The Daughter of an Earl Read Online Free PDF Page A

Brett’s taste. “And he has more time on his hands now that he has hired a new manager to oversee the company in America, as well as one to assist with the London and Bristol operations.”
    Miranda, bristling at her sister’s cavalier dismissal of her concerns, opened her mouth to protest, but Julia intervened. “I have faith that he shall find someone special very soon. Being happily married myself, I wish for your brother to be equally as content. It is the least I can do for him after stealingDaniel away. Since Emily tells me that of late all my wishes appear to be coming to pass, expect wedding bells to be in his near future.” Julia winked at Miranda.
    â€œDo not toss away a wish on a wife for Brett!” Melody said. “Once he sets his mind to the matter, he is quite capable of finding one himself. It is not like he has never asked—”
    â€œWhat Melody means to say”—Miranda cut off her sister, a flash of warning lighting her eyes—“is that Brett has little trouble accomplishing what he wants once he sets his mind to it.”
    So Mr. Brett Curtis had asked for a woman’s hand in marriage?
    It was something else to mull over.
    Had he loved the woman? Had she then rejected him? Or he her? Who was she?
    A voracious reader, Emily loved a good story, particularly when it starred someone else’s tragedy and helped her to escape her own. Guilt pricked her at the petty thought, and she chided herself for both it and her curiosity. After all, Mr. Curtis’s ill-fated affair was not her concern.
    â€œEmily?”
    Emily stiffened at Julia’s repetition of her name. The Curtis sisters watched her expectantly, and Julia was giving her a curious look. Heat climbed her cheeks. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
    â€œI was just commenting that the success of Curtis Shipping is a testament to Brett’s talent at accomplishing what he sets his mind to. Daniel always quipped that Brett could charm, persuade, or talk a person to death in order to achieve his goals,” Julia said.
    â€œDo not forget begging and nagging,” Melody added.
    â€œHe does have a talent for that,” Miranda said, grinning.
    â€œAnd chicanery and intimidation,” Emily muttered, and then froze as Julia’s lips parted. Had she spoken out loud? She cursed her forwardness.
    â€œYes, that, too.” Melody rescued her, affably agreeing with a laugh. “Then let us leave Brett to fend for himself, because I have a better need for one of your wishes.”
    â€œOh?” Julia looked amused. “Is there a handsome man who needs to be wished to your side?”
    â€œI certainly hope so.” Melody winked. “But do not send anyone my way just yet. First, I need one of your wishes or any assistance you can provide to address another matter. You see, I have a need to move a mountain.”
    Emily exchanged a bemused look with Julia, while Miranda clapped a hand to her mouth, eyes brimming with laughter.
    â€œA mountain? Perhaps you should elaborate,” Julia said.
    â€œWhile we are here, we wish to travel to London. I want to go to the theater and to dance the night away at a ball. More important, we wish to shop for new gowns at Madame Duchard’s infamous shop. Her designs are divine.” Melody released a wistful sigh. “Then I shall be more fashionably attired to meet any suitors who come my way.”
    â€œOf course, you must visit London,” Julia said. “A trip to England is not complete without a city excursion. I cannot believe your parents would oppose such a trip.”
    Miranda had told Emily that after the funeral, Brett’s parents and younger sister Merritt had remained behind in Oxfordshire to care for the dowager duchess and her younger children.
    â€œThe ride from Bedfordshire to London in fair weather is but a two-day journey. While the road can be rustic in places, no mountains impede your