Free The Unwanted Earl by Ruth J. Hartman Page A

course, her parents had told her that, but usually others simply ignored her brashness or overlooked it. He had actually said the words. “I… Um…”
    “ I’m not saying it’s repugnant or abhorrent.”
    She bristled. “I should hope not.”
    “ In fact, I prefer it to someone who’s overly meek and timid.”
    She tugged his arm again, pleased that he approved of her personality. Once again, he didn’t go with her.
    He held up his other hand, first finger in the air. “But… don’t you think the gentleman should take the lead?”
    “ Where’s the fun in that?”
    “ Pardon?”
    She’d said that out loud? Oh dear . “Well, I…”
    “ You don’t think you can have an enjoyable outing if you’re not in control?”
    “ I’ve never…”
    “ What’s that?”
    She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I’ve never… tried.”
    “ I see.”
    Amelia frowned. “Just what do you see, Conrad?”
    “ You seem to like to have you own way.”
    “ And what’s wrong with that?”
    “ It can’t always be your way.”
    She stomped her boot, causing a small cloud of dust, which rose up and around them. Conrad coughed to the point that Amelia feared for his health. “Oh my, let’s sit down on this bench just ahead.” She watched him closely for signs of further resistance, since she was taking the lead again, as he’d put it.
    A nod was her answer, as he couldn’t seem to speak around the coughs. She led him to the bench and sat down next to him. A quick succession of boot taps came from the left. Annie now stood in front of them with her arms crossed. She eyed the nonexistent space between Amelia and Conrad and glared.
    She wants us to move apart? Amelia shook her head.
    Annie stepped closer, moving her finger back and forth in the air, as if they should indeed separate. Now.
    Amelia lowered her eyebrows, pulling even closer to Conrad as he hacked and coughed. I think she means to sit between us. I don’t think so . “No.”
    Conrad, who held his handkerchief over his mouth, jerked his head around. “P-pardon me?”
    “ Not you, dear.” She stared pointedly at the maid and pressed her lips together.
    With something that could have been a low growl, Annie went behind the bench and stood. Amelia didn’t have to turn her head to see if the maid was still glaring at her. She could nearly feel it on the back of her neck.
    No matter. Amelia had become an expert at ignoring people who vexed her. Annie was no different.
    Conrad finally ceased his hacking. Amelia patted his arm. “Feeling better?”
    “ Much.” He looked at her. “Thank you.”
    “ Ready to explore the Sanctuary?”
    “ You mean, walk about?”
    “ Of course.” She started to stand, thought better of it in light of his earlier comments, and waited.
    “ If we must.” Conrad stood and held out his hand to assist her.
    “ Oh, Conrad, you have quite the wit.”
    “ I didn’t realize I was being witty.”
    Amelia’s laugh startled a pair of chiff-chaffs into sudden flight, their call to each other sounding very much like the sound of their name.
    Conrad stiffened.
    Why did he act so uncomfortable when they were near the birds?
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Conrad shuddered. Those stupid chiff-chaffs. They weren’t even bright enough to say anything besides their own name. What if I went around yelling, Conrad-Conrad, as I flapped my arms? Considering my lack of friends, though, would it really make a difference?  
    He dabbed at his face one final time with his handkerchief and folded it neatly in a square to return to his pocket. Of all the places in London, why did the awful Bird Sanctuary have to be one of Amelia’s favorites?
    A thought niggled at his mind. While it was true that he was marrying her because of blackmail, there was something about her that he couldn’t shake loose. Why did he feel as if he must do things to please her? Participate in an activity at a place at which he had no desire to ever set foot again?
    Her red