A Knight's Persuasion Read Online Free PDF Page B

welled inside her as she turned to look at her sister. Right now, the last thing Juliana wanted to do was dance. However, she couldn’t very well forfeit her dance with Edouard, one of the most important guests at the festivities, because onlookers could see this as an insult. He’d rescued her. Some would say he’d saved her life. What grateful young woman wouldn’t want to dance with her hero?
    The day’s emotions squeezed down upon Juliana, threatening to crush the last of her courage. She wouldn’t yield to tears. Not before all these people. Especially not in front of Edouard.
    “At this moment,” she said, “I have more pressing concerns than a dance. But thank you, Sister, for reminding me of it.”
    A sensible, non-committal answer. Now, to reach the quiet of her chamber; she had no wish to face another dilemma while dripping wet and bedraggled.
    “Edouard,” Kaine said, somewhere close behind. A loud slap echoed—the sound of a hand coming down upon a shoulder. “If you ask me, I vow you have lost our bet.”
    Juliana frowned as she walked. Bet?
    “Kaine! For God’s sake . . .”
    She might have kept on at her steady pace, but for the frustration in Edouard’s voice. She turned, her wet gown twisting about her legs, and caught the warning glare Edouard threw at his friend an instant before his guilty stare met hers.
    “Bet?” Coldness settled in her stomach. “What bet?”
    ***
    As misgiving clouded Juliana’s expression, Edouard fought a groan. He should have known his dealings with Kaine would end in disaster. Now he might have to answer to the folly. And to the woman who, in a very short time, had become more to him than a fleeting challenge.
    “What bet?” Juliana repeated, while her poignant gaze bored into Edouard. He felt that stare as though it reached inside him and wrenched his soul. Shame licked through him, becoming more intense when her attention refused to waver.
    “Ah . . .” Kaine chortled and threw his hands wide. “’Twas but a private jest between lads. Not a lady’s concern.”
    That’s right , a voice inside Edouard said. Take Kaine’s example and lie. You don’t have to admit your foolishness. Why hurt Juliana? She’s endured enough already .
    That wouldn’t be honorable , an equally strong voice broke in. If you respect her, care for her, you’ll be honest. Even if it means you must accept blame .
    Still holding Juliana’s stare, Edouard dragged his hand over his jaw. He wanted to make the right decision. If his sire learned of the bet, though, he wouldn’t be at all pleased. Just thinking about his father’s disapproval made sweat break out on Edouard’s forehead.
    “Not a lady’s concern?” Juliana’s eyes narrowed. “Why then, Kaine, do you look so guilty?”
    “Do I?” He laughed, even as his face turned red. “Well, I—”
    “And you, Edouard. You have not answered me.” Her fingers tightened on her sketchbook, a gesture that drew his gaze to her bluish nails. “Do I guess correctly? This bet does concern me?”
    “Oh, nay,” Kaine cut in. “Of course not. Right, milord?”
    Another, silent groan broke inside Edouard. “Be quiet, Kaine.”
    “I am only trying to help.”
    Edouard barely resisted a snort. Kaine was only trying to save his wretched arse. But like a loyal friend, he’d tried to cover for Edouard, too.
    Aware their conversation had drawn the attention of curious observers, Edouard smiled at Juliana. Instead of lying, or admitting the truth, he’d press his charm on her and convince her to drop the matter for now. If she insisted on the truth, he’d divulge it later, when fewer were in earshot, and when no one who overheard would take the news to his father.
    Gesturing to her soaked clothes, he said, “Please, Juliana, go and put on dry garments. Then I will be pleased to—”
    “I want to know now.”
    She looked so miserable, he longed to cross to her, draw her into his arms, and hug her, as he’d comfort his younger