The Earl I Adore by Erin Knightley

with her completely on that. Miss Wembley had shown real grace, and that was something to be admired. It was one thing to accept an apology; it was another to honestly forgive. He was quite looking forward to the performance tonight, but that aside, he was pleased that she’d agreed to join them. After spending the past decade floating among the
ton
but never really engaging, it was almost a relief to allow himself to actually be honest with someone. Not that he was in the habit of lying to others, but most of his friendships leaned toward the superficial. It was a means of self-preservation for him, just as isolation was for Julia.
    In fact, he’d been much more frank with Miss Wembley than he’d intended yesterday. He had revealed more of himself and of his past to her than he had to anyonein recent memory. Why was that? Was it the inherent sweetness he sensed in her? Those big, innocent-looking eyes that really seemed to see him when he talked to her? Or perhaps it was the fact that, however unintentionally it had come about, she already knew that he was not interested in anything other than friendship. That alone took the pressure off his shoulders.
    The carriage slowed as they turned down Miss Wembley’s street. Every house looked exactly like its neighbors, each sporting a white door, warm-toned limestone block, and tall, shutterless windows. Even though he’d been to her house, he couldn’t have said which one it was to save his life.
    Moments later they glided to a stop. Before he could step down, the nearest door opened and Miss Wembley stepped out. As usual, she looked like a ray of sunshine, swathed in a becoming yellow gown and sporting a jaunty beribboned bonnet that tied beneath her chin with a floppy bow. She wasn’t a conventional beauty, not by a long shot, but something about her made him smile.
    â€œGood afternoon, Miss Wembley,” he said, quickly disembarking and offering a small bow. “You are looking very well today.” He paused, surprised when she pulled the door closed behind her. “Will not your mother join us?”
    She bobbed a curtsy before shaking her head. “Good day, my lord. I’m sorry to say she has a bit of a headache this afternoon, and wishes to stay abed. Since we are not in London and the event is part of the festival, she felt Lady Julia’s presence should be adequate for propriety’s sake.”
    â€œReally?” he said before he could think better of it. Honestly, Mrs. Wembley didn’t seem the sort to pass up the opportunity to join them. He would have guessed she’d jump at the chance to try to push her daughter ona supposedly eligible nobleman. It wasn’t a particularly kind thought, but he’d wager it was accurate enough.
    Miss Wembley’s cheeks reddened as she offered a dimpled smile. “Indeed. Provided the carriage remains open, of course. A happy coincidence that the top is already down; I should hate to cause any delay in our departure. Oh, and lovely to see you, Lady Julia. Thank you so much for inviting me.”
    His sister gave a little wave from where she sat. “Good day, Miss Wembley. I’m very much looking forward to our afternoon together.”
    Evan relaxed. At least they were off to a civilized start. Stopping beside the landau’s step, he held out his hand to Miss Wembley. “May I?”
    She nodded and slipped her fingers onto his palm. “Thank you,” she murmured, the words nearly lost in the sounds of the traffic passing by. As she stepped up, the horses shifted, moving the landau just enough to upset her balance. She gripped his hand tightly as she lurched backward, and he automatically steadied her by placing his other hand at her waist.
    At least he’d intended it to be her waist.
    All at once he realized that, thanks to her elevated position, his hand had landed at her hip instead, just below her stays. She was soft and pliant beneath his