Page 37 of How to Tempt an Earl

Both girls chuckled, then covered their mouths. Olivia looked around before whispering, “We call her the Dragon.”

It was Grace’s turn to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud. “It’s a fitting name.”

“We think so,” Ellie said.

“Why does your mother insist that Lady Taddlesworth instruct you?” Grace asked.

“She’s a distant family relation. Mother desperately wants to ensure we are properly accepted into Society, and claims that with Lady Taddlesworth’s support, others have had great success in finding proper husbands,” Olivia said.

Grace couldn’t imagine what Taddlesworth considered a proper husband. A boring aristocrat? An aging, toothless viscount or marquess? Or a strict husband who would act more like a jailer than a partner?

Ellie wrung her hands. “She makes me practice the pianoforte for hours each day.”

Olivia wrinkled her nose. “She makes me sing.”

“I take it you don’t enjoy the piano or singing?” Grace asked.

“I’m a horrid singer,” Olivia said.

Ellie nodded in agreement. “It’s true. She screeches. And I hate the piano.”

“I’d rather ride,” Olivia said.

“And I’d rather read,” Ellie said. “But according to Lady Taddlesworth, neither are acceptable and won’t find us proper husbands.”

“I think your mother means well, but Lady Taddlesworth doesn’t know a fig about what gentlemen want,” Grace insisted.

Ellie chuckled, a bit more loudly this time. “I like you.”

“I like you, too,” Grace said.

“I hope I see you again. Perhaps at a ball or party once I make my debut?” Ellie asked.

Grace nodded. “I’m certain you will.”

Grace pictured the two young ladies escorted by their brother to a ball. She realized that she’d never seriously considered the full ramifications of Ian’s success. She’d only cared about completing her end of the bargain and satisfying her father’s debts to the Raven Club. But now that she’d met Ian’s sisters, her perspective was beginning to change. He was become more real…more admirable…and infinitely more desirable.

It was a perilous combination for a lady’s heart.

Chapter Eleven

On Grace’s next late-night visit to Ian’s home, the butler greeted them at the back door accompanied by a tall, thin woman wearing a black dress with a starched white collar and cuffs.

“Good evening, my lord. Good evening, miss.” The woman bobbed a curtsy and then smiled.

Ian made the introductions. “This is Mrs. Smithson, the new housekeeper.”

Grace’s eyes widened. She’d never expected Ian to obtain a housekeeper so quickly.

“Everything is as you wished, miss,” Jenkins said.

She looked at the butler standing beside the new housekeeper, an eager expression on his wrinkled face. “Thank you, Jenkins.”

Ian led Grace farther into the kitchen. Once they were alone, he chuckled, drawing her attention.

“What’s so humorous?” Grace asked.

“It’s only your third visit here and already you’ve charmed stodgy Jenkins. I overheard him speaking highly of you to Mrs. Smithson,” Ian said.