The Earl Takes All Read Online Free PDF Page B

mourned her loss. Nothing replaces such a loss.”
    â€œI’m not expecting the child to be a substitute, but I owe Albert this small sacrifice. My mind’s made up, and while you’re very skilled at laying out your arguments, on this matter, nothing will sway me.”
    Locke glanced over at the mess left by the hurled decanter. “You might want to reel back your temper a notch.”
    Edward chuckled harshly. “More than a notch, I’d say.” Albert never displayed a temper.
    Hearing footsteps, he glanced toward the doorway in time to see the duke and his duchess enter. Locke was halfway correct about Edward’s reasons for not joining them for dinner. He feared the duchess would figure him out. She was too sharp by half.
    â€œThe affairs of the past few days have worn Julia out,” he told them. “She and I will not be joining you for dinner.”
    â€œI assume she’ll have a tray in her bedchamber,” the duchess said. “Perhaps it would be best if I joined her there, gave you gents a little more time to catch up.”
    He tugged on his ear. “I appreciate the offer, but I think we’ve caught up all that we need to. I left my wife alone for far too many weeks. I intend to make that up to her now. We’ll see you at breakfast.”
    He caught a spark of approval in Ashe’s eyes; not that he was seeking approval, but apparently he’d managed to conduct himself more as his brother might. Now if he could just do the same without stumbling through the maze that had been Albert’s life with his countess.

Chapter 3
    J ulia’s feet were feeling so much better. Albert’s massage had done wonders. It had also helped that once he left, she called for her maid and changed from the stiff black crepe into her softest nightdress and wrap. Although she enjoyed visiting with their guests, she welcomed the opportunity to simply relax with her husband.
    Sitting in a plush chair near the fire, she set her feet on a low stool and curled her toes. Unfurled them, thought of the callused hands that had stroked her with such surety, as though he’d rubbed her feet a thousand times before, when he’d never once performed that intimate and luxurious service for her. She imagined those abraded hands skimming over all of her, how marvelous the different textures would feel, what a very different experience it might be. She rather hoped they wouldn’t go completely soft before they made love again.
    Hearing the click of the door opening, she looked over to see her husband stride in with two wineglasses dangling between the fingers of one hand and two wine bottles caught in the other. He staggered to a stop and stared at her, his gaze running the length of her as though he’d never before seen her in a nightdress and wrap. Perhaps it was simply that her condition was not as disguised as when she wore a dress. Self-­consciously she tugged on the sides of her wrap, trying to close it over her belly and breasts, but it refused to cooperate. “I’ve become huge while you were away.”
    â€œNo, not at all.” With his elbow, he closed the door before bringing the wine and glasses over and setting them on the small table before the sofa. She could see now that one was a bottle of red, the other white. “Our guests were completely understanding, and the servants should be bringing our dinner any moment now. I thought we might enjoy a spot of wine while we waited.”
    â€œI’m not convinced spirits are good for the babe.”
    He suddenly looked incredibly uncomfortable, as though he’d forgotten about her condition. “You’re absolutely right. Not certain what I was thinking.”
    â€œNo reason you can’t indulge.”
    He wasted no time pouring red into a glass, lifting it toward her in a salute before taking a sip and walking to the fireplace. He looked at the fire, darted a quick glance to her, and