The Untamed Earl

The Untamed Earl by Valerie Bowman

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Authors: Valerie Bowman
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France and the captain conveniently turned into an earl overnight. Cassandra and Julian had been devastated, but that unfortunate turn of events had recaptured the Monroes’ interest and approval. Funny, that. But despite the difference in their sex and circumstance, Owen had always loved his younger sister, even if they hadn’t been particularly close as children. He would do anything for Cass and she, him. He didn’t doubt it.
    â€œI don’t see her. You do remember what she looks like, don’t you, Owen?” Cass asked with hint of humor in her voice.
    Owen tapped a finger against his temple. “She’s blond, isn’t she?” He couldn’t remember. And he’d been testing his memory all week over it. His regular set of friends had proved no help, of course. They didn’t remember the look of one particular little Society miss any more than he did. Instead, at the hells, they’d done nothing but unmercifully tease him about being caught by the parson’s noose and offered him another drink and another hand of cards. Both of which he’d readily accepted. As usual.
    â€œNo. She’s not blond at all. Her hair is dark brown,” Cass said. “And you’ve been introduced before, so it would be odd for me to attempt to introduce you again. Do try to search your memory.”
    Swifdon snorted. “Excellent start, Monroe.”
    Owen rolled his eyes. “Fine. Just point her out when you see her, won’t you? I need to get this over with.” He was still searching for a footman. A duke, of all people, should bloody well have more footmen at hand.
    Cass shook her head. “What a romantic.”
    â€œIf you don’t like my methods, why have you come?” Owen scowled at his sister.
    Cass shrugged. “You’re in a fine mood tonight. But if you must know, Mother asked me to. She insisted that we have a good showing. I fear she’s worried for the Monroe reputation.”
    Swifdon laughed aloud at that.
    Owen glanced around for a footman again. A drink was long overdue. “Of course they wanted to emphasize that I’m not the only family member. What a disgrace that would be.”
    Cass frowned. “I only meant—”
    Poor Cass. His sweet sister. She always believed the best of him despite every bit of evidence to the contrary. “No. I understand,” Owen replied. “No need to explain. Besides, I’m hardly worried. If the duke and duchess didn’t approve of me, they wouldn’t be discussing the marriage contract with our estimable father already, now, would they?”
    Cass inclined her head toward Owen. “True, but I don’t believe it’s the duke and duchess whom you need to impress. It’s Lady Lavinia herself.”
    Owen gave his sister his most infamous grin. “I’ve never had a bit of trouble charming ladies.”
    Cass’s blond brow arched. “I fear you may have met your match with Lavinia. She has a reputation for being a bit … difficult.”
    Owen eyed his brother-in-law. Swifdon coughed into his hand, but Owen strongly suspected it was done in an effort to cover his laughter.
    â€œYes, I’ve heard as much,” Owen replied to Cass. “Difficult, eh?”
    â€œJust a bit … prickly,” Cass replied.
    â€œNo matter.” Owen’s grin widened. “I’ve found few ladies who can resist my charms. When I choose to be charming, that is.”
    â€œSo modest, dear brother,” Cass said, rolling her eyes. “Though I must admit, I’m looking forward to your interactions with Lady Lavinia. I cannot wait to see if she can, ahem, resist your charms. I think it’s high time you settled down, you know.”
    â€œAh, the refrain of the married. They always think everyone else should marry as well,” Owen replied.
    â€œIt isn’t half bad, Monroe. You really should try it. Though it makes all the

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