Read Online The Earl I Adore by Erin Knightley - Free Book Online

miniature concert, right here in the drawing room.”
    Eyes wide, Miss Wembley shook her head. “No, Mama, please.” It was a real plea, not the feeble protest of one looking to elicit more praise.
    â€œDon’t be shy, my dear. Play for your guest.”
    The older woman’s demand was just that. It was said with a smile, but the steel in her voice brooked no argument. Miss Wembley looked as though she’d as soon sink into the floorboards as be forced to play for him right then. Once again, he had managed to get her wrangled into something she’d rather avoid.
    â€œSophie,”
her mother nearly hissed this time, “you mustn’t keep his lordship waiting.”
    â€œNever fear, madam; I may have missed this most recent concert, but I certainly have had the pleasure of hearing her play. Miss Wembley is very talented.”
    The girl blushed, clearly pleased, but her mother wasn’t so easily deterred. “How lovely for you to say so. Just wait until you hear her play solo.” She gave her daughter another insistent look. She had the tenacity of a seasoned matchmaking mama.
    â€œSpeaking of solo,” Evan interjected quickly, wanting to spare the girl from having to either give in or further refuse, “it occurs to me, Miss Wembley, that I never completed the introduction with my sister yesterday. Julia has only just arrived, and is in need of a friend or two, Ishould think.” Friends who were of the
female
persuasion.
    Now that he said it, he realized it was true. Miss Wembley might even be a good influence on his sister. She at least would never pick up and travel halfway across the country on a whim. And who knew? Perhaps if Julia had a few female friends in town, she’d be less inclined to spend time with the young bucks dangling after her.
    Warming to the idea, he smiled encouragingly. “When you are recovered, I’m certain Julia would be grateful were you to call on her.”
    Mother and daughter exchanged a quick glance before turning to him in unison. Mrs. Wembley beamed at him, obviously delighted by his suggestion. “What a wonderful idea! Sophie has always been my little magpie. I’m certain she and your sister shall become fast friends.”
    At that, he wondered whether she was already planning the wedding, or merely the betrothal announcement. And what was this magpie nonsense about? Miss Wembley was about as talkative as his horse. Thankfully, she didn’t seem at all as ambitious as her mother. She did seem to appreciate his suggestion, however.
    â€œThank you, my lord. I’d be honored.” Dimples bracketed either side of her mouth as she offered him a small but sweet smile.
    â€œExcellent. Shall I have a carriage sent ’round on Thursday or Friday, perhaps?”
    â€œNo!” Mrs. Wembley flushed and cleared her throat. “That is, I’m sure she’ll be on her feet before the day is out. How about tomorrow afternoon?”
    Evan had to work not to show his irritation. While he was more than happy to have Miss Wembley visit tomorrow, her mother’s anxiousness to push them back intoeach other’s company made him want to rescind the offer altogether. The only thing that kept him from doing so was the look of mortification on Miss Wembley’s face.
    It was a look he knew and understood well. He, more than anyone, knew that one could not be held accountable for a parent’s sins.
Shouldn’t be,
he silently amended, knowing full well how often people were.
    â€œVery well,” he said, dipping his head in consent. “If you are feeling suitably improved by tomorrow, send a missive and I’ll dispatch my carriage to collect you.”
    He stood and straightened his jacket, more than ready to conclude the visit. “I must be on my way. Thank you for the refreshments.”
    â€œOh, but you haven’t finished your tea, my lord.” Mrs. Wembley gestured to the mostly full