Undressed by the Earl Read Online Free PDF

measurements.
    “They’re unmentionables fit for a princess,” she sighed. “If only Father could afford them.”
    Her sister frowned, not at all understanding what Amelia was doing. “But he can.”
    Oh for goodness’ sake. Didn’t her sister recognize a sales tactic?
    Amelia widened her eyes, sending Margaret a silent message to play along with her ruse. “Not this one. It’s fifty pounds. An outrageous amount for something so luxurious.”
    She lowered her voice just a fraction, knowing the ladies were still eavesdropping. “I’ve heard that only the wealthiest women in the ton are wearing them. Perhaps someday I’ll be fortunate enough to own one.” Offering a melodramatic sigh, she set down the corset nearer to the young ladies, hoping they would take the bait. Eyeing them with a friendly smile, she saw that the blond girl was intrigued.
    “This one would suit you beautifully,” Amelia suggested, holding out a chemise in a vivid blue. Conversation with strangers came naturally to her, and she never minded it. Not only that, but since she was of the same social class as the young ladies, they were more willing to listen to her. The young woman studied the silk with the creamy lace and sent a pleading look toward her mother.
    “Or perhaps this one?” Amelia held out a virginal white corset trimmed with paste jewels. “It would be lovely for a trousseau.”
    Now she had the matron’s attention. The older woman reached for a night rail that was so sheer, it was hardly more than a scrap of lace. Though she appeared shocked by the garment, Amelia saw the secret glance she sent toward Madame Benedict.
    Sold , she thought. Perhaps the woman wanted to add a note of excitement into her own marriage. Amelia felt her cheeks blush at the idea. She was quite curious about what went on between a husband and a wife, but none of her sisters would tell her anything. Victoria and Juliette simply exchanged knowing smiles.
    Near the entrance to the shop, she saw a young lady entering. There was something familiar about the woman. I know her , Amelia thought, but she couldn’t remember the name.
    Margaret saw the direction of her gaze. “We have to leave. Now.”
    “I’ve seen that woman before,” Amelia whispered. “But where?”
    “It’s the Earl of Strathland’s sister, Sarah Carlisle,” Margaret murmured in her ear. “You will not speak to her or have anything to do with her. Not after what her brother did to us.”
    Amelia was fully aware of how Lord Strathland had threatened their family. Four years ago, his men had set their house on fire, trying to force them off their land in Scotland. When that hadn’t worked, he’d tried to intimidate her sisters.
    Although the man had slipped into madness and was now in an asylum, it wasn’t good enough for Amelia. After all that he’d done, he deserved the hangman’s noose.
    Without really knowing why, she inched closer, just enough to overhear Madame Benedict asking the young woman to leave.
    Amelia frowned. Why would Madame Benedict turn an earl’s sister away? It made no sense at all. But then, she saw the young woman staring at them as if pleading for help. There was desperation on the girl’s face, and she lifted her hand to catch Amelia’s attention. It was clear now that Lady Sarah had come to find her. But why?
    She didn’t know what prompted her to follow, but Amelia ignored Margaret’s protests and stepped outside. It had begun to rain, and the young woman was standing there, letting it fall over her without seeking shelter. She appeared utterly lost.
    “Do you need help?” Amelia blurted out.
    The young woman stiffened and turned to face her. “Yes, I do. And I’m sorry for coming to you in such a public place. But I couldn’t pay a call on you at your home. Your family would never consider helping me—not after what my brother did to you.”
    Her honesty made Amelia feel sorry for her. She now remembered meeting Lady Sarah at a ball, years