Why Lords Lose Their Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page A

other man in kind, he might have been forced to hang himself from the nearest tree.
    “Indeed,” he responded to the widowed duchess’s question. “Quite honored.” He wasn’t sure, but Archer thought he heard Dunthorp mutter something unflattering beneath his breath. Look, old chap, Archer thought bitterly, I’m just as unhappy with this situation as you are.
    “I was not aware just how skilled an equestrienne you are, Your Grace,” Dunthorp said as he and Perdita followed the trail through the parklands. “I suppose you learned as a child?”
    “Indeed,” Perdita agreed, patting her mare on the neck. “My father’s head groom taught both Isabella and me when we were quite small. Papa believed that a lady should consider riding second only to dancing.”
    “Something else that you do exceedingly well,” Dunthorp said with a grin, his voice a caress. “Your father was just as intelligent as his daughter.”
    At the other man’s fatuous compliment for Perdita’s long-dead father, Archer nearly spoke out to correct him, but knowing it would embarrass her he said nothing. His silence was, however, difficult to maintain.
    Perdita, however, had no such reticence. “I’m afraid there you’re dead wrong, Lord Dunthorp,” she said grimly. “My father was hardly the pattern card of propriety everyone thinks him, and was an even worse parent, I’m afraid. If you don’t mind, I’d be pleased not to speak of him again.”
    As Archer had expected, upon hearing her words, Lord Dunthorp apologized profusely, declaring himself to be everything that was sorry for bringing up such a painful topic.
    “Don’t be absurd,” she responded, catching Archer’s eye as he rode along behind them. “You had no way of knowing.”
    As they neared the Serpentine, Dunthorp said, “I thank you for taking me into your confidence. I simply hope that Lord Archer will be as discreet as I plan to be with the information.”
    That took Archer aback. And Perdita, too, if her expression was anything to go by. Bastard must be feeling annoyed at not being able to ride alone with her, he thought, sizing up the other man. Aloud he said, “Oh, I don’t think I’ll be telling anyone about Her Grace’s secret. After all, I’ve known for some years now and haven’t blurted it out before.” Take that, you great looby, he thought, watching with satisfaction as the other man’s eyes narrowed to hear he’d not been the first to learn of Perdita’s difficult relationship with her father.
    “I see,” Dunthorp said thoughtfully. “I suppose as a family servant you would be privy to such things, wouldn’t you?”
    Perdita, whose fair skin and red hair made her prone to wearing her emotions on her skin, flushed an angry red. “Lord Archer is not a servant, sir,” she said, her clipped tone making it very clear that she was not best pleased with her suitor’s words. “He is a dear friend of the family, and indeed as the son of the Duke of Pemberton he is included among the top families in the ton. I suppose you were unaware of that since Lord Archer is so modest that he chooses not to bruit about his family connections like the veriest mushroom. I hope you’ll keep that in mind in the future. I should hate for you to embarrass yourself, Lord Dunthorp, by showing Lord Archer any discourtesy.”
    It was an impressive speech, made more so because she did not raise her voice, or indeed allow any hint of dislike to enter her tone. She was civil and friendly as ever. But if one were to go by Lord Dunthorp’s expression, she’d just shouted at the top of her lungs and made good use of her riding crop. Archer was aware only of how magnificent she looked, and when she glanced back to catch his eye, something passed between them that felt as alive as electricity.
    “I b-beg your p-pardon, Your Grace,” Dunthorp stuttered. “I didn’t mean any disrespect to Lord Archer.” He turned to Archer and though his face looked ashamed, the