دانلود رمان انگلیسی “زیر درخت بلوط” – فصل 1 (جلد 1)

Maximilian Calypse paced around the drawing room. She was so nervous that she did not realize she was biting her fingernails until the Duke of Croyso entered the room. Hearing his cane strike the floor with a clack, she hurriedly hid her hands behind her back. “Have I not warned you time and again about that revolting habit of yours?” “F-Forgive me…” Hearing the biting chill of her father’s voice, Maxi hung her head low. The duke clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “Do not embarrass me. You have been fortunate beyond what you deserve. Should your repulsive behavior besmirch our family name, I shall not forgive you.” Cold sweat trickled down her back. As she opened her mouth to form some semblance of a reply, her spine went stiff with fear. “I-I sh-shall do as you c-command, F-Father. W-When he comes, I-I will…” Even without raising her head, Maxi knew perfectly well what sort of expression her father was making, for he wore a grimace of disgust whenever he heard her speak. Scrambling for words, Maxi tried to remain calm. “I-I w-will persuade h-him t-to remain in th-this m-marriage…” “Enough!” The duke rapped his cane on the floor. “Is it too much for you to talk and behave normally even for a day — no, for even an hour? What kind of man would want a stuttering wife?”