Free This Earl Is on Fire by Vivienne Lorret Page B

again.” And when she narrowed her eyes at him and huffed at his smirk, he continued. “Most men and women marry for status and property. There is no ‘union of two souls.’ “
    â€œI understand that many marriages take place for convenience, but is there never an exception in London?”
    â€œHere? Absolutely not. Waiting for the banns to be read, signing contracts, and negotiating dowries— that is a London wedding. Never fear, however, as there are many foolish souls who rush off to Gretna Greene. In fact, a friend of mine was married only a week past in that manner. Not to mention, my cousin was married on his country estate over Christmastime. He even rode out in the dead of night to procure a special license.”
    She smiled. “Quite romantic.”
    â€œBut not a London wedding,” he said pointedly, not comfortable with the wistful tilt of her lips. “See here, weren’t you supposed to be talking to me as part of my recuperation?”
    She settled back against the chair and hid a yawn in the cup of her hand. “I think I’m more interested in hearing about the reason you don’t seem to care that your name will be in the Standard for the rest of your life.”
    â€œI’m certain they’ll tire of me eventually. Besides, in twenty years or so, I’ll begin mending my ways by becoming completely boring to atone for my misguided escapades so that I can marry when I am sixty and in need of an heir.”
    At his last word, her brows lifted. “A marriage for status and property ? I would not have guessed that for such as you.”
    He frowned. “And why ever not?”
    â€œBecause you were so afraid that I was trying to trap you into marriage. Yet that is precisely what you intend for your future—put your foot in the snare as bait to lure a bride young enough to produce an heir in exchange for your title.” She gave him a grin that was sleepy near the corners of her eyes and soft on her lips. “It is rather comical, is it not?”
    â€œI would not need to lure any bride. Once the word is out, they’ll flock to my doorstep,” he grumbled in his own defense. Though, while her mocking tone and sharp wit cut him to the core, he was not cross. Instead, he found himself oddly contented and wanted to continue this joust for hours to come.
    â€œYou’ll be old. Not only that, but the woman you plan on marrying hasn’t even been born yet.” She feigned a shudder. “I suppose in ten years you’ll be eyeing the sleeping inhabitants of perambulators and making a list.”
    A small giggle escaped. Then she closed her eyes, shifting in the chair as if trying to make herself comfortable.
    Liam knew it would only be a minute before she left him to his solitude, so he tried to find a reason for her to linger awhile. “Tell me about your outing today. Did you drive through the park, visit shops, find adventure?”
    She shook her head and slowly opened her eyes. “No park. Mother worried that after the shops, I would be too tired. In fact, the most adventurous thing that happened was losing my hairpins. It has a mind of its own.”
    â€œYour hair is magnificent,” he said, distracted by the tuft she absently twirled around her finger.
    â€œThank you, Wolford.” She released a soft sigh. “I know it is wrong to be prideful, but I rather like my hair too. Oh, certainly it is a bother when it will not stay put, yet I consider it my one remarkable feature that has nothing to do with my—” She broke off with a glance down to her foot. “Well, never mind. I do have a question for you that I’ve wondered since my outing. Perhaps you could tell me what a Season’s Original is.”
    He could tell her that it was a bunch of foolishness, but it would be better for her to decide for herself. “An Original is a man or a woman who has earned the ton ’s approval, so