How to Wed an Earl Read Free

never occurred to her that rewarding one loyal companion would insult another. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to seem unappreciative of your generosity,” she said in genuine contrition before proceeding to explain her actions. “But you know I never eat the crust, and I’m certain Nelson was grateful to taste a bit of your delicious creation.”
    “So you liked it?”
    “Mari, it was the best pie I have ever tasted.” She meant it, too, and she had tasted many, many pies.
    “Thank you,” Mari murmured, visibly flattered. “I shall ask Mama to add the pie to our menu, then. Papa would be pleased.”
    Mari’s parents had bought this popular coaching inn located in the tiny village of Bouth in the South Lakes after they’d married, but Penelope was the one who sampled all the new food here. Nothing was added to the menu unless she had pre-approved it as delicious — not because Penelope was a food connoisseur, but because Mari was too concerned about maintaining her slim figure to try any of her exquisite concoctions.
    “Mari, your parents owe it to the world to add the pie to your menu. Certainly it deserves a place in that recipe book you intend to write.”
    When Mari smiled, Penelope knew both she and Nelson had been forgiven. Gratified, Penelope took another bite of pie.
    “I didn’t mean to be harsh, Polly. I’m just worried.” Mari hesitated before asking, “Do you remember the governess position that Mrs. Bexley offered me?”
    Penelope nodded. “She asked me about it. Mrs. Bexley said her daughter needed to be taught by the best, so she would only offer the position to a beautiful woman with impeccable manners.”
    Mari’s gray eyes twinkled with satisfaction. “I turned it down. I told her there are any number of ‘beautiful’ women with ‘impeccable manners’ in Bouth.” She gave a sly grin. “Then I suggested she ask
you
about it.”
    “I did wonder why Mrs. Bexley suddenly contacted me to discuss the job.”
    “You’re perfect for it!” Mari declared loyally. “But don’t let Nelson beg for food around Mrs. Bexley.” She leaned forward, laying her hands on the scarred oak table. “Oh, please say you accepted the offer. It will help solve your stepfamily’s dilemma.”
    Penelope tensed. Her stepfamily’s “dilemma” involved creditors demanding her physician stepfather, Dr. Walker, to settle the family’s enormous debt with money everybody knew Papa didn’t have, or else give up Highfield Manor and deprive his children of the only home they’d ever known.
    The extra income would undoubtedly help. Penelope wasn’t averse to working for a living if the opportunity arose. Sadly, no opportunity was forthcoming, and she admitted it in a flat, emotionless voice: “Mrs. Bexley didn’t offer me employment.”
    Mari gaped at her. “I don’t understand. I specifically told her that I’m not the only one in Bouth who has a claim to both beauty as well as impeccable manners, and you said she came to you to discuss the position.”
    “She did.”
    “Then why — ”
    “Mrs. Bexley asked me about the position,” Penelope confirmed, arching a brow before adding dryly, “She asked if I happened to know anyone, other than you, who ‘possessed both beauty and impeccable manners.’ She was even gracious enough to give me time to think of an acceptable candidate.”
    Mari shook her head, causing auburn tendrils to sway against her temples. She started to express her outrage but stopped suddenly.
    Penelope sat with her back straight and shoulders rigid, hoping no emotion flickered in her eyes. Mari studied her face for a long minute, and Penelope’s lips quivered as she valiantly struggled to keep her smile in place.
    Evidently concluding that more indignation about Mrs. Bexley’s thoughtless act would only emphasize how the harridan obviously thought Penelope wasn’t good enough for the post, Mari said softly, “Mrs. Bexley was … clever, indeed, to have sought your help in