Read Meet the Earl at Midnight (Midnight Meetings) for Free Online Page B

him with one hand behind her back. “You kindly tolerate me.”
    Edward focused on the page. “Hmmmm…tolerate you…to the contrary, the household knows you tolerate me.” His fingers skimmed the text. “Whatever it is, leave it on my desk.”
    Silence.
    He read the last paragraph, and just as his index finger began to turn the page, the upper space of his vision caught Claire, statue-still with a half smile on her face. This would not be a cursory deliver-the-post-and-leave kind of visit.
    She wanted details.
    Women always did.
    Besides, females were rarely satisfied until they had a man’s complete and undivided attention. That fact etched itself in his brain years ago: he preferred to ignore it. But a long history with Claire demanded he give his full attention; solitude and study would have to wait. Edward didn’t lift his head, but his gaze rose over the massive tome to Claire’s cool presence.
    “I take it this conversation requires all my powers of concentration.”
    “Edward,” she cajoled.
    The book snapped shut, and he slid the tome back on the shelf. Edward crossed his arms loosely.
    “I’m at your command.”
    “What happened tonight?” One elegant brow rose in question. “You gave such spare details in the hall. I guessed Edith’s presence prevented you from saying more, but do tell. Something horrible must’ve happened to make you so angry. Was it that business of her pulling away from you by the carriage?”
    He frowned, annoyed at the rapid spread of news in his household. He had informed her of Miss Montgomery falling from the carriage step, nothing more, but one feminine shoulder lifted with nonchalance.
    “The coachman gave me his version in the kitchen.” Her face softened. “You know we mean well. Everyone in this household cares a great deal about you.” Her voice gentled. “Or did something untoward happen at the inn?”
    He snorted. “I threatened to throw the woman’s mother in the Compter. Some would call that untoward.”
    “You’d no more toss her mother into that place than me or Edith,” she scoffed sweetly.
    “Miss Montgomery doesn’t know that. Besides, her stepfather failed to inform her of the night’s business.”
    Claire inhaled sharply. “Oh dear. She didn’t know why she was meeting you tonight?”
    Edward shook his head, and tension bunched his shoulders and neck. He wanted this interview done. Why did women want a man to bleed everything? Especially in the murky arena of emotions. He didn’t have the heart to ask her to leave. Yet.
    “Then the whole thing must have been a terrible shock.” Claire’s fingertips fretted at her neckline, no doubt in solidarity for the set-upon Miss Montgomery.
    “She took it surprisingly well. As well as one could expect when confronted with”—he made his fingers spread like claws, and his tone shifted to melodrama—“an infamous, reclusive beast who sweeps her away to his dark lair.”
    “Edward, don’t. You’re nothing of the sort.” Claire stepped closer, reaching out to him, though not touching.
    “Most of the realm has a different point of view.”
    The hand hidden behind her back slid forward. “Perhaps these will provide worthwhile diversion. They arrived late this afternoon.” Claire’s slim fingers held a large, official-looking post and another smaller missive.
    The elegant, embossed calligraphy in the upper corner of the official post piqued his interest: The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge. He accepted the letters and turned the large one over: Lord Blevins’s red wax imprint. Edward broke the seal and scanned the brief letter.
    “Now this makes for an interesting turn,” he said, studying the parchment.
    By rote, his footsteps took him to the wide leather chair dominating his desk. Without looking, he folded his body into the chair as he read and reread the note.
    “Hmmm…amusing,” he murmured and sent the post skidding across polished wood.
    He put his booted