The Earl's Daughter Read Online Free PDF

without saying goodbye, I would be gutted.”
    Peter gave her a tiny nod, but did not utter a word. He had never been a noisy sort, but she suspected his silence had something to do with the fact that he was uncomfortable. His present company was hardly the sort of company he would usually keep.
    Robert took Sylvie's arm and led her from the dining room. As Clarissa and Peter finished their food, the only noise in the room was the sound of clinking forks against plates.
    After a few minutes passed, Clarissa set her fork aside and asked, “Would you escort me back to the drawing room, Hughes?”
    “Of course, my lady.” Peter swiped his hand across the back of his mouth, unaware that it was a very ungentlemanly thing to do. He rose from his chair and offered her an arm.
    When she stood, Clarissa did not take Peter's arm. She did something else entirely.
    Her fingers coiled through his hair, and she kissed him.

V

    When Clarissa's lips departed, Peter was understandably dazed. It took him a few seconds to gather his wits and speak. “My lady... that was... unexpected.”
    Her tongue flitted out to lick her lower lip. Grinning, she said, “I am sure it was. You're a very handsome man. It is such a shame you are not wealthy, or I might consider trading him for you.”
    Peter narrowed his eyes. “My lady...”
    “You seem a clever man, Peter... for someone who isn't a gentleman. I have always thought that intelligence was not always synonymous with education. You have figured it out, haven't you?” Clarissa threw back her head and chuckled, a bit snidely. “I am not Robert's cousin. Not even close.”
    “I... see.”
    “Robert bores me.” Clarissa narrowed the gap between herself and Peter, until her chest was practically touching his. “I suspect you could provide me with some... amusement?”
    Peter did not know what to say to avoid offending the girl, so he simply muttered, “Hm.”
    “You look surprised, to say the least. What is the most shocking part? The fact that I am Robert's mistress, or the fact that I have an interest in you?” When Clarissa boldly caressed his cheek, and then his lips, he did not budge. “Robert does not appreciate me enough. He makes no secret of his love for Sylvie, and yet he carries on with me. Can you not pity me, even if it is just a bit?”
    “I pity Sylvie more.”
    “Of course you do. Of course you do!” Clarissa threw up her hands in disgust. “No one takes pity on the discarded mistress, do they?”
    “I don't know.”
    “You're a man of few words. I like that.” Clarissa gently stroked the lapel of his coat. “And yet... despite being quiet, will you run off and tell Miss Stafford what I have just told you? In a way, I hope you do. Robert's secret deserves to be shared. It is quite cruel of him to carry on with both of us, wouldn't you agree?”
    Peter answered with a firm nod. “I would.”
    “May I speak plainly with you, Peter Hughes?”
    “You have been speaking plainly with me,” Peter pointed out. “I see no reason why you should stop now.”
    “Very well.” Clarissa raised her chin and asked, “Would you not consider joining me in my bed?”
    Peter's eyes widened at the proposition, and he blinked several times. After a brief pause, he answered, “I... cannot.”
    “Do you have a wife?”
    He shook his head.
    “Is it because you have some misplaced loyalty to Miss Stafford?”
    This time, he simply shrugged.
    “Could another kiss change your mind?” Her tongue flitted out, licking her lips, as if to tease and tempt him.
    Peter paused for several seconds, as if he was considering it, but then he finally said, “I don't believe it would.”
    “Very well. I shall force myself to be content in Robert's arms, I suppose,” Clarissa said with a sigh. “Good day, Peter. Enjoy your lonely bed tonight.”
    Peter watched her leave, then he stared at the wall in stunned silence. Peter had always been a man who knew his place, and he never overstepped