My Musical Earl's Forbidden Love: An Age Gap Enemies to Lovers Clean Regency Romance by Kristina Earl

Author:Kristina Earl [Earl, Kristina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-09-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Iris stood before her mirror, adjusting the ribbons on her riding habit with trembling fingers. The previous day's events—her mother's discovery of the letters, their heated argument, and the subsequent ban on her music lessons with Lord Thornbrook—weighed heavily upon her mind. She had scarcely slept, constantly thinking defiant thoughts and despairing.

A soft knock at the door preceded Lucy's entrance. The maid's face was etched with concern as she approached her mistress.

"Are you ready, My Lady?" Lucy asked, her voice low. "Your mother is quite insistent that you join the riding party promptly."

Iris suppressed a sigh. "Yes, Lucy, I'm ready. Though I confess, I'd much rather remain abed today."

Lucy's eyes darted to the closed door before she leaned in, whispering, "I've managed to slip your letter to Lord Thornbrook, My Lady. I handed it to his lordship's hands directly. I know I shouldn't have, but I couldn't bear to see you so sad."

A flicker of hope ignited in Iris's chest. "Oh, Lucy, you're a treasure. Thank you."

As they went downstairs, Iris steeled herself for the ordeal ahead. Her mother had arranged this outing with all the subtlety of a charging bull, and her intentions regarding Lord Edgar Ainsworth were painfully obvious. The fact that Lord Ainsworth had also invited Lord Thornbrook—no doubt to maintain appearances—only added to the tension Iris felt coiling in her stomach.

Lady Rosier was issuing last-minute instructions to the servants in the entrance hall. Upon seeing Iris, she broke off, her eyes narrowing as she took in her daughter's appearance.

"Iris, dear, do straighten your hat. We want you looking your best for Lord Edgar, don't we?"

Iris bit back a retort, forcing a smile instead. "Yes, Mama."

Lady Rosier lowered her voice, her tone sharp. "And I trust I need not remind you to comport yourself with proper decorum today. Lord Thornbrook may be joining us, but you are not to engage him in conversation beyond what politeness demands. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," Iris replied, her own voice clipped.

The tension in the air was thick enough to be cut with a knife as the riding party assembled on the front lawn of Rosewood Manor. Lord Edgar arrived first, resplendent in a bottle-green riding coat that perfectly set off his golden hair. He dismounted with effortless grace, bowing over Lady Rosier's hand before turning his charming smile on Iris.

"Lady Iris," he said, his blue eyes twinkling. "You look positively radiant this morning. I hope you'll allow me to ride beside you today."

Before Iris could formulate a response, the sound of approaching hoofbeats drew their attention. Lord Thornbrook appeared, cutting a striking figure atop his black stallion. His grey eyes swept the gathering, lingering for a moment on Iris before he inclined his head in a polite greeting.

"Lord and Lady Rosier, Edgar, Lady Iris," he said, his deep voice sending a tingle that ran down Iris's back. "I trust I haven't kept you waiting?"

Lady Rosier's smile was brittle as she replied, "Not at all, Lord Thornbrook. We're delighted you could join us.

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