Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day

Author:Sylvia Day
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

liza had never fully appreciated the restorative properties of salt baths. However, Jasper insisted she take one before leaving his home the

Eevening before and suggested she might avail herself of one in the morning as well. Having taken his advice, she felt much better, although

there was still lingering soreness in unmentionable places.

She was also starving, as she often was after strenuous activity. She ate far more at breakfast than was usual and remained at the table for

some time after Melville excused himself. With the late morning sunshine slanting through the window at her back, Eliza read the paper and

chose not to think about all the many things she should be thinking about. Instead she chose to dissect the waltz in her mind, remembering

the way it was taught to her and improving upon that teaching method.

Jasper would be calling later for his first dance lesson. She was eager for him to become proficient so she could share a dance with him in

public. A thrill moved through her at the thought of being in his arms in full view of everyone. It would be a delicious challenge to be

decorous at a time when she would be so physically stimulated.

Eliza turned the page and tapped her foot to a tune playing in her head. A fter returning home at ten o’clock the night before, she’d stayed

in. She was perfectly content to read the various renditions of last night’s events in the gazettes, having previously come to the conclusion that

the printed tales were often more entertaining than the reality.

“Eliza.”

Glancing up, she smiled as her uncle reentered the room. “Yes, my lord?”

He rounded the long wooden table with a frown. Today was one of the few days when every piece of his attire was the way it should be,

signaling a hard-won victory for his lordship’s valet.

“The Earl of Westfield is here,” he said, pausing beside her.

“Oh?”

“He has expressed an interest in paying his addresses to you.”

Eliza blinked up at him. “Beg your pardon?”

“He wants to wed you. A nd speak with you. He awaits you in the parlor.”

She folded the paper carefully, her thoughts rushing forward and stumbling all over themselves. With her brain arrested by confusion, her

attention moved to the delicate lace runner that bisected the table. Her gaze slowly shifted to the brass candelabra that stood in the center.

The antique piece was surrounded by a ring of pink roses, just as she was surrounded by sudden marriage proposals.

Melville cleared his throat and pulled her chair back from the table. “I was not aware you and Westfield were well acquainted.”

Eliza stood. “I hardly know him.”

“It would be an excellent match, much more advantageous than marrying Montague.”

“A bsolutely,” she agreed, linking her arm with his and following his lead toward the door. Westfield was handsome, wealthy, and widely

respected. He was also a friend of Jasper’s, which made his offer decidedly more curious.

“How do you feel about this?” his lordship asked as they left the room.

“I wish I knew. Perhaps I’ll have a better idea after I speak with him.

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