Read Online 9781618858467ASinfulEducationPimentel by Layna Pimentel - Free Book Online Page A

home, but when the subject waned, all returned
to silence until they arrived at the venue.
    Charles
cast glances at her and genuinely smiled at Isabel’s prattling. But every once
in a while, he stared down at his lap and fumbled with his fingers. He gulped
hard and exhaled, as if he were deep in thought about something tremendously
serious. She would give anything to know what had him so engrossed.
    “If
you do not mind my saying, I am dying to see the theater. It has been some time
since I was here, and I really wanted to see it the first time around.”
    They
both looked at the marchioness in astonishment, when Emily piped up. “Well now,
if you and my darling brother had not been so busy with your own scandal, then
I would not have the world’s loveliest niece and nephew.”
    Isabel
cast an amused glance at Lord Avonlea, and he put up his arms. “The lady said
it, not I.”
    When
the carriage came to a halt at the entrance, Emily carefully watched the earl exit
and hold out his hands to each of them. Isabel descended first then she, but
something strange happened when they touched. His fingers lingered a moment,
and he gave hers a gentle squeeze.
    Her
heart leapt at the sensation, which flowed right down to her toes. Fortunately,
they were covered in her slippers, or someone would sure notice them curling.
She observed a change in him since the last time they had spoken at the ball.
    Emily
hooked her arm with Lady Isabel and dragged her toward the theater, his
lordship following closely behind. They entered and were greeting by a portly
and aged doorman.
    “Welcome,
Lady Thompson, Lord Avonlea. And who might this darling young woman be?”
    Emily
flushed. She did not hear compliments all that often, and found it delightful
someone had called her a woman without being crass. “I am Emily Thompson, sir.
Lady Thompson’s sister-in-law.”
    “Forgive
my ignorance, miss. Shall I have one of my lads escort you to the balcony?”
    “I
believe I know the way, sir. Thank you for asking.”
    The
earl led the way, and she and Isabel trailed after. Emily’s heart raced as her
eyes followed the curve of his lordship’s bottom. This had been the first time
she had looked at him so thoroughly, and her imagination ran wild. What
would he be like? Touching me the way Downsbury did ? Would
he be gentle and soothing, or would he be gruff and callous? His thighs were
thick and shapely in his riding breeches, and she wondered what his bare back
would look like.
    An
unfamiliar warmth crept up her back, and seared her cheeks. Wicked thoughts of the
two of them in an intimate embrace. Emily shook her head. Even viewing that
woman on her knees with her soon-to-be-husband, she had barely caught a glimpse
of his grace’s appendage. Do they all look the same? What does Lord
Avonlea’s look like? Her face burned once again as the scandalous musings
returned.
    When
they reached their balcony, Isabel entered first, then she, followed by Charles.
He sat next to her.
    “Are
you all right, Emily? You look piqued,” Isabel asked as she turned.
    “Oh,
I am quite fine.”
    “Are
you sure, Miss Thompson? I can arrange for a glass of water to be brought up,” his
lordship queried.
    “Nonsense.
It is a tad warm here, so I shall rectify the situation by removing my shawl.” Good
lord. If they only knew what has me so out of sorts. The
musicians finished tuning their instruments when the actors came out.
    “Excuse
me. I do believe I need to use the…convenience,” Isabel whispered into her ear.
    “Shall
I accompany you?”
    “No,
dear. Sit and watch the play. I shan’t be but a few minutes.” Isabel tapped her
shoulder and slipped through the curtains.
    She
was finally alone with Lord Avonlea, but would he indulge her questions, or
would he find them too scandalous and report to her brother? No, he
would never do that. Nathaniel would shoot him.
    “Is
her ladyship well?” he asked.
    “Yes,
she is fine. She’ll be along