Twilight with the Infamous Earl Read Online Free PDF Page A

clouded her countenance. “Where will I go? What shall become of me?”
    Emily’s pace slowed as she considered her choices. When she had stepped in to assist the girl, she had not thought beyond separating her from her abuser. Even the arrogant gentleman had warned her that there were few options for the girl if she left her stepfather. She could not bring her home. Or could she? While her father might understand, she doubted her mother would be pleased by her initiative.
    “Do not worry,” she said, bestowing a reassuring smile on the young woman. “We will figure something out.”
    Emily gasped as a firm hand clasped her on the shoulder. She whirled about to confront the person who had the audacity to put his hands on her, and was dismayed to see the dark-haired gentleman again.
    “You again?”
    The roguish grin he gave her was unsettling. “Aye, me again. Running off? You disappoint me, Emily. I thought you were raised properly.”
    “You have no right to speak to my sister with such familiarity.” Her brother stepped protectively in front of her. “You may address her as Miss Cavell or not at all.”
    The gentleman brought his hand to his chest. “You wound me. And here I thought we were becoming good friends,” he lightly mocked. “Nor have you inquired after my injuries, which I earned on your behalf.”
    Guilt nibbled at her indignation. “Are you hurt?”
    “Preparing to rescue me as well, sweet?” he queried, sounding amused. “Well, don’t fret. A few bruises will not force me into bed. Unless you are willing to play nursemaid.”
    “I certainly will not!” she huffed. No one had ever dared to speak to her in such a manner.
    “Stop speaking to my sister,” her brother ordered harshly, even though he was aware that he could not best the man in a fight.
    “Or you will do what?” the gentleman replied with silky menace. Her brother held his ground, but everyone heard the audible click in his throat as he nervously swallowed. “I thought as much. Nothing but an adorable puppy. Knock on my door when you have grown some teeth.”
    “Did the constable arrest my stepfather?” the girl asked, drawing the gentleman’s attention away from Emily’s brother.
    The man sighed. “Yes. And he will have a few companions, so you don’t have to worry about him getting lonely.”
    Emily belatedly realized that she owed this gentleman a small measure of gratitude for interfering when he had. The man would have slipped away with this stepdaughter if the stranger had not caught him. “I have been remiss in thanking you, sir. You are a hero.”
    The compliment did not please him. “Not in the slightest, dear lady. And the name is Chillingsworth. Lord Chillingsworth.”
    Emily smiled weakly at him. Not only a gentleman, but a titled one as well. He was exactly the type of man her mother would warmly welcome into her drawing room, which was precisely why she hoped the two would never meet. “Well, you have our gratitude regardless, Lord Chillingsworth.” She nodded to Katie. “Shall we go? The carriage isn’t far.”
    “No,” Lord Chillingsworth said, halting their attempts to depart.
    She raised her brows in silent query.
    “Forgive my bluntness, Miss Cavell. What are your plans for this girl?” he asked. The mocking amusement he had not bothered to disguise had vanished from his voice.
    “We are still making plans,” she said defensively.
    “As I tried to explain earlier, while your intentions are noble, your inexperience with such matters might place this girl in a worse predicament,” he said, those intriguing turquoise-blue eyes of his pinning her in place.
    “I intend to help her, Lord Chillingsworth,” she said coldly.
    He nodded at her brother. “The puppy and the lamb,” he chuckled humorlessly.
    “You insult us, my lord!” she said, knowing the confrontation with the stepfather could have been handled better.
    “Just pointing out the obvious, Miss Cavell.” He stared at the girl,