"Yes."
"You seem… different." She peered at him, examining him.
"How so?" Jasper stood up from the table and walked toward the window that looked out to the road he had walked earlier.
"I guess I'm tired," Jasper said offhandedly, knowing well that his sister would not give up so easily.
"Has something happened?" Selina now stood next to him. "I'm sure there is something, you look inexplicably happy."
"Is that unusual for me?" Jasper laughed heartily.
"For this early and a simple breakfast? Yes." Selina's suspicious look intensified.
"Well, I was approached by the Lord Chief Justice yesterday," Jasper said, turning to face his sister. He wasn't ready to tell her more, not yet.
"Jasper!" Selina gasped. "How exciting!"
"Yes, quite exciting. I will, therefore, be rather preoccupied in the next weeks, and will have to miss our dinners." He took out his pocket watch and realized he would be late if he did not hurry.
"Darling Selina," he said regretfully, "I really must go now."
"So soon?"
"I will try to come back soon, I promise." He pocketed his watch and walked away from his sister. They bade goodbye, but Jasper had an inkling that Selina was still not convinced that his new job was the reason for his jubilant appearance.
Caroline walked into the enormous building. The corset was so tight she could hardly breathe. She suspected that the Duchess had instructed Madeleine to make it as tight as possible. They had just arrived at Wessex Manor for a late breakfast.
The Duchess of Wessex was hosting, along with her eldest daughter, Lady Anna. Inside the exquisite parlor were a few other young ladies with their chaperones, usually their mothers. It was essential to be seen during the Season.
After they had finished their tea, Lady Anna came rushing toward Caroline. The two of them had always gotten along nicely. Lady Anna was a year older than Caroline, was tall and slim, with dark brown hair, and her face was strewn with freckles. Her father was a wealthy Duke, and he and Caroline's aunt were cousins. "Did you hear about Miss Pembroke?" Lady Anna spoke quietly, lest someone scold her for gossiping.
"No, what happened?" Caroline looked curiously at her friend. Miss Pembroke was an acquaintance of theirs, one that always seemed to be on the unlucky side in life. Her father was a Viscount, known for his drinking and gambling. It was common knowledge that her father had squandered most of his wealth, and he had very little left for his five daughters. Caroline had always felt bad for Miss Pembroke.
"She has apparently been married to a Scottish Gentleman, and is expecting already." Lady Anna's eyes were wide as she continued.
"Her husband is ancient, and my lady's maid tells me that it is rumored that he is cruel to both his family and servants." She stopped speaking abruptly as the Dowager Duchess walked passed them. "Some have said that it is very suspicious how she was whisked off so quickly."
"You don't mean—?" Lady Caroline looked horrified at the implication.
"You know how naive she was," Lady Anna said sadly. "Her lady's maid was apparently dismissed, in disgrace, and no one knows why."
"This is a horrible rumor, surely." Caroline said a little too loudly.
"I'm afraid so." Lady Anna turned toward her mother, who had just called her name. She squeezed Caroline's hand affectionately before she stood up and joined her mother. Caroline was speechless. She thought about the little, sweet, innocent, and unfortunately gullible, Miss Pembroke.
If Lady Anna was correct, and usually she was, someone had taken advantage of Miss Pembroke. Anger coursed through Caroline's whole being at the idea alone.
Who could do such a vile thing?
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Also by Olivia Bennet
Thank you for reading A Wicked Earl she can’t Resist!
I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, may I ask you to please write a review HERE? It would mean very much to me. Reviews are very important and allow me to keep writing the books that you love to read!
Some other stories of mine:
For the Lust of a Rogue
Improperly Enticed by the Rascal Earl
Lured into Sin by the Wicked Earl
A Seductive Lady for the Scarred Earl
A Vixen for the Devilish Duke
Guilty Pleasures of a Bluestocking
Also, if you liked this book, you can also check out my full Amazon Book Catalogue HERE.
Thank you for allowing me to keep doing what I love!
Olivia Bennet
About the Author
Having obtained a degree in Journalism, but with an affinity for literature and creative writing, Olivia Bennet knew from a young age that her future lay in the romantic ideals of the past. With a fascination for the Regency era and a good romance, she started her career as a historical romance author the old-fashioned way: with pen and paper.
Born in rural Devon, Olivia draws inspiration from the vast farmlands of the British countryside and the people living in the surrounding villages. An avid artist, she takes her sketchbook everywhere with her and captures the beauty of nature, which she then incorporates into her books.
Allow your conscious to be carried away on a wind made of letters and words, of love, mystery and the magic of the Regency era. Start your journey and allow Olivia’s pen to guide you!
A Wicked Earl she can't Resist: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 30