Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“And pray tell, Brother, what do you know of my type,” I replied. Truth was my brother knew very little about me. He had chosen that years ago.
“I know she’s intelligent, not easily charmed, and in need of a wealthy husband,” he said, matter-of-factly.
Annoyance simmered in my gut. He spoke of Miriam as if he knew her. He had spent very little time with her and he knew nothing. “She’s witty, has a sense of humor, and when she laughs, her face is even more beautiful, which I find to be a true rarity. Yes, her family needs her to marry well but a title is of no importance. She is well read and can talk of literature for hours,” I paused then and took a step toward my brother. “Unlike you, she’s not another face I’ve inquired about. She’s a person who I have taken the time to get to know.”
Ashington didn’t flinch. He showed no emotion in his stony expression. “Yet, she couldn’t get away from you quickly enough.”
He had me there. Although there was reason for that, I wasn’t going to spend my time explaining it to him. She wasn’t part of my plan, and unfortunately, I wasn’t going to get to know her like I wished to. The fear I may never meet another female like Miriam Bathurst did nag at me. However, I had a score to settle with Ashington and revenge that must be met.
“Don’t talk about what you don’t know, Brother,” I replied.
“Actions are far louder than words, little brother. I believe I know more than you give me credit. I was here to witness the entire scene. Only Lady Wellington noticed my presence and I will say she seemed entertained by it all.”
I hated him. With every moment spent in his presence, I remembered just how much pain he had caused. I wanted nothing to do with the man in front of me. However, I had once promised my mother revenge and I would see it through.
“As always, it’s been a pleasure,” I drawled sarcastically and walked away from him before I let myself say anything to make him think I cared. He meant nothing to me as did the words he spoke. I would be free of him soon and he would have reason to hate me. I would give it to him and enjoy every last moment.
Chapter Thirteen
Earl of Ashington
“Is she a princess or perhaps a duchess?” Emma asked me with a hopeful expression. Her little cherub face was turned up to stare at me with wide eyes so full of wonder. She had noticed I was dressed for more than dinner at home and had begun asking questions faster than I could answer them.
“No, I’m afraid she isn’t a princess or a duchess, but I do believe you would like her just the same. She’s very beautiful,” I told her, hoping to let her down easily.
Emma seemed to take a moment to study that bit of information before continuing with her inquisition. “Is she the same lady you took to the opera last week?”
The child forgot nothing. Ever. It could be that Alice was correct and I did not need to share my outings with Emma. If she were going to remember each and every one that could become confusing for her later.
I shook my head. “This is a new lady,” I told her, truly hoping she wasn’t keeping a tally in her head of the different females I spent time with and how much was too much information. Alice often corrected me for speaking to Emma as if she were an adult. There were things not meant for me to tell a child. I wasn’t good at measuring what that line was and I crossed it often, it would seem.
“Is this lady prettier than the last?” she asked, her eyes lighting up again with curiosity.
I started to tell her the truth when Alice entered the foyer looking stern. “That is of no consequence nor is it proper to discuss such things, Miss Emma.”
Emma rolled her eyes and sighed loudly. I bit the inside of my mouth to keep from grinning at her spunk. “Tis a simple question, Alice,” she said swinging her gaze to her governess.
“It is rude for child and adult alike to ask such a thing,” Alice replied. “Now, say your goodnight and come with me. It is well past time for you to be in bed.”
Emma’s shoulders sagged. “Goodnight, Ashington,” she said in defeat.
“Lord Ashington, Emma. You are to address the Earl as Lord Ashington,” Alice corrected her firmly.
Emma ignored her and sighed again with a dramatic rise and fall of her small shoulders. “I hope she’s lovely and likes to laugh. For you need to laugh more,” Emma said then threw her arms around my legs and hugged them tightly.