The Emperor's New Clothes

The Emperor's New Clothes Read Online Free PDF

Book: The Emperor's New Clothes Read Online Free PDF
Author: Victoria Alexander
heard of her?”
    Sedge shook his head. “No, but I have been out of British social circles for some time.” He cast Tye a wicked grin. “I only pop in, you know, to create a certain amount of chaos and scandal.”
    Tye slanted him a stern glance. “Let’s try and avoid that for the time being. I was hoping you’d help me out with this woman. I haven’t had a lot of experience with countesses.”
    â€œAnd I have had a great deal of experience, in every sense of the word, with women of noble blood.” Sedge swept low in a mocking bow. “I shall be by your side every minute tonight, my lord.”
    â€œGreat. But that’s not all.” Tye drew a deep breath. “She’s going to be here for at least a week, maybe more. Folks in town are planning all kinds of festivities. I know you’re as busy as I am, but there’s no way I want to be stuck with this woman all by myself. If you could see your way clear to…well…share the escorting duties…”
    The British brow rose again. “You want me to share this woman with you?”
    Tye threw him a lopsided grin. “When you say it that way it sounds so…”
    â€œCrass? Crude? Callous?” Sedge said brightly.
    Tye laughed. “Yeah.”
    â€œI rather suspect it is.” Sedge raised his shoulders in a casual shrug. “I would, of course, do anything within my power to help you out, but before I make any firm commitments, what do you know about this countess? Is she old or young? Pretty or hideous? And most importantly, does she have money?”
    Tye drew his brows together in a considering frown. “I don’t know for sure. I know she’s a widow, so I imagine she’s old. She’s traveling the West, so she’s probably rich. All I really know is that her whim to visit this part of the world is going to be a real pain in the ass.”
    â€œA royal pain in the ass,” Sedge agreed.
    â€œI’d bet the ranch on that,” Tye said glumly.
    â€œCheer up, old chap. I’ll do it, but on one condition.”
    Relief washed through Tye. “Name it.”
    â€œIf she’s young and pretty and rich, I reserve the right to keep her for myself.” Sedge grinned. “I may not want to share at all.”
    â€œHey, even if she’s young and pretty and rich, you can have her.”
    â€œWhat?” Sedge gasped in mock surprise. “No competing for the same fair lady? No attempts to seduce a woman I’m attempting to seduce as well? No games, no contests, no wagers?”
    â€œNot this time,” Tye said firmly.
    Sedge cast him a suspicious stare. “Are you certain you’re feeling well, Tye? All this fresh air hasn’t rendered you insane, has it?”
    â€œI’m fine.” Tye tossed him a rueful smile. “But the one thing I don’t need in my life these days is a woman. Any woman. They’re too damned much trouble. You want her, friend, you can have her.”
    â€œExcellent. I must say, it’s something of a relief to know I shall have a clear field with this countess if, of course, she warrants it. Although it might not be as much of a challenge without you in the fray.”
    Tye laughed. “I’m sure you’ll manage somehow.”
    Sedge nodded, and stepped off the porch toward his waiting horse. “I shall see you at Big Jack’s tonight then?”
    â€œOh, I’ll definitely be there.” Tye tossed Sedge a sharp salute. “Whether I want to or not.”
    Sedge waved in response and rode off. Tye watched his friend thoughtfully. While Tye had met any number of Englishmen in Europe, Sedge was the only one he could claim a friendship with. And even Tye realized that Sedge was not typical of his countrymen.
    What would this countess be like? Tye hadn’t much cared one way or another until Sedge brought it up.How would he feel if indeed she did turn out to be young
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