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

opportunity to study him. He truly was a handsome man. Broad shoulders under his linen shirt, trim waist, and snug breeches outlining powerful thighs. Wisps of shiny black hair curled over his cravat.
    Why did he have to be a scoundrel?
    Not that it mattered to her. She had absolutely no interest in him. “My lord, can you follow me to the kitchen to carry the tray in? It is quite heavy.”
    Once they were settled across from each other and the tray sat on the small table between them, Redgrave said, “Perhaps since we will be working together we can dispense with the ‘my lord’ and ‘my lady’ and you can call me Redgrave?”
    The last thing she wanted to do was get cozy and familiar with the man who had broken her sister’s heart. But he did have a point—they would be working together for the betterment of the children. A more informal address might be in order. She did call the other lords by their names, and it would seem petty to not address him so. Plus it would stand out, bringing attention to the strain between them.
    “Very well.” She cut a small piece of cheese and stabbed it with her fork. “I must say your suggestion to rent hackneys was a good one.”
    His brows rose, and he smiled. “Thank you.”
    “Don’t make too much of it, my lord—”
    “Redgrave.”
    She nodded and popped the cheese into her mouth. The man made her decidedly uncomfortable. The way he stared at her, the way her heart thumped when he did. She didn’t want to be attracted to the cad, but her body was not getting the message. Perhaps more conversation would distract her until the blasted storm was over.
    “Why are you interested in helping orphans?”
    Redgrave wiped his mouth and set his serviette aside. “It isn’t something I searched out. When I first returned to London from the country I met Beamer at one of my clubs. After we struck up a conversation, he told me there was an empty spot on the board. He encouraged me to consider joining, and after some deliberation I decided it was a venture of which I heartily approved.
    “I believe if we are to help the underclass, proper upbringing must be the first step. In order for a person to become a productive member of society, he needs ample food, sturdy clothing, shelter, and education. I intend for that to be an issue when I take my seat in the House of Lords later today.”
    This was not the Redgrave who had been betrothed to her sister. The conversations she’d had with Abigail about him had left her with the impression that, though he was not a mean man, he had been far more interested in his own comforts and welfare than anything else. Had it been guilt that had changed him? Or his marriage to Lady Priscilla?
    …
    Redgrave studied Lady Mary as she took in what he had just said. Snug in his large jacket that dwarfed her frame, she looked like a waif. The dancing flames from the fireplace cast a glow on her skin, illuminating her large eyes and high cheekbones. He had to fight the urge to pull her up and cover her mouth with his own. Surely he would get a well-deserved slap for that.
    Before he even considered what he was about to say, the words were out. “Why is it a beautiful woman like yourself is still unmarried?”
    Obviously caught off guard by the change in conversation, her brows rose and two red dots appeared on her cheeks. “Is beauty the primary advantage in securing a husband? Do women of ordinary looks not deserve love and happiness? A husband, home, and children?”
    He winced. “I think I just made a major mistake.”
    “Perhaps I am content with my unmarried state.” She failed to meet his eyes, instead glanced at her teacup when she answered, a sure sign she was not telling the truth. Had someone broken her heart? His muscles tightened with the desire to seek out the man who had put that look on her face. But then, given what he had done to her sister, he had no right to feel anger on her behalf.
    “Surely you have been inundated with