Read Online The Dark Earl by Virginia Henley - Free Book Online Page B

Anson’s expression to change to disapproval. When he kept a straight face, she handed one of the glasses to Rachel and the other to Beatrix. She took two more, knowing his dark glance was riveted on her. When she handed one to Jane, she saw his black eyebrows draw together. She blithely sipped her own champagne. “What?” she asked.
    “Jane’s too young to be drinking,” he murmured.
    “What do you expect, when I set the example?”
    “I expect no better, truth be told.”
    “Do you enjoy being the arbiter of young girls’ morals?” she teased.
    “No, but I quite enjoy being the arbiter of yours.”
    “It’s a full-time job,” she warned.
    “I think I’m up to it.”
    D’Arcy joined Harriet and Thomas.
    “It was most thoughtful of you to invite Captain Butler and Will Montagu,” Harry said with a grateful smile.
    “Ah, and here comes Henry Edgcumbe. I attempted to match every lady with a dinner partner of her acquaintance.”
    “That was so considerate. Poor old James will be the odd man out.”
    “Not at all. I shall place him at the foot of the table as cohost.”
    William Montagu and Henry Edgcumbe joined the group. Each had brought a glass of champagne for Lady Harriet.
    Oh dear, I have four men vying for my attention. Trixy and Jane will hate me. Harry held up her glass and smiled at the two young lords. “I’m sure my sisters would love some champagne.”
    D’Arcy spied his chance to remove her from the others. “Harry, how about that tour I promised you?”
    She glanced quickly at Anson and saw the silver flash of his eyes. Harry waved her fan languidly. “That is so thoughtful of you, D’Arcy. Why don’t we invite Mother to join us? She remembers dining here when your grandfather was prime minister. I’m sure it will bring back fond, nostalgic memories for her.”
    For a moment D’Arcy looked stunned. Then his sunny good nature returned. “I’ll have a word with Her Grace and be right back.”
    Montagu and Edgcumbe sought Harry’s sisters, and she found herself alone with Thomas. “D’Arcy is never ill-humored when things don’t go his way.”
    His smile was rueful. “That’s because things have always gone his way.”
    There’s an understatement. At twelve years old, D’Arcy was already an earl of the realm, with a castle and a fortune at his disposal.
    D’Arcy returned with the duchess. Harry took his arm and the trio went off to explore the elegant Carlton House Terrace residence before dinner was served.
    “This was your mother’s private sitting room,” the duchess declared. “I’ve always loved this chamber, with its painted ceiling.” She looked pointedly at Harry. “Any lady could be happy here.”
    They moved on to the library, where portraits of D’Arcy’s father and grandfather hung. “It’s easy to see why Elizabeth fell in love with John Lambton. I warrant he was one of the handsomest men in England. You have inherited your father’s good looks. . . . Don’t you think so, Harry?”
    “Absolutely. I believe D’Arcy was touched by the angels.” His golden hair and blue eyes truly give him the look of an archangel.
    The earl’s majordomo appeared at the library door.
    “Dinner must be ready. Shall we repair to the dining room, ladies?”
    Each place setting had a card printed with the name of a guest, and the diners took their places. D’Arcy sat at the head of the table, with Harry on his right, and the duchess on his left. Thomas was seated between Harry and Beatrix, and Henry Edgcumbe was paired with Jane. Across the table, Will Montagu sat next to the duchess, and Rachel was paired with Captain Butler. Young James sat at the foot, opposite D’Arcy.
    Though the setting was formal, the company was anything but, and the conversation flowed freely, along with the laughter.
    Though Harry listened attentively to D’Arcy, all her senses focused on the dark lord who sat beside her. On an impulse she nudged his foot with her own and smiled when she