The Earl's Return (Marriage Mart Mayhem) Read Online Free PDF Page A

company, whether you wish it or not.”
    She glared at him. “Why are you here, anyway? Charitable work hardly seems to suit you.” She was generally a well-mannered young lady, but seeing him here, pretending to be concerned with orphans, wrapping her in his jacket, looking at her with those startling blue eyes, set her teeth on edge. She didn’t like him, didn’t trust him, and wanted nothing to do with him.
    “I understand you have every right to dislike me. I acknowledge the pain and suffering I caused your family, and particularly Lady Abigail. Even though I offer my apology, I do not expect you to accept it. However, whatever my intentions, we will be working together for the betterment of the orphans, and I suggest we declare a truce.”
    She pulled his jacket closer around her, until she realized what she was doing when his scent grew stronger, so she released her hold on the coat. “Very well. We have a truce.” She waved her hand. “You may leave me now.”
    To her irritation he burst out laughing. “So says the queen.”
    Even she had to grin. She did, indeed, sound like royalty giving her commands to underlings. The little bit of laughter released some of the tension, and she relaxed. “My sister is extremely happy, you know.”
    His face grew serious again. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that. I understand she married a childhood friend? A rector?”
    “Yes. Mr. Joseph Fox. They have three-year-old twins, David and John. The boys keep her quite busy.”
    “Ah, yes. Twins do run in your family. How are your twin sisters?”
    “Sybil married a Highlander. The Laird of Clan MacBride. They have twins, also. Donald and Andrina. They will be two later this year. Sarah married a professor from Edinburgh University.”
    “Don’t tell me. They have twins as well?”
    She shook her head, a smile twitching her lips. “No. Alasdair will be one year old in September. He arrived all by himself.”
    “Ah, and broke with the family tradition.” His smile reached his eyes, making her smile back at him.
    This was a dangerous man. She felt herself warming to him, enjoying their tête-à-tête, which was not good. Stiffening in her chair, she said, “I agree, my lord. We shall call a truce and be civil to each other in public.” She quickly added, “But we have no call to be polite to each other in private.”
    Not happy with the second part of her acquiescence, nevertheless, he gave a slight nod. “Thank you. That is all I ask.” He glanced out the window behind her. She didn’t need to turn to know the rain continued to pound down. It blew against the window, making the room appear more dark and dreary.
    “I will see if I can fetch some coal and make a small fire. It might be some time before this storm passes.”
    “If you do that, I will go to the kitchen and prepare tea.”
    “And perhaps a bite to eat?” He gave her a smile that had her stomach twitching. She must remember herself and order her body to behave.
    Mary was no foreigner to the kitchen, since her mother had made sure her daughters understood the benefits of their station in life. Whenever a Lacey daughter had required punishment, it had been kitchen duty for her. She had peeled many a potato and stirred many a pot in her day, Cook’s oversized apron wrapped around her. Her brother, Drake, despite being the future duke, had mucked out stables when his shenanigans had come to Mother’s attention.
    She would not have had it any other way. Were she ever able to get beyond her fear and have children of her own, it would be the same for them. There were too many spoiled young ladies and gentlemen in her circle of friends.
    After rattling around and opening and closing cabinets, she came up with bread, cheese, and dried fruit. She placed all the items on a tray and went in search of Redgrave.
    She found him leaning over the fireplace, his arm against the mantle, one knee slightly bent. He stared into the fire, giving her the