Reckless Viscount Read Free Page B

might be far enough from home to give her a chance, because once the rumors from her past came to light, even her immense dowry and her father’s political connections wouldn’t be enough to attract the husband she craved.
    A sharp knock at her door startled Abbigael from her musings.
    “Miss Granger? It is Anna Sinclair. May I come in?”
    Oh, for heaven’s sake, it was the Countess of Blackbourne herself.
    She had expected her father to come up and tell her if she was to stay on in England. She had not expected the lady of the house to personally seek her out.
    Abbigael scrambled atop the mattress, trying to shift herself in a more decorous position as she replied. “Yes, of course, my lady. Please come in.”
    The door opened instantly and the countess swept forcefully into the room.
    Lady Blackbourne was an exceptionally beautiful woman. Tall and black-haired with exotic dark eyes. From the moment she had been introduced, Abbigael had sensed in the lady a force akin to that in nature—unrelenting and determined, yet soft and kind in the subtle ways that mattered.
    Her father had warned her that the countess was an eccentric, a noblewoman who engaged in business as the proprietor of a renowned Thoroughbred racing stables. But the lady’s husband, the Earl of Blackbourne, was a distant cousin and Abbigael’s best chance at receiving a proper reception in London society.
    If they agreed to sponsor her.
    Her cheeks burned again as she recalled her deplorable behavior in the library. She would be mortified if the grand lady discovered she had tried to listen in on what had been intended as a private interview between the Blackbournes and her father.
    She hoped the rogue who had witnessed her actions could be trusted not to carry tales of what he had seen.
    Lady Blackbourne smiled as she approached, waving a hand for Abbigael to stay put when she would have slid to the edge of the bed to stand. The countess came forward and sat down beside her. Abbigael tucked her feet beneath her skirt and tried to straighten her posture.
    Settling herself with effortless grace, Lady Blackbourne turned to face her with warmth in her easy smile.
    “Miss Granger…may I call you Abbigael?” At Abbigael’s silent nod, the lady’s smile widened. “Excellent. You’ll learn I’m not very good with formalities.”
    Abbigael almost released a sigh of relief but caught herself. The difference between what she and Lady Blackbourne considered formal could be counties apart.
    “Yes, my lady,” she responded politely.
    “Anna, please, when we are alone at least.” Elegant brows arched over darkly intelligent eyes. “I cannot seem to get used to my lady and prefer to avoid it whenever possible.”
    Abbigael was surprised to see that the countess appeared to be genuinely opposed to the formality of her station. Apparently, the lady was eccentric in ways more personal than simply being in business. Although Lady Blackbourne’s up-front demeanor was unusual to say the least, Abbigael appreciated the lack of prevarication.
    “Of course, as you wish,” she answered quickly, seeing that the countess was waiting for her response.
    “All right then.” With a smile and a nod, Lady Blackbourne shifted on the bed, lifting her skirts out of her way as she turned to face Abbigael more fully. “Now that we are on more comfortable terms, shall we get down to the business of your visit?”
    Abbigael blinked at the abrupt change in tone and topic. There was a formidable layer of command in the lady’s voice that was assuring and intimidating at the same time.
    Abbigael was instantly wary.
    “I believe my father intended to discuss that with you and Lord Blackbourne himself,” she replied carefully.
    Sir Felix Granger would have been very cautious in what he chose to reveal to the Blackbournes. Ever the politician, he would give them just enough information so he could not be accused of hiding anything, but not so much he might scare them