How to Marry an Earl (A Cinderella Society 1)

“In fact, I do,” Conall replied blandly, before shutting the door in her face.

It was magnificently rude.

“My sister told me how they treated you,” he said to Persephone as her mouth dropped open.

And deeply touching.

“Don’t you dare let them in,” he said.

“I won’t let her,” Meg promised, her usual quiet smile rather bloodthirsty at the edges.

“Good,” he said, before walking away as if nothing particularly out of the ordinary had happened.

Persephone felt warm all over. “What just happened?”

Meg slipped her arm through hers. “Oh, I do like him.”

“Still, I ought to let them in.”

“Certainly not,” Meg returned. “The first lecture is about to begin. It would be rude to interrupt.”

The day passedin a blur. Persephone was thrilled and exhausted by the late afternoon, as people dispersed to discuss what they had learned or to rest for the duke’s ball. Persephone had learned that the wall around the Pyramid of Djoser had 15 doors, but only one that opened. The other fourteen were reserved for the pharaoh’s spirit’s private use in the afterlife. She also learned that Sobekneferu was the first lady pharaoh, Hatshepsut the longest ruling lady pharaoh and that her new shoes pinched. That last discovery was unlikely to make it into the journals. She was grateful to step into the carriage the duke had sent to fetch her as John leapt up to sit next to the coachman.

She was even more grateful for the picnic basket filled with food and bottles of lemonade, offered to her by a smug Conall. Burgundy embroidery covered his waistcoat, and his cravat was a silvery gray, simply yet impeccably tied. He exuded strength and calm confidence. She found herself craving it almost as much as the food her stomach grumbled for. “I thought you might be hungry,” he said, handing her a piece of soft bread smothered with fresh butter.

“Starving,” she admitted. “There was very little time to eat once the schedule really got going.”

“You must be proud.”

She wiggled her feet out of her shoes with a small sigh. “I’m grateful it’s gone well so far.”

“Well, I’m proud of you, if you won’t be.”

“Maybe a little proud,” she said as the horses were urged into a walk. The carriage swayed slightly.

“That’s my girl.”

She really should ask him to stop saying things like that, especially with that fond smile, the secret quiet one she remembered from years ago. It was going to make things so much more difficult for her when they had to part ways. And yet she couldn’t bring herself to ask him to stop. She may as well have a secret well of memories to keep her warm when the inevitable came. She took another bite of bread and cheese to stop herself from saying something untoward. Something embarrassing. “Is the duke pleased?” she asked, after swallowing.

“Strutting and swaggering like a man just out of short pants.”

She grinned. “I’m glad.” She tried to stretch her ankles surreptitiously. Conall glanced down when she accidentally nudged his leg. “I’m sorry. I should have known better than to wear new shoes. And there’s dancing yet to do.” There would be precious little time to rest before the ball.

Conall touched her knee and let his hand slide down her shin, lightly. His finger hooked around her ankle, lifting her foot into his lap. She blinked. “What are you doing?”

“This.” He ran his knuckles firmly along her instep and she nearly purred. Did purr if she were honest. Out loud. “Oh my.”

He smiled. “Poor love, you’ve had a day. I don’t think you sat down once. I saw John trying to catch his breath just following you.”

“It’s been brilliant.” She nearly moaned when he increased the pressure of his ministrations. “This is the best part. Even considering I learned about Thutmoses.”

She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She might have fallen asleep if the intense pleasure of having her feet rubbed wasn’t making her feel inappropriate. She shouldn’t have her feet in a man’s lap in the bright daylight. But it felt so good.

“Percy,” Conall whispered against her ear. “Sweetheart, we’re here.”

Her eyes popped open. He was caging her against the cushions. The gleam in his grey eyes was devilish, amused. “Did I fall asleep?” she asked.

“You did, love.” He kissed the tip of her nose.