Earl of Persuasion Read online

  Earl of Persuasion

  Amanda Mariel

  Contents

  Books by Amanda Mariel

  Foreword

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Epilogue

  Excerpt

  Chapter 1

  About the Author

  Afterword

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  * * *

  Copyright © 2021 Amanda Mariel

  All rights reserved.

  * * *

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.

  * * *

  Published by Brook Ridge Press

  Books by Amanda Mariel

  Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Endeavors

  Scandalous Intentions

  Scandalous Redemption

  Scandalous Wallflower

  Scandalous Liaison

  Dancing with Serendipity

  * * *

  Fabled Love Series

  Enchanted by the Earl

  Captivated by the Captain

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Delighted by the Duke

  * * *

  Lady Archer’s Creed series

  **Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight**

  Theodora

  Georgina

  Adeline

  Josephine

  * * *

  Scandal Meets Love series

  Love Only Me

  Find Me Love

  If it’s Love

  Odd’s of Love

  Believe in Love

  Chance of Love

  Love and Holly

  Love and Mistletoe

  * * *

  A Rogue’s Kiss Series

  Her Perfect Rogue

  His Perfect Hellion

  Coming next to the A Rogue’s Kiss series

  Her Perfect Scoundrel

  * * *

  Standalone titles

  One Moonlit Tryst

  One Enchanting Kiss

  Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace

  One Wicked Christmas

  A Lyon in Her Bed (The Lyon’s Den connected world)

  Courting Temptation (House of Devon connected world)

  * * *

  Wicked Earls’ Club

  **Titles by Amanda Mariel**

  Earl of Grayson

  Earl of Edgemore

  Coming next to the Wicked Earls’ Club series

  Earl of Persuasion

  * * *

  Fated for a Rogue

  A Wallflower’s Folly

  Coming next to the Fated for a Rogue series

  One Fateful May Day

  Fate Gave Me a Duke

  * * *

  Connected by a Kiss

  **These are designed so they can standalone**

  How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)

  A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)

  Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss (Amanda Mariel)

  A Gypsy’s Christmas kiss (Dawn Brower)

  A Duke’s Christmas Kiss (Tammy Andresen)

  * * *

  Box sets and anthologies

  Visit www.amandamariel.com to see Amanda’s current offerings.

  Foreword

  Lord Brian Kennington, Fifth Earl of Connlee, is a master at persuasion. When he crosses paths with the not to proper Lady Minerva Fox, he determines that she needs a bit of excitement in her life, and he knows just how to deliver. He will live up to his moniker, the Earl of Persuasion, as he sweeps her along a path of adventure and romance.

  * * *

  The only problem with his plan: Love was not a part of the equation.

  Chapter 1

  London England, 1817

  Lady Minerva Fox sat impatiently in the carriage as she awaited her sister-in-law Carstine. The pair had been shopping along Bond Street all afternoon, and Minerva had grown weary. She sank back against her seat and fiddled with the edge of her pelisse. Whatever was taking Carstine so long?

  Another minute and Minerva would have to fetch her. Heaven’s Carstine had been in the drapers for at least thirty minutes. It should not take anyone that much time to purchase lace. Leastwise not when they knew what they wanted on the way in.

  Just as Minerva determined to go after Carstine, the carriage door opened. “Whatever too—” Her words ceased as she got an eye full of the man who climbed in. A tall, dark, and incredibly handsome man. She should scream. Summons her driver for assistance at once.

  And yet, she only stared. She unabashedly ogled the man taking in every inch of him from his dark mahogany hair and patrician nose to his wide shoulders and muscular thighs. Most of which a well breed young lady should pay no mind to. But how could one ignore such a prime specimen?

  Before she could gather her wits, he pulled the carriage door shut and settled on the seat across from her.

  “Good day, Ma’am,” he said, a boyish smile pulling at his lips.

  It was the sort of smile meant to disarm those who gazed upon it, and Minerva could not deny how well it worked, for she grinned back. “I believe you are in the wrong carriage,” she said.

  He placed his hands on his knees and leaned forward. “On the contrary, I am exactly where I mean to be.”

  Was the man addle-brained? Perhaps he was drunk? She could not say for sure. Regardless, something was amiss.

  She met his gaze, stared directly into his deep brown eyes, and notched her chin. “That cannot be, for this is my carriage, and I do not know you.”

  His smile broadened, taking on a rake’s quality. “Ah, yes, but you should.”

  “I should what?” She asked, caution in her tone.

  “You should know me.”

  The man exuded confidence and masculinity. Both qualities intrigued her, but one could scarcely ignore the impropriety of the situation. Not to mention the danger she might be in.

  Minerva slid closer to the carriage door, her gaze remaining on him. “I must insist you take your leave. My companion will return at any moment and this, sir, is most improper.”

  “Indeed,” he drawled as he too slid closer to the carriage door. “I would not wish to cause you scandal. All the same, I could not pass up the opportunity to spend a moment in such a beautiful woman’s company.”

  Minerva felt heat crawl across her cheeks. He was good. Very good, for at that moment she craved to know him better, almost more than she wished for him to depart.

  She swallowed and forced a small grin. “I thank you for the compliment, and now I must insist you leave. If you do not, I will call for my driver to remove you.”

  The man held up a staying hand. A large hand with long fingers and a signet ring. She’d supposed by his well-made clothing that he had money, but she had not suspected him of being a lord.

  It made his behavior that much stranger.

  Perhaps he was bored and looking for a little sport. A young buck out for a good time or engaging in a bet. The idea only made her situation more precarious. What if others saw him enter or leave her carriage?

  And who the devil was he?

  “There is no need for theatrics,” he said as he opened the carriage door.

  The nerve of him. “Theatrics! You cannot be serious. You entered my
carriage uninvited and did not so much as give me your name. Now you accuse me of theatrics?”

  “Do not get your corset in a twist. I said I was leaving, and so I am.” He paused, giving her another rake’s grin. “Though I would much prefer to stay.”

  Minerva pointed at the door. “Out.”

  The man jumped down before looking back at her, mischief in his eyes, and said, “Until we meet again, beauty.” He closed the door before she processed his words.

  Minerva blew out a deep breath as she settled back against the carriage seat. ‘Until we meet again.’

  They had never met before. What on earth made him think they would meet again? Where had he gone? And what the devil was his name?

  She had to know.

  Minerva pushed open the carriage door. “Wait,” she called as she stuck her head out the carriage door.

  Too late. He had disappeared.

  And now she had caused a spectacle. Passers-by looked in her direction while a trio of ladies turned to face her.

  Abashed, Minerva closed her eyes and drew in a steadying breath. Had any of them seen the man? She prayed not, but then they must all think her mad. How would she explain herself?

  She opened her eyes and gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Forgive me. I’m afraid I was quite overcome.” She shrank back into the carriage and buried her face in her hands.

  Perhaps she was mad.

  Minerva jumped when the carriage door opened to admit Carstine. She could scarcely help feeling on edge and more than a bit embarrassed to boot. Still, she attempted to act as if nothing were a miss. Perhaps her sister-in-law had not witnessed her brief scene.

  Carstine took the seat across from Minerva, then angled her head, appraising. “Whatever was that about?”

  Minerva gave a nonchalant smile. “I am not sure what you are referring to.”

  Carstine’s gaze narrowed. “Ye were leanin out of tae carriage when I came out of the drapers, and ye yelled for someone tae wait.”

  “Oh, that.” Minerva gave a dismissive shrug. “It was nothing.”

  “Nothin’ my foot,” Carstine moved to sit beside Minerva as the carriage jerked into motion. “Ladies donna lean out of carriages and yell. I’d imagine yer mother would have much to say on the subject. Blake as well, I assure ye.”

  Minerva straightened her back and lifted her chin to meet Carstine’s gaze. “You wouldn’t.”

  “Of course not.” Carstine looked abashed, but only for a moment. “Because ye are goin tae tell me what happened.”

  “Very well. I thought I saw someone I have not spoken to in quite some time… a school friend, and wished to have a word with her.”

  Carstine nodded. “Then I will only say, should such an occasion arise in the future, I caution ye tae handle it in a more ladylike fashion. And I pray ye donna grace the scandal sheets come mornin.”

  “Indeed,” Minerva said as she winced with guilt. She rarely ever lied—certainly not to Carstine. But she could not tell the truth. Not without telling her all of it, and Minerva was not ready to share her stranger.

  In fact, she never meant to tell a soul. She’d rather think of the mysterious and all to handsome man as an adventure.

  Yes, that was what he was. Her very own secret adventure. And if she should ever meet him again…

  Excitement filled her at the prospect.

  She leaned back and let her imagination run astray with possibilities as the carriage bounced and jostled along London’s roads.

  Minerva had long craved adventure, and perhaps this was the start of her journey.

  Or her ruination.

  Chapter 2

  Three months later

  Minerva stopped mid sentence, her breath caught at the sight of him. A tall, broad shouldered gentleman with mahogany hair and piercing dark eyes strode across the ball room.

  It was him.

  Her adventure.

  She’d dreamed of him often, looked for him always, and after three long months determined that she had indeed gone mad.

  And now, he was here.

  She swallowed hard before finding her tongue. Without taking her eyes from the man, she said, “Please excuse me.”

  “Is something amiss?” Mother asked.

  “Not at all.” Minerva searched for an excuse to leave Mother’s side. “I see Carstine, and wish to have a word is all.”

  “Very well, dear.” Mother nodded her approval.

  Minerva started toward the refreshment table where her adventure now stood. She would not allow him to escape this time.

  Leastwise not until she knew his name. She weaved around clusters of chatting ladies and promenading couples, before passing between two ferns and making her way around a marble statue.

  Upon reaching the refreshment table, she lifted a glass of ratafia, then moved to stand near the end of the table—near her adventure.

  Minerva took a sip of the sweet beverage, then turned her gaze to him.

  She fought the urge to smile when her plan to beckon him near worked. Instead, she simply tipped the glass to her lips as she held his gaze.

  Something about their game made her feel bold. He excited her and she reveled in the feeling—the danger.

  Heaven help her, she was a hoyden.

  He held out one hand as he gave a bow. “May I have this dance?”

  Yes, her mind screamed, but her mouth had other ideas, and she said, “I am afraid we have not been properly introduced.”

  He narrowed his dark gaze on her, studying. “And you would allow such a thing to stand in your way?” He made a tsk-tsk sound. “I scarcely credit it. Not after the way you came to me just now.”

  She turned as her cheeks heated, took another drink of her ratafia, then set the glass down.

  “Dance with me, beauty,” he said, his words velvety and all too close to her ear.

  A shiver of anticipation raked through Minerva as she silently took his arm. He led her onto the dance floor as the quartet struck up a waltz.

  Every nerve in Minerva’s body tingled as the the gentleman took her in his arms.

  For long minutes she simply enjoyed the dance. Reveled in the feel of his muscular arms around her and the masculine scent of him surrounding her. Her heart raced as she meet his gaze. “I have come to think of you as my adventure.”

  He gave a rakish grin. “I rather like being an adventure.”

  Her lips curved upward as he spun her around the dance floor. “Who are you?” She asked, her voice breathy.

  “My name is Brian Kennington.” He brought his face closer to hers. “And what is yours, beauty?”

  “I rather like beauty,” Heat crawled across her chest at the admission, “But my name is Minerva Fox.”

  Something flashed in his dark eyes, a moment of hesitation, or indecision. She could not be sure other than that the playfulness left him. Did he know her? Perhaps he knew her family? Regardless, she had questions and was enjoying him far too much to have her adventure end just yet.

  She stared into his eyes and asked, “Why did you invade my carriage?”

  “I fear I would ruin your adventure if I were to give an answer.” He twirled her again before leading her back across the dance floor. “You seem to crave adventure.”

  “I do…” Her words trailed off as her cheeks warmed. She could scarcely believe she had spoken the words. Minerva had long craved adventure. It was that very desire that led to most of her outrageous ideas and meddling. And yet, she had never actually had an adventure.

  Until now.

  She beamed up at him, her embarrassment vanquished by her desire to live in the moment. “I want to ride astride, dance in a fountain, shoot a pistol…” she cast her gaze away, “I want to frolic barefoot in the grass, dance in the rain, and kiss a stranger.”

  Her pulse sped at the admissions, and for the first time she felt free. “You must think me the worst sort.”

  “I think you the best sort,” he said, his voice silken and low. He took
her hand and led her from the dance floor.

  Minerva slanted a curious glance at him when he led her toward the terrace doors instead of her Mother. “What are you doing?”

  “Starting your next adventure.”

  A moment of panic gripped her. It was one thing to voice her desires, but this… Actually engaging in any of them—with him. “I cannot.”

  His step did not falter as he met her gaze. “Of course you can.”

  “I’ll be ruined,” she protested with her words but made no move to stop her steps.

  He gave a wicked, boyish grin. The sort a mischievous child would use to persuade his friends to go along with his antics. Minerva thrilled at the challenge written all over his face. She could stay with him. She could indulge her whims.

  But what of the consequences? Was she willing to risk the possible fall out? Could her reputation withstand a bit of scandal?

  She pulled in a breath and stilled her feet. In this she could not be selfish. “I am sorry, but I cannot. Women are not easily forgiven our transgressions and I have more than myself to consider.” It pained her to refuse. Still, she knew the rightness of it. “The ball room is full of our peers. If anyone should take note of us fleeing together… My family would suffer nearly as much as I.”

  He stared into her eyes, his dark gaze softening. “Your eyes belie your words.”