Page 26 of Married to the Earl

But she would still consider the meal an opportunity. It wasn’t just a chance for the Earl to get to know her and to decide whether or not he wished to marry her. It was a chance for her to get to knowhim.

Maybe I can’t choose not to marry him. But I can take the time to learn more about him, so at least I won’t be going into the marriage blind.

Feeling somewhat reassured, she went to her window seat and pressed her hands to the glass, looking out at the city below.

This room had been her cage. But it had also been her place of safety. It had been her home.

Was she ready to leave that safety behind?

She had no idea.

Chapter 11

By the following evening, Astrid had organized her thoughts. She had spent the day studiously reminding herself of the consequences that would befall her father if she failed to cooperate tonight, telling herself over and over that she couldn’t do anything to make the Earl withdraw whatever interest he might have had in her.

This was a game, and she had to play it.

The knock at the door came precisely at the hour.He’s punctual. That could be a feature or a flaw. It could mean he respected his hosts’ time, or it could simply mean that he was so strict and exacting that even one minute either way seemed an unpardonable infraction to him.

She realized that even though she had no options here, she wasn’t going to be able to help passing judgment on him. By the end of the night, she was sure, she would have come to some sort of conclusion as to whether or not he was the right man for her.

Not that she had anything to compare him to.This would be so much easier if I had had the chance to meet other men in my life, she thought ruefully.I would feel more prepared if I knew what else was out there.

Maybe she wouldn’t like him, but he would be a kind person.

More frightening still, maybe she would decide shedidlike him without realizing that he was cruel.

No. I can tell the difference between kindness and cruelty. It doesn’t matter that I have no experience with other men, that I’ve never been courted. I know when someone is treating me well and when they aren’t.

She stood in the foyer and waited as her father answered the door and ushered Lord Middleborough into their home. “Welcome, My Lord,” he said, bowing so low that Astrid was surprised he didn’t fall over. She hated to see her father be so obsequious.

“Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Dawson,” Lord Middleborough said. “I appreciate your hospitality.”

“Not at all.”

“And of course, I’ve met your lovely daughter,” the Earl said, turning a searching gaze on Astrid.

All thought of what she ought to say or do fled Astrid’s head. Her breath left her. Had she forgotten how handsome he was? It wasn’t as if she hadn’t thought of his angular face and bright green eyes since the last time she had seen him. In fact, her mind had returned several times to that image.

But seeing him in person was different.

He was breathtaking. Captivating. He was like a piece of artwork. And the way he stared at Astrid, his eyes drinking her in, madeherfeel like a piece of artwork. It was enough to make her forget all her reservations about what was to follow.

And then he turned away from her.

“I suppose we should begin our supper?” he asked.

Astrid’s father nodded. “Please, come with me.” He turned and led the way into the dining room. “We’re having pheasant,” he said, speaking over his shoulder. “I hope that appeals to you, Lord Middleborough?”

“Pheasant is fine,” the Earl said indifferently.

Astrid took her seat at the table, and her father sat at the head. Lord Middleborough sat across from Astrid. His back was absolutely straight, his hands tucked neatly in his lap. He looked as if he had been carved from stone.

Is he feeling uncomfortable?Astrid wondered.Or is this how members of thetonsit at mealtimes? As his wife, will I be expected to sit like a tin soldier too?She didn’t know if she could do it. She had been raised with proper table manners, of course, and she was mindful of them, but she had never been afraid to move while at the table before.

Perhaps he just feels awkward, she thought.It must be a frightening thing for him too, sitting down with the man whose daughter he might eventually marry.

What if he was so uncomfortable that he decided to leave?

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