Page 69 of Discovering Her Earl

“The rest is my livelihood and that of the tenants and miners that depend on me. I am destined to be shackled to a staid, proper woman.”

Julian thought briefly of the tall, red-headed hellion who wore men’s breeches while she dug through the dirt. A smile came to his face when he thought of how it had felt to kiss her.

How she’d touched him back. She was innocent, but she wasn’t staid or boring. Unfortunately, she wasn’t proper either.

He hadn’t seen Elaina since the night of the ball when her uncle announced that he would be joining the expedition. He hadn’t had the chance to thank her in person, though he had sent a few bouquets of flowers to their home.

Each time he’d stopped in to visit, she and her aunt had been out gathering things for their journey.

In a week, it would be the new year, and they would be boarding a ship set for Africa and he would be with her again.

“I don’t know what has brought that smile to your face, but whoever she is, you should pick her.”

When he returned home, a number of parcels had arrived from Mr. Harper’s shop.

“What is all this,” Julian asked Spencer.

“There is a note, my lord.” The butler held it out.

He recognized her writing immediately. He recalled the way her tongue had caressed her bottom lip as she focused on filling out the logs each afternoon. Now he knew what that lip felt like and how she tasted. A smile tugged at his lips as he eagerly opened the letter.

Lord Melville,

I’ve taken the liberty of commissioning some garments for you and Mr. Bentley for the expedition. As you are aware, the pyramids are in the desert, and it will be rather warm even in January. Therefore, loose-fitting, light-weight clothing is preferred as it allows the air to flow and keep one cooler.

Please reach out to Mr. Harper if you need any adjustments made.

—E

The smile on his face grew as he considered her gesture. He was most appreciative she had taken the time to see to his comfort as well as to Ben’s. But this was more than that.

This was her way of showing her acceptance.

The smile faded slightly as he recalled her offer of forgiveness before he’d even made a proper apology.

He didn’t deserve her acceptance. He didn’t deserve to be welcomed on this journey. But knowing that wouldn’t keep him from going.

It wasn’t just about the adventure and his last chance to enjoy his freedom before being forced into a marriage he didn’t want.

It was about Elaina. He wanted to see her again.

No. He wanted to kiss her again. And he knew he bloody well didn’t deserve that either.

What a selfish bastard he was.

Hale’s words floated around him.

I don’t know what has brought that smile to your face, but whoever she is, you should pick her.

If only he could.

*

“I don’t have to tell you, it isn’t done to purchase clothing for a man,” Aunt Rose mentioned as she and Lainey were sitting in the drawing room alone after dinner. “Especially intimate clothing.”

“Is it a good thing then that I forwarded the bill to him as well? And confirmed that Melville paid it immediately.” She smiled mischievously.

“You know what I mean,” Rose said with a raised brow.