Son of an Earl: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Defying Propriety Book 2) by Bronwen Chisholm & A Lady

Author:Bronwen Chisholm & A Lady [Chisholm, Bronwen]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2021-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Adsila stood before Lady Carlisle, her heart pounding so, she feared the servants would come to determine the source of the commotion. Her mother had frequently spoken of her friend and the season they had shared in London. She had made it sound like a fairyland with beautiful princesses and handsome princes.

Her Ladyship’s sighs roused Adsila from her thoughts, and she trembled in anticipation of the lady’s evaluation of her. Prior to leaving Virginia, her mother had stressed that she would require a completely new wardrobe in order to be considered fashionable. She assured Adsila that her friend would advise her in how to present herself to find a suitable husband.

“Your complexion is much like your father’s, though perhaps a bit paler.” Lady Carlisle clucked her tongue repeatedly as she studied Adsila. “Your eyes are so unnaturally light in comparison, and your hair is like ebony. I suppose some might look upon you as having an exotic appearance, but, for the most part, English men prefer the pale, blonde English rose.”

“I am certain there are some men who prefer darker hair,” Adsila replied, her tongue lashing back in defense of her feelings.

“But the majority do not.” Lady Carlisle frowned as her gaze fell to Adsila’s skirts. “Are all of your costumes similar to this?”

“Mamma said we would have to purchase a new wardrobe so I could dress in the current London style.” Had Her Ladyship not received her mother’s letters? “She wrote to you several times over the last year requesting your assistance and specifying what she had dreamt for me.” She fought the urge to fold her arms before her but was unable to keep her left brow from arching.

Lady Carlisle frowned. “I see you are much like your mother in personality. She too, challenged everything and everyone until she was fit only for an American.” She stood taller, her eyes turning cold as they bore into Adsila. “If I am to assist you, you must overcome your conceited independence and obstinance. Ladies of the ton speak in a cultured tone on the subjects acceptable for them.”

She sat but did not offer Adsila the opportunity to do the same. “Your accent will be noted immediately when you enter a room, so I suggest you speak as little as possible and quietly.”

Feeling her anger rising, Adsila inhaled slowly, drawing herself up straight as her grandmother had taught her, with the reminder she was descended from chieftains. “In this manner I will be able to come to know a man to determine if we would suit one another? I cannot see how.”

Her Ladyship laughed. “Suit? Marriage is a business arrangement, Miss Carrington, nothing more. My husband and I will see that you are well situated, and that your husband will keep you in a manner to which you are accustomed according to your standing.”

“As you have pointed out, as an American, my standing is low indeed.”

“But your mother’s family was not insignificant. I am certain if your grandparents still lived, they would have arranged a marriage for you as they attempted to do for your mother.

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