unsuitable dance partner. I should have spared her the embarrassment she has no doubt suffered since regarding the matter, but then, no one expected better of me.”
    â€œOf course not,” the earl agreed, then realized what he’d said and flushed. “This way to the study, then.”
    The fine carpets in the hallway muffled their footsteps. They had to pass the parlor, and, doors thrown wide in welcome, Armond fought himself not to glance inside the room.
    â€œWilliam!”
    The earl skidded to a halt, forcing Armond to pause in their progress, as well.
    â€œYou promised me that you’d attend my tea and said the matter of the horse wouldn’t make you late.”
    Lady Pratt, the earl’s aging wife, drew up short at the sight of Armond darkening her hallway. She placed a hand against her heart. “Oh, I didn’t realize that you were still conducting business with Lord Wulf. Please pardon my interruption.”
    Armond smiled at the flustered woman. He knew it would unnerve her even more. “And I beg your pardon for keeping your husband from his obligations.”
    She nodded acceptance of the apology, but her hand still rested against her heart, as if she’d received a fright and hadn’t yet recovered.
    â€œI offered Lord Wulf a brandy and he wisely pointed out that it is too early for spirits. It would only be proper, my dear, to offer the man tea while I tend to the bill of purchase for the horse.”
    The earl obviously sought to punish his wife over some earlier transgression. Armond cared little to be the tool of her chastisement.
    â€œCertainly Lord Wulf is welcome to take tea with us,” Lady Pratt croaked. Her frightened gaze landed upon Armond. “I would be honored if you would join my party.”
    She would be beside herself, and Armond knew it. He also suspected that the lady knew he never attended anything as boring as a social tea. “I would be honored to join you.”
    Armond couldn’t believe he’d said those words. The way the lady’s eyes rounded, she couldn’t believe he’d said them, either. Armond wanted to snatch back his acceptance, but his cursed pride would not allow him. The truth of the matter was that he wanted to see Lady Rosalind Rutherford again and, by God, he would.

Chapter Four
    Armond followed the lady into the parlor. Conversation went from a roar to a whisper in a heartbeat. He wasn’t dressed for a social visit, but even had he been, he doubted those in attendance would be any less shocked to see him.
    â€œLord Wulf,” the lady announced. “The gentleman will join us for tea while my husband concludes business over a horse.”
    Lady Pratt had to spell out the reason Armond was there or find herself the object of gossip for having poor taste in tea guests. For years the title attached to the family estate, Wulfglen, had been shortened to Wulf, the family surname. Thus the reason society referred to Armond as Lord Wulf rather than Lord Wulfglen. He seated himself apart from the other guests, accepting a dainty teacup that looked odd in his large hands.
    Once the whispers about him quieted, he searched the room over the rim of his cup. He recognized Lady Rosalind immediately, although her back was turned toward him. She held herself well, her spine straight. A cascade of glossy