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

potential husbands since you made your debut.”
    She shrugged and ran the tip of her finger over the edge of her teacup. “There have been a few. None that I felt suited.”
    Lady Mary was definitely hiding something; her demeanor was a stark contradiction to her words. He should not be concerned with nor interested in her deep, dark secrets. They had just called a truce, a far cry from actual friendship. Once the storm passed, and they were on their way, in the future, the only contact they would have would be the few times they gathered with the others to discuss the orphans.
    “What about you? I assume you have returned to Society to seek a wife?” She took another sip of tea and regarded him over the rim of her cup.
    “Yes. I have a duty to my title to set up my nursery.”
    Priscilla sashayed into the library and stood before his desk, smirking. “I’m with child again.”
    He leaned back in his chair and regarded her. “Really, my dear? And who is the happy papa this time?”
    Anger flashed in her eyes, then she shrugged. “We know it is not you, since you refuse to come to my bed.”
    “Ah, but my lady, your bed is much too busy a place for me.”
    Her face reddened, and her lips curled into a sneer, diminishing any beauty she had. “I hate you!”
    Redgrave sighed, returning to his work. “Close the door on the way out.”

    Lady Mary nodded an acknowledgment. “I hope you find what you are looking for. To be truthful, I am glad my sister makes very few visits to Town. I would not want to witness the awkwardness should she and Joseph run across you in a ballroom. Although, given how besotted my brother-in-law is with Abigail, there is a good chance he would shake your hand in thanks.” She paused, a twinkle in her eye. “After he punched you in the nose, that is.”
    Drawn back from his dark musings, he said, “Lady Mary, you have a splendid sense of humor.” He placed his cup on the table between them and glanced over her shoulder and gestured toward the window. “It appears our storm has ended.”
    Lady Mary turned. “Oh, good. Will you be so kind as to carry the tray back to the kitchen? I don’t want to add to Mrs. Morehead’s workload.”
    When he returned to the room, Lady Mary had removed his jacket and had laid it on the back of her chair. She was already at the front door staring morosely at the muddy water that continued to race down the street. The duke’s carriage stood in the road, one wheel missing.
    She turned to him. “It seems my driver discovered a crack in one of our wheels. I will need to stay here until he can have it fixed.”
    He shrugged into his jacket. “I have my carriage with me. I will be more than happy to escort you home.”
    Lady Mary hesitated, glanced again at the river of water, and said, “Yes, if you will provide me with a ride home, I would greatly appreciate it. My man has no idea how long it will take to repair the damage.”
    “I’ll notify my driver to bring my carriage around.” He stepped onto the wet steps and hurried down, his boots splashing through the puddles. Arriving at Manchester House with Lady Mary in his carriage could be a tricky thing. Hopefully, no one would be about. Not that he intended to hide from the duke, but he doubted very much Manchester would appreciate his sister in company with him.
    He started back up the steps once the carriage appeared. The air was cooler, crisper than before the storm. The sun peeked out from behind the scattering clouds, promising a lovely evening.
    Lady Mary reached the bottom of the steps and eyed the muddy water racing by. She glanced at him, then fisted her skirts. It was obvious the half boots she wore were going to be soaked. Despite knowing she would object, he moved behind her, placed his arm under her legs and back, and hefted her into his arms.
    “What! What are you doing? Put me down! This instant.” Lady Mary kicked her legs, but he held tighter.
    “Nonsense. If you walk through that