The Earl's Stolen Bride (Marriage by Deceit Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

gentle in her ear.
    “Yes.” She laughed and lifted her dress enough so that she could walk without any more difficulty.  “I hate this dress.  It’s much too long, but my mother insisted it was fashionable.” She rolled her eyes.  “I’m afraid it doesn’t help that I’m nervous.  I’ve never done anything this spontaneous before.”
    “I haven’t either,” he admitted, his hand still cupping her elbow in a reassuring manner that reminded her she was doing the right thing.  “And I have done some spontaneous things in my life.”
    “Like what?”
    “When you get in the carriage, I’ll tell you the most daring thing I’ve done.”
    Since his eyes were twinkling, she knew it wasn’t anything bad.  Adventurous probably.  He seemed to have a playful side to him.  Interest piqued, she let him help her into the carriage.  She offered a wave to Regina who waved in return.
    Once the footman closed the carriage door, Orlando leaned toward her and whispered, “I went for a swim in the lake at my estate without any clothes on.”
    She gasped.  “Nothing at all?”
    “Nope.  I didn’t plan it either.  One day I was riding my horse, and since it was hot, I thought I’d cool off.”
    “Didn’t anyone catch you?”
    “No.  I was alone.”
    “Well, I don’t think I could be so daring.  This is the most adventure I’ve ever had.”
    “I will do everything possible to make you glad you took the risk.”
    She smiled, her cheeks warming from his words.  Her heart was still racing because of all that was happening, but to be honest, she’d never felt more alive in her entire life.  Deep in her soul, she knew he was going to be a good husband and give her the love she’d longed for since she entered her first Season.  Maybe the notion of falling in love with him so soon was silly, but it was true.  And for once in her life, she wasn’t going to overthink it.  She was going to settle back and enjoy it.
     

Chapter Four
     
    Orlando couldn’t believe his good fortune.  Chloe.   Though she hadn’t told him her Christian name, Toby had.  And now he rolled her name around in his mind then added, Lady Reddington to it.  She looked much more like a Lady Reddington than a Lady Hawkins, and he didn’t just think that because he thought his title was better.  She belonged with him.  He had no doubt of it.
    And now as the carriage took them further from London, he could rest assured in knowing he’d never have to spend another sleepless night apart from her.  From now on, she was his.
    “Tell me about yourself,” he said.
    She turned her gaze back to him, and one of her curls touched her cheek.  On impulse, he reached forward and brushed it back.  Her creamy white skin was smooth, complementing her dark hair which was equally soft.  Her green eyes sparkled, and the hint of color which came to her cheeks was most becoming.  Was it any wonder she’d haunted his thoughts for so long?  Truly, there was never a more breathtaking sight.
    Reluctant, he set his hand back down.  “I hope I’m not being too forward.”
    “No, I…I enjoyed your touch.” She cleared her throat, glancing away before returning her gaze to his.  “What, exactly, would you like to know about me?”
    “Everything.”
    She chuckled.  “That’s a lot to talk about.  I don’t know where to begin.”
    “All right.  Let me think…  Your family.  Tell me about them.”
    With a nod, she said, “I’m the oldest of five children.”
    “Five?”
    “Yes.  Two brothers and two sisters.  My parents had me.  Then the order goes boy, girl, boy, girl.  All in a row, just like that.  One would swear they planned it that way since they pride themselves on being organized.”
    He grinned.  “How marvelous.  What are their names?”
    “There’s Theodore who’s eighteen, Bethany who’s fourteen, Alexander who’s ten, and Gretchen who’s seven.”
    “How old are you, if you don’t mind me