The Earl's Secret Bargain Read Online Free PDF Page B

immaculate condition of the townhouse. Undoubtedly, her family had enough servants to meet their every need. He didn’t fare nearly as well. If she knew he could only afford a butler, she’d be appalled.
    When the footman brought him to the drawing room, he had to stop himself from staring at the fine furnishings. All brand new. All the current style. Even the drapes and rugs didn’t have years of wear and tear on them.
    T he butler brought in a tray full of tea and scones. The tray didn’t have a single scratch on it. Was it possible that everything in this place was brand new, or did this family take great care with their possessions?
    “It’s a pleasure to see you again, my lord.”
    Forcing his attention off the solid oak table the butler set the tray on, he saw Miss Giles curtsy. She was absolutely breathtaking. Despite what Orlando thought, there was nothing common about her. She had a captivating look, one that was the perfect blend of sweetness and seduction. He bet she had a passionate spark simmering beneath her polite exterior.
    Shifting his thoughts back to appropriate matters, he bowed. “The pleasure is mine, I assure you.”
    She gestured to the chair. “Please have a seat. My mother will be here shortly. Then we can go for a walk.”
    “You have a lovely place,” he said as he obeyed and sat in a plush chair that hadn’t seen years of use. “I’m glad you agreed to walk with me.”
    “Well, you were one of the few people I’ve ever met who didn’t take off running when I showed my cynical side.”
    He chuckled at her joke. “It takes more than someone pointing out the truth to scare me away.”
    “Don’t tell me you’ve come across other ladies who are as cynical as I am.”
    Catching the teasing tone in her v oice, he chuckled. “No, I won’t tell you that. But it is refreshing to find a lady who isn’t obsessed with finding a titled gentleman.”
    “I think parents are more obsessed with it than most ladies are.”
    “You’re telling me ladies don’t dream of being a countess or a duchess?”
    “Sure. But not every single lady out there wants to be one. It’s a lot of responsibility. And who knows if she can guarantee her husband an heir?”
    “Does that worry you?”
    With a shrug, she adjusted her gloves. “If the gentleman has a daughter, no one blames him for it. They blame his wife for failing to give him an heir. If he gets a son, they congratulate him.”
    “So your hesitation about marrying a titled gentleman has to do with the fear you might not have a son?”
    “Wouldn’t that upset the gentleman I marry?”
    “That depends on the gentleman. As you said, not every single lady desires a titled gentleman. Likewise, not all gentlemen require their wives to give them a son.”
    “And what of you, Lord Davenport? Do you require a son?”
    “No,” he softly said, “I don’t.”
    She studied him for a moment then poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him. “I’ll take it for granted you’re telling me the truth. You seem to be the honest sort.”
    He managed not to wince at her compliment. What would she think of him if she knew about the wager? Nothing positive, he was sure. Clearing his throat, he thanked her for the tea and sipped it as she added a spoonful of sugar to hers, leaning forward as she did so. It was highly improper, but his gaze lingered on the hint of cleavage her position allowed. When she straightened back up, he shifted in the chair to hide the evidence of his attraction to her. If he wasn’t careful, she’d know exactly what he’d been thinking. And he didn’t want that.
    “Well,” she began before she sipped her tea, “since you’re brave enough to take a walk with me and my mother, it’s only fair I warn you that she’s likely to ask you all kinds of questions about who you know. She also follows the latest gossip and might try to wiggle some juicy tidbit from you. My suggestion is to claim ignorance to everything.”
    “I take