The Earl's Secret Bargain Read Online Free PDF

before. Her face grew warm. Gentlemen didn’t really spend their time looking at a lady’s breasts, did they?
    “Good.” Lady Seyton spun around so that her back was to her. “When you walk, give a slight swing to your hips. You don’t want to be obvious, of course. You want to give a hint. Make him think of more intimate matters.” She proceeded to stroll to the door, demonstrating the technique which Regina had to admit had a certain amount of grace to it. “Even if you don’t love him and he doesn’t love you, he’ll want to visit you in bed from time to time. If you can turn his mind in that direction, you’ll have an easier time securing the proposal.” She clapped her hands and gestured to her. “Now, you try it. Walk.”
    Despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, she obeyed. The last thing she wanted either Lord Pennella or Lord Davenport thinking about when she saw them was having her in their bed. She glanced at her mother to see if she approved of this, but her mother seemed content as she sipped her tea.
    “Much better,” Lady Seyton said when Regina reached her at the door. In a whisper, she added, “You have a good bosom. The gentlemen vying for your hand will like what they see.”
    Her jaw dropped as Lady Seyton turned her attention to her mother. “Your daughter has an excellent chance of securing a proposal within a month. She’s graceful, polite, quiet, and beautiful. I don’t think there’s anything else I can teach her.”
    “Splendid.” Her mother put her cup down and stood from the settee. “What do I owe you?”
    “Twenty pounds will suffice.”
    As her mother took the money out of her reticule, Regina breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe now her mother would stop the lessons.
    After her mother thanked Lady Seyton, she led Regina out of the house. “You’ve done very well, my dear,” her mother said, her smile wide. “I don’t believe in bragging, but I have one of the finest ladies in London for a daughter.”
    “Really?” Regina’s steps slowed as she studied her mother, hardly believing her ears.
    “Don’t look at me like that. While I don’t often say it, I’ve always been proud of you. From the moment you were born, I knew you were special.”
    “I’m sure all mothers think that of their daughters.”
    “They may think it, but I know it.”
    Pleased, she smiled. “Thank you, Mother.”
    “Don’t thank me until you’re married and living in a grand estate surrounded by exquisite gowns, jewelry, and servants.”
    “There’s more to life than money.”
    “But money certainly helps. Take it from someone who knows.”
    Well, it didn’t matter if her mother couldn’t believe someone could be happy without a lot of money. The point was, she chose to give her several compliments that day. And that was something Regina never thought she’d do.

Chapter Five
     
    Toby stepped out of his carriage and took a good look at Miss Giles’ townhouse. He didn’t know why the thought of seeing her should make his heart leap in anticipation. Yes, she’d been utterly charming at the ball, but he wasn’t here to secure a marriage. Quite the opposite, he was going to prevent her from spending the rest of her life with an unsuitable gentleman.
    And that included him. He was no better than the gentlemen she’d mentioned who wanted to marry for money. But he wouldn’t marry her. He would set her free to marry someone who deserved her. Enjoying his time with her was merely his reward for doing the right thing.
    He made his way up the steps to the front door and knocked on it. Glancing at the sky, he thought it’d be a good day for a walk. While there were a few clouds, t here was no indication that it would rain. Even better, a cool breeze was perfect for the summer day.
    The footman opened the door .
    Toby smiled. “Good afternoon. I’m here to see Miss Giles.”
    “She’s expecting you. Come this way.”
    As he stepped into the entryway, he took note of the