A Matter of Sin Read Online Free PDF Page B

normally didn’t indulge himself in Jason’s ridiculous games, at least not anymore, he had to admit it was a fascinating turn of events if it was true.
    “Oh, wait,” Jason said, eyes widening with ever-increasing pleasure. “Do you think Lady Avenbury herself was the culprit?”
    Seth’s breath caught in his throat. The very idea of the oddly charming and very beautiful lady reading that book in her chamber had him on edge in a moment. His addled mind now attempted to create images of that very thing.
    “N-no,” he stammered, trying to rein in the powerful reaction. “Of course not. She seems too proper for such a thing.”
    “The ones who seem the most proper are often the ones who surprise you.” Jason gave a knowing grin. “And she was in the library. Was she there before you came in?”
    “Yes—” Seth admitted slowly.
    “Then it is possible she took the book!” Jason said with a slam of his hands on the desk. “Great God, what an excellent mystery to solve. You must uncover the culprit.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous—” Seth began, though he found he too was curious as to who could have taken the book and for what purpose.
    “No, don’t fight me on this. You must uncover the truth for my sake, if nothing more, for I am dying to know which lady is entertaining herself with such a thing.” Jason smiled. “Admit it, you are just as curious as I am.”
    Seth shook his head at his friend’s enthusiasm, but finally he shrugged. “Very well, I admit it does intrigue me. But when it turns out it was just a maid who put it away or a chaperone who found it and decided to hide it to protect her charge’s virtue, you will be quite put out.”
    Jason’s eyebrows lifted. “If that is the answer, I will be, indeed. But I have a feeling that the culprit is going to turn out to be a far more interesting one.”
    Isabel paced the length of the chamber, stared at the door and then paced the opposite direction. With every tick of the clock, her thoughts grew louder and her guilt increased.
    Finally, the knob turned and the Duchess of Jameswood swept into the room, her entourage of servants close behind.
    “Grace!” Isabel said on something between a cry and a sigh of relief.
    Grace looked around. “This is my chamber, is it not?”
    She asked the question while facing Isabel, but it was evident her words were directed toward the footman who trailed behind her, carrying several trunks.
    “Y-yes, Your Grace,” he stammered as he set his burden down.
    “It is, my dear,” Isabel rushed to add. “I found out which one it would be from a servant and decided to wait here until your arrival.”
    Grace drew back slightly and examined Isabel’s face. When she spoke, it was in a calm, even tone, as if this was nothing out of the ordinary. “You must have something very important to discuss, if you went to so much trouble.” She turned to her servants. “Please set these things down anywhere and give me half an hour with my friend.”
    No one argued, and within a minute they were alone, the door swinging shut behind the last of the servants.
    “Now,” Grace said as she tugged her spotless white gloves from her fingers one by one. “What has happened? It isn’t Serena, is it?”
    Isabel swallowed hard. Now that Grace was here, she felt foolish revealing the topic currently burning in her soul.
    “No,” she said softly. “It isn’t Serena. Serena is currently with Lady Olivier and her daughter, Sarah.”
    “Sarah the chatterbox best friend?” Grace asked. “Saints preserve us.”
    But Isabel couldn’t smile, despite Grace’s quip.
    “This isn’t trouble with anyone else in your family, is it?” Grace asked, coming forward suddenly, her otherwise calm expression now filled with worry.
    “Oh no!” Isabel said swiftly. “Everyone is well, though I thank you for your concern.”
    Grace shook her head slightly. “Then what is it, my dear? It isn’t your nature to come pacing another person’s