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

asking?”
    “I don’t mind.  I’m twenty-one as of last month.”
    “It’s a shame we weren’t together to celebrate your birthday.”
    “Oh, there wasn’t much to celebrate.  It’s just another year.”
    “Yes, but it’s a year of your life.”
    Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she asked, “What about you?  Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
    “No.  I’m an only child.”
    “Were you lonely growing up?”
    “No.  I have a good friend, Toby.  You know him.  He’s Lord Davenport.”
    She nodded.  “Yes, I know him.  I’m friends with his wife.  Well, you know that because she brought me out to meet you.”
    “Right.” He didn’t realize he’d be so nervous around her.  Of course, she already knew Toby was his friend.  She knew Regina.
    “Lord Reddington,” she began.
    “Please, call me Orlando.  It’s my Christian name, and since we are to be married, you don’t have to be so formal with me.” Then, recalling he’d just interrupted her, he added, “I’m sorry.  I should have let you finish what you were going to say.”
    “No, no.  It’s all right.  I didn’t mind.”
    “You’re much too gracious.  But go on.  Is there something you wish to know?”
    “Well, yes.  I was just going to ask what your interests are.  Besides swimming without your clothes on, of course.”
    Smiling at the slight teasing tone in her voice, he said, “I probably should say I enjoy chess and politics.  Toby does, and I have a nice enough time when we play the game or discuss such things.”
    “But…?”
    “Well, I am the kind of gentleman who will swim without clothes on, as you pointed out.  Toby would never do anything like that.  The most he’ll do is dip his feet in the water.  But,” he lowered his voice and winked, “you must never tell him or Regina I said that.”
    “Your secret is safe with me.”
    His smile widened, delighted she had such a marvelous sense of humor.  If he’d had any doubts about her before, this removed all of them.  “To answer your question, I mostly enjoy having a good conversation with someone I like.  I also like to dance, ride a horse, and paint.”
    “You paint?”
    “It’s not widely known, but yes.  And I’m rather good at it, if I do say so myself.”
    “What do you paint?”
    “Anything that happens to catch my fancy at the time.  I’ve gone outside and painted the stables, fields, horses, and the land.  I only do those at the estate.  Our estate is Edmonstone.  I’ve also painted that.  But I have, on occasion, done people, though only a rare few who are willing to sit still for a long period of time.  I don’t suppose you’ll be one of them?”
    Chloe put her hand to her chest.  “Me?  You want to paint me?”
    “Sure, I do.  You’re the most beautiful lady in all of London.”
    “I don’t know if I’d say the most beautiful.  The Duchess of Ashbourne is very attractive.”
    “To some who prefer blondes, I’m sure, but I prefer dark-haired ladies.”
    Though she shook her head, he noted the smile on her face and was content.  It was an odd thing, really.  She was exceptionally exquisite to look at, and yet, she doubted it.
    “Painting you will be one of the most enjoyable things I’ll ever do,” he told her.
    “Even more than swimming without clothes?”
    “Much more.”
    How he wanted to kiss her.  He’d dreamt of kissing her for so long.  What would it be like to feel her lips against his?  But it was still too soon.  She’d just agreed to marry him.  The poor lady deserved some time before she was expected to do more.  He’d wait.  Now that he had the rest of his life to kiss her, he could be as patient as he needed to be.  When she was comfortable with him, the time would be right.
    “I’ve told you what I like to do,” he said.  “Now, tell me, what interests you?”
    “Well, I can’t say I’ve ever swam outside without clothes on.” She cleared her throat and