The Earl Claims His Wife Read Online Free PDF

Both men were anxious to continue their duel…and Gillian knew what she had to do.
    Her husband would not give up. His pride was at stake.
    And Andres…Andres so much wanted to be her champion. His love, his loyalty pierced her soul.
    But she could not ask him to stake his life for her. Wright was ruthless. He was his father’s son. The marquess didn’t hesitate to mow down anyone who stood in his way.
    There was one thing she could do to protect her beloved Andres. “I’ll go with you, Wright. You’ve won. Have a coach readied. We’ll leave as soon as I pack.”
    She did not wait for his response but started walking toward the house.

Chapter Three
    Brian Ranson, the recently named Lord Wright, watched his wife storm up the path toward the house. Her back was ramrod straight, her skirts swung with indignation—and he knew.
    Gillian had taken a lover. A Spaniard, no less.
    The realization flew in the face of every notion he’d held about his wife. He had expected the old Gillian, a mouse of a woman who’d been easily cowed by playing to her conscience.
    Instead, he’d arrived to see her looking in good spirits and with a healthy measure of pride. She was confident, strong willed…and stunningly beautiful.
    Of course, her looks had always been there. There were few men who wouldn’t have admired her golden blond hair or her figure, which was round and full in all the right places. Brian had always found Gillian attractive, even when he’d been in love with Jess, a slim brunette.
    But there was something more here surrounding Gillian. Perhaps it was the laugh lines around blue eyes that snapped with intelligence. Or that she hadn’t hesitated to make her opinion of him clear.
    From the moment he’d presented himself, she’d let him know her displeasure and he felt chastened.
    It was a novel experience for a man who’d once had the ability to make infantrymen, officers, and French alike quake in their boots.
    And convinced him he was exactly correct in his instincts to bring Gillian by his side.
    This new Gillian was the sort of woman he needed. She could face the challenges ahead…if he could bring her to London.
    The Spaniard brushed by him, heading up the path after Gillian.
    Brian caught his arm. “My wife,” he said.
    “That can change,” the Spaniard answered.
    “No, it won’t,” Brian said, feeling a bit smug at putting the rival in his place. “She’s made her decision.”

    The Spaniard shook his head, unoffended. “You are a fool,” he said softly. “That woman has more honor and dignity than you and I together could ever imagine. She’ll go with you because it is her duty but she’ll find no joy in the task.” He dropped his gaze to where Brian’s hand still held his arm.
    Brian released his hold, struck by the truth of his opponent’s words.
    This time when the Spaniard turned to go, he let him.
    He turned and discovered everyone watched him, their disapproval clear in their expressions. He was the villain here, and he didn’t know quite how that had happened.
    Brian hid his doubts by taking charge. He nodded toward Packy. “Prepare a coach for my lady and bring it up to the house with all haste.” He didn’t wait to see his order followed but started up the path.
    Lady Kensett’s soft voice called to him to wait.
    A stab of annoyance went up Brian’s back. He’d been riding hard for the last five hours. His reception so far had not been pleasant. He didn’t have time to go chasing his wife, let alone listen to the admonishments that he knew Lady Kensett wished to convey, and yet he would not be rude.
    He tried to divert her by saying, “I know. You were right. You warned me. I should have come sooner.”
    She placed her hand on his arm, forcing him to slow down to her aged pace as they walked up to the house. Impatience made him want to shake her off; manners forced him to obey. She smiled up at him as if knowing exactly what he was thinking.
    “They aren’t lovers,”