To Tempt an Earl Read Online Free PDF

were there far too many gentlemen seeking the attentions
of so beautiful a lady?"
    Even in the darkness, his gaze was powerful,
spearing right through her causing a myriad of strange sensations
to swirl around in her belly.
    "Or perhaps I simply wanted a moment to
myself." she answered, her tone far more breathless than she would
have liked.
    "Perhaps." He shrugged.
    "You don't believe me." She narrowed her
eyes.
    "No," he replied, unfazed.
    "Why ever not?" Bethanny asked, turning to
face him fully.
    "In my experience, ladies do not visit
deserted balconies unless they wish to be found."
    Slightly shaking her head, Bethanny replied,
"Which is exactly why I choose to use the private balcony? The one
closed off from the party?" she asked in a disbelieving tone.
    "Well…"
    "I thought not." She shrugged her shoulder, a
smile teasing her lips at besting him.
    "You're a cheeky one," he replied, his tone
holding a hint of awe.
    "I prefer intelligent."
    "Yes, I believe you would." He nodded, his
grin widening.
    "That sounded dangerously like an insult, my
lord," she teased.
    "No, no insult… simply… delayed respect."
    "Respect?" Bethanny asked with a dubious
tone.
    "Indeed. Certainly a lovely lady such as
yourself has to be aware that social functions can be quite…
tedious."
    "I'm sure the duke will be thrilled you think
so highly of his party," she replied, a smile tugging at her
lips.
    "You mistake my meaning. People can be
tedious. Petty even. It's simply… refreshing to speak with a woman
who doesn't fall into those categories."
    "I do believe that was a compliment."
    "It was, and you should take it as such."
    "Why, thank you." Bethanny stepped back and
performed a deep curtsey, as if being presented at court.
    "And a sense of humor to boot. I might have
to actually find out your name." Graham chuckled, his dimples in
full view.
    "And ruin the mystery? I think not." Bethanny
rose from her curtsey, her heart pounding.
    "I do love a good mystery."
    "Avid reader?" Bethanny asked.
    "Yes… but that's not what I was referring
to."
    His posture changed, as did his expression,
and at once, Bethanny's heart took flight because some instinct,
some feminine awareness told her with all certainty that he was no
longer simply teasing an innocent.
    He was pursuing.
    "Oh?" Her tone was breathless to her own
ears, and she silently scolded herself for the betrayal of
weakness.
    "So, mysterious miss of the duke's
balcony…" he teased, offering her a dramatic nickname.
    "Is that the best you can come up with?
Mysterious miss of the duke's balcony?" she asked, a laugh escaping
her restraint.
    "I thought it was quite clever myself."
Graham paused his pursuit, his smile widening.
    "It sounds like a Gothic novel."
    "You know, you're quite right. I could have a
future there if I ever so desire."
    "Writing?"
    "Gad, no. Offering my service for creating
titles."
    "I'm not sure that's a lucrative
endeavor."
    "Perhaps." He shrugged and took another step
forward. "But you must admit, you'd be curious hearing that title.
I know my curiosity is quite piqued."
    Bethanny took a deep breath, as deep as her
corset allowed, and drew up all her courage. "Perhaps. I might be
curious… but there would have to be something more than a catchy
title, my lord." She knew she was playing a dangerous game, but it
was a game she had dreamed of playing since she'd first seen Lord
Graham.
    The memory of him trading banter with Berty
over dinner one night flashed to her memory. Most lords wouldn't
give a little girl the time of day, yet Lord Graham had traded wit
with her, enjoying himself even. Bethanny had been envious of her
little sister's ability to bait him. She'd sworn that someday she'd
have her turn.
    That day had finally come.
    It didn't matter that he didn't recognize
her. Regardless, he was still there speaking with her.
    And for now, that was enough.
    She opened her mouth to speak, but her nerves
got the best of her and, rather than speak, she dropped