The Earl Claims a Bride Read Online Free PDF Page B

emphatically. “Neither of you knows what it’s like to be the poorest man in a family of titles, prestige, and legacies, always depending on the generosity of a wealthy relative to take pity on you and give you an allowance, which I might add is so meager that it can scarcely pay the rent, let alone the grocer, tailor, and the few servants. Yet I have been expected to care for my daughter in the grandest of ways and live the life of a gentleman on such a pittance all these years. We wouldn’t have done as well as we have if not for your grandmother moving in, bringing her maid to aid you, and helping with expenses. So yes, yes, I wanted better for you than I’ve been able to give, and I’m not ashamed of doing my best to get it for you.” His voice suddenly faltered. “I regret that I made such a muddle of it, not that I tried.”
    Angelina’s heart went out to her father for the pain he was feeling. She knew it hadn’t been his intention to end up in this horrid situation. She must find a way to help him.
    “Papa, if things were this desperate for you, why did you allow us to spend so much money on gowns, gloves, headpieces, and other clothing for me for the Season? Just last week you brought me more gold and silver dust for my paintings. I don’t understand. Why didn’t you say something?”
    His eyes softened and she saw genuine love for her in his eyes. “Can’t I indulge my daughter if I want to without asking anyone’s permission? You wanted it, I wanted to get it for you.”
    She was astounded, silent for a moment. “Surely you know I would rather have you at home and your debts paid than to have the dust and all the finery you’ve purchased for me these many years.”
    “No, no, don’t you see, Angelina,” he said gently taking hold of her shoulders and gripping them affectionately. “All I did was for you. So you would have the best of everything. You deserved a proper Season just like all your cousins have had so you could catch the eye of a titled gentleman.”
    “A title?” she asked, confused, heartbroken, and a little angry. “Papa, you know I’ve been waiting for Captain Maxwell to return from India so we could make a match.”
    “An army officer, Angelina,” her father said, suddenly sounding irritated again. His grip tightened on her. “I’ve never agreed to such a meeting with the captain. Besides, you don’t know when or if he is ever returning. He could even be married to someone else by now. It’s my responsibility to take care of you and see that you have the very best. The day you were born I promised your mother I would see you properly wed, and I’m going to do it.”
    “But what will this news of your possible imprisonment do to Angelina’s chances of making a good match when the Season starts next week?” her grandmother asked.
    “Granna,” Angelina injected. “I’m not worried about the Season right now. I don’t want Papa to go to prison.”
    “I may not have to,” her father said, letting go of her to rub his eyes with his thumb and forefinger before looking at her again. “That is the good news I promised. I have been working on a plan for your future. Though it took me quite a while to accomplish it, the Prince finally agreed to see me a couple of weeks ago.”
    “The Prince?” her grandmother said breathlessly.
    “Yes, even though we’re distant cousins by marriage, as you know, I haven’t seen him since he became the Regent.”
    “I know that’s always bothered you,” Granna said.
    “I admit it,” her father agreed, pulling on the tail of his coat. “Apparently he is much too busy for his poorer cousins now. Not surprising. However, having no other choice, I kept soliciting him and finally met with him a few days ago.”
    “You never said a word to us,” her grandmother commented.
    “There was no reason to. You couldn’t have done any more than I was doing. I was forthright with him about my circumstances. At the time, he had nothing