Earl of Edgemore by Amanda Mariel

Author:Amanda Mariel [Mariel, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Carstine gathered her courage as she approached the Countesses’ private sitting room. She’d spent the previous two nights and all of Christmas Day considering what she should do. The time to act had come, and she’d made a decision.

Part of her was furious with Blake for how he’d treated her, but she also understood his reaction. He’d not been wrong.

She should have told him she was caste. But why the devil had he thought otherwise?

And regardless, he should have given her some consideration rather than simply declaring he’d not marry her.

What if she had no wish to marry him?

Had he even considered that possibility? No. He’d been too worried about his freedom, his reputation, his—whatever the rogues’ concern was—to speak to her with any kind of respect.

The truth was, had he offered for her, she would have accepted. But she’d not let him bed her with marriage in mind.

Carstine had never intended to trap him. She’d been carried away with emotion at the realization that she loved him and driven mad with passion.

Carstine stiffened her resolve. She had no regrets, save one: he didn’t love her.

Carstine knocked at the door, then waited.

“Enter,” the countess called out.

Carstine pushed the door open and stepped into the elegant room.

“Come, sit.” The countess patted the spot beside her.

Creamy Aubusson carpet padded Carstine’s footfalls as she moved to the yellow brocade sofa.

She gave the countess a forced smile as she sat beside her. “I’m sorry tae interrupt yer reading.” Carstine glanced at the leather-bound book in the older woman’s hand.

“Nonsense.” the countess closed the volume and sat it on the cherry-wood table beside her. “I welcome the visit.”

“I fear ye will soon change yer mind on that count.” Carstine’s stomach twisted over what she was about to reveal.

“I very much doubt that, dear.” The countess gave a warm smile as she reached for Carstine’s hand. “No use in putting the storm before the rain. Out with it then.”

“I wish tae return tae Scotland.” Carstine averted her gaze to the fire crackling in the marble hearth.

“Oh,” the countess said.

Carstine returned her gaze to the older woman. “At once.”

“I see.” The countess looked speculative for a moment before she spoke again. “I fear your mother would be most displeased. She has her heart set on you experiencing a London season, and I dare say, she harbors some hope that you will marry an English gentleman.”

“That isna possible.”

“But of course, it is.” The countess studied her for a heartbeat before continuing. “You’ve not yet been to London, and I assure you the gentlemen you’ve meet here are but a small sampling of what awaits you there. Surely you will meet a man that catches your fancy.”

Carstine fought against the moister pooling in her eyes and blurted, “I’m ruined.”

“Ruined,” the countess repeated, her eyes going wide before her expression went blank. She gave Carstine’s hand a slight squeeze, and said, “Then we shall see that the blackguard marries you.” She leaned closer to Carstine, her eyes warm. “Who

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