A Wicked Way to Win an Earl by Anna Bradley

she’d be the gazelle in this scenario.
    An awful, foolish, delightful plan was taking shape in her head. It was a mad scheme, and Delia had promised Lily she’d be the soul of propriety for the duration of the house party. Now here she was, letting her temper lead her into just the kind of mischief that would infuriate her sister.
    But then, Lily didn’t have to know, did she? What difference did one more secret make?
    No, no, no. She’d best put it out of her mind. It was reckless in the extreme to play games with Lord Carlisle. He was an earl, for goodness’ sake, and he was her host, so she was technically under his protection at the moment. He was also haughty, arrogant, and dismissive—not a man who’d take kindly to being toyed with.
    But that was exactly what made it so irresistible. The great Lord Carlisle, bested at his own game! How satisfying it would be to show him that even an aristocrat with wealth and a title could be humbled, and by an insignificant girl from some obscure village in Surrey, no less! Oh, it was too delicious.
    â€œAm I late?” a deep male voice asked.
    A shadow fell across her sketchbook and Delia’s heart leapt into her throat. “Oh!” She closed her sketchbook and scrambled to her feet.
    â€œI apologize, Miss Somerset. I didn’t mean to startle you.Where have the others gone? I thought we were having a sketching party?”
    Delia smiled up at Robyn Sutherland, relief weakening her knees for a moment. “We are. That is, we were. It’s been hours. The others returned to the house to rest before dinner. I’m just about to return myself.”
    â€œAh. I see.” Robyn shook his head with mock regret. “I’m afraid my sketching will never improve at this rate.”
    Delia looked into his twinkling black eyes and couldn’t help but return his crooked grin. Perhaps Robyn Sutherland
was
a little wicked, but he was also so pleasant and charming it was impossible not to like him. “No, I’m afraid it won’t. I’m sorry for it, Mr. Sutherland. A gentleman who can’t sketch is shocking indeed.”
    â€œAt least let me escort you back to the house. It will be a kindness on your part to save me from utter disgrace.” He held out his hand to carry her sketchbook.
    Delia hesitated briefly, but then handed over the book.
    â€œMay I take you through some of the formal gardens close to the house on the way back?” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “It’s too early for the roses to be in full bloom, but it’s still a pleasant walk.”
    â€œBy all means,” Delia said. “I would be delighted.”

Chapter Eight

    Alec spent the morning and part of the afternoon in his study working on estate business. He’d just dismissed his steward when there was a knock on the door. His mother entered and took a seat in front of Alec’s massive mahogany desk.
    â€œWell?” He leaned back in his chair. “What are your initial impressions of our guests?”
    â€œMiss Somerset looks very much like her mother,” the dowager said.
    â€œYes. She mentioned there is a strong family resemblance. What was her mother like?”
    â€œShe was a diamond of the first water, of course, labeled an Incomparable less than two weeks into her season. She also had some of the noblest blood in England running through her veins, being a Chase. That’s why your father wanted to marry her, of course. He began courting her as soon as she was out.”
    Alec began to wish he’d poured himself a glass of whiskey.
    That sounded just like his father. He’d always insisted on the best of everything, and believed without question he was entitled to it. Alec looked at his mother and his face softened a little. Even when his father had the best in his hand, he’d not appreciated it.
    â€œTo be truthful,” she said, “I always thought Millicent