The Earl's Secret by Brisbin Terri

Author:Brisbin, Terri [Brisbin, Terri]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: United States, Harlequin Historical, Historical Romance, Series, Romance, General, Regency, Historical, Fiction, Literature & Fiction
ISBN: 9781426878510
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2010-09-01T07:00:00+00:00

"Anna, would you be so kind as to introduce Mr. Archer to our other guests? I need to speak to Cook about the timing of the courses this evening."

Anna knew a deception when she saw it and this was one of the best. Cook knew very well when the courses should be served, but this was Clarinda's way of beginning the subterfuge against him. With her not-so-veiled comments about their encounter at the theater, Anna could not be certain that he would not bolt right now. When he offered her his arm to escort her to the others, Anna accepted it and guided him to the small group standing near the pianoforte.

"Mr. Archer, may I make you known to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson of Aberdeen and Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and Miss Campbell, Mr. Campbell's sister, from Glasgow? They are distant cousins of Lord MacLerie."

A few minutes later and they were conversing politely. Nathaniel arrived, late for some unknown reason, and joined the group just in time for dinner to be announced. Lord MacLerie claimed his wife's arm and led everyone else down to the dining room, which was elegantly appointed for the dinner — candles in the chandeliers and set high in wall sconces gave tight to the room and was reflected off the crystal and silver in the table settings. Anna was not surprised to find Mr. Archer holding her chair when they found their places.

Between the soup course and the next, Lord MacLerie finally turned to Mrs. Campbell for a quiet question. Mr. Archer leaned over to her at the same moment. "I confess, Miss Fairchild, that I was not certain I would be welcomed by you tonight" His voice was low in volume, the comment directed only to her ears.

"Why ever not, sir?" She leaned over and caught his gaze. Would that piercing stare ever not affect her?

"The last two times we have been in each other's company, I have behaved rudely. At your school the other day and at the theater last week." He leaned away to allow one of the footman to place a platter of roasted pheasant near their places, and then leaned in closer again. "I would plead that you so completely surprised me in each incident that I was not thinking straight."

Anna was startled herself by his assessment. "I surprised you, Mr. Archer? How so?" Was he horrified that she accepted his kiss and did not slap him for his impertinence?

"I did not understand the depth of your commitment to your cause, Miss Fairchild. I underestimated you and discovered that your resolve in the matter of ... " He paused and looked around to see if their conversation was drawing attention. "In the matters you shared with me was admirable and worthy of respect."

Could everyone see her blush? She could feel the heat climb into her cheeks at his words. She lifted a goblet of cider to her lips and sipped it, hoping it would cool her. "You are too kind, sir," she whispered.

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