Free The Untamed Earl by Valerie Bowman

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    Alexandra had seen enough. If she’d had any indication that Lavinia might actually welcome Owen’s suit, Alexandra had intended to give him up, or at least to refrain from interfering with their courtship. But not only had the last several moments proved to her that her sister was entirely uninterested in the match, it was also obvious to Alexandra that Lavinia and Owen did not suit. She and Owen, however … Alexandra didn’t mind cursing, boldness, or dancing, and she welcomed drinks. Especially champagne. Now that she thought on it, where was a glass of champagne?
    Oh yes, she would feel no guilt whatsoever in pursuing Lord Owen despite her parents’ intentions. Besides, hadn’t she spent years attempting to be more daring and adventurous? The plan that was quickly forming in her head was both daring and adventurous and would give her the opportunity to spend time with Lord Owen Monroe. A great deal of time, perhaps.
    Lord Owen turned to walk away, and the words flew from Alexandra’s throat before she had a chance to examine them.
    â€œWait,” she called. “I can help you.”

 
    CHAPTER EIGHT
    Owen blinked and turned back around at the sound of the female voice. It seemed to be coming from the large green palm. The plant was speaking to him? He hadn’t had that much to drink tonight. He squinted and ducked, peering through the fronds. “Who’s there?”
    A small female form waved to him from behind the botanical mass. She was beckoning him to join her behind the tree. “It’s me, Alexandra.” Lady Lavinia’s younger sister stood there, blinking up at him with an adorable little half smile. “Er, Lady Alexandra,” she corrected with the hint of a blush staining her pale cheeks.
    Owen moved behind the palm to join her. Apparently, the young lady didn’t want the others in the ballroom to see them speaking to one another. Or was it just her waspish sister whom she didn’t want to see? He couldn’t blame her there, having just been stung by the wasp herself.
    â€œLady Alexandra,” he repeated once he’d joined her behind the palm. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. I regret to think that you overheard my unfortunate conversation with your sister just now.”
    â€œYes, I heard it all.” She sighed. “I have an awful habit of eavesdropping, to be honest with you. But I can help you.”
    Owen couldn’t repress his smile. He liked that she admitted so readily to her crime. That was refreshing. He’d been around far too many women who prevaricated and demurred. Not to mention, her offer intrigued him. How did this little scrap of a female think she could help him ? He narrowed his eyes on her. “Help me what?”
    Her look was entirely matter-of-fact. “Help you court Lavinia.”
    Despite their location, he glanced back and forth over both shoulders to ensure that no one could overhear them. He eyed her cautiously. “What do you mean?”
    â€œYou got off to a poor start with her. Lavinia doesn’t like it when men challenge her. She especially doesn’t like it when a man fails to notice her first.”
    â€œNotice her first?” Owen echoed.
    â€œYou asked me to walk with you,” she replied.
    That’s because you’re infinitely more appealing than your shrew of a sister.
    â€œYou’ve begun on entirely the wrong foot with her,” Alexandra continued, shaking her head at him sadly as if she felt sorry for him. How many times had this lovely girl had to apologize for her sister’s rude behavior?
    â€œSo it seems,” Owen allowed, noting that Lady Alexandra smelled like strawberries and sunshine and she was distracting him with the little tug of a smile that never seemed to be far from her lips.
    â€œI can tell you what she does like, make it easier for you to win back her good graces.”
    Owen arched both brows. Well,