A Shameful Secret Read Online Free PDF

Weston, I shall hope to dance with you later.”
    Hester watched as the couple walked away. She wondered who had caused Geraldine to panic, and then her breath caught in her throat as she saw him. He had hesitated a moment as his quarry was snatched from beneath his nose, but then he came on, apparently undisturbed.
    Hester felt a surge of panic inside, wishing that she might flee. He was the last man she had expected to see this evening, for she believed him safely out of the country. She wished that the floor might open and let her through, for once he saw her, her attempt to be accepted into polite society would surely be over. Yet, something deep down inside her refused to let her run from the inevitable confrontation.
    He had stopped before their little group. He bowed his head, his darkly handsome face arrogant, his smile a leer of outrageous confidence.
    “Miss Mowbry, Captain Crawford.” He inclined his head, the mockery in his eyes. “It is a pleasure to meet you this evening. I understand you have been looking for me, sir? Perhaps we may meet in private one day?” He looked at Captain Crawford, a hint of challenge in his dark eyes.
    “Tomorrow at your earliest convenience at your lodgings,” Paul said, his expression one of such loathing that Hester was shocked. The polite gentleman who had teased Lucinda had disappeared behind a frozen mask.
                  Hester stood as if turned to stone as Richard Mortimer’s eyes went over her and passed on. The grandson of an earl, she knew that his taste was for pert pretty girls, like Lucinda. Indeed, she had seen that spark in his eyes that told her, her friend had caught his interest. Fortunately, she was spoken for already.
    “In the morning at ten,” he said, inclining his head to Paul and then walking away once more.
    Hester felt so weak with relief that she thought she might faint. Unbeknown to her, the color had left her cheeks, and her eyes had reflected the fear and loathing she felt inside. Yet, her overwhelming feeling was one of joy. He had looked at her, and he had not known her!
    “Are you feeling quite well?” Paul asked, looking at her in concern. “You are a little pale, Miss Weston.”
    “Thank you, sir. I believe it was a momentary thing,” Hester said and summoned a smile as her breathing returned to normal. “Perhaps you should dance with Miss Mowbry? I shall seek my cousin.”
    “Lucinda’s partner for this dance comes now, though somewhat tardily,” Paul said and moved to take her arm. “May I take you out to the balcony for a little air, Miss Weston? You still look pale.”
    Hester decided that it was easier to agree than to refuse. It would be perfectly respectable for the balcony would be in full view of the company and was well lit with tiny lanterns.
    “You are very kind, sir,” she said, allowing him to take her arm and steer her effortlessly through the crowded room.
    “Something upset you when Mortimer came up to us,” Paul said the moment when they were alone. “That gentleman is a person I believe to be guilty of crimes too despicable to speak of to a lady, Miss Weston. Please, tell me, have you some knowledge of him that might assist me in my attempts to have him placed where he deserves to be?”
    Hester stared at him. She was not truly surprised for she had sensed his loathing for Richard Mortimer at their meeting. “I knew him once a long time ago,” she said in a faint voice. “Pray do not ask me to say more on the subject for I cannot. Suffice it to say that I do not care for him.”
    “He did not remember you,” Paul said thoughtfully. “But you remembered him with some distress, I think?” His eyes were on her face, intent, searching, as if trying to read her mind.
    “He was once responsible for causing me some pain,” Hester replied with dignity. ”That is all I may tell you, sir.”
    “I see. . . . Then I have no need to warn you of him?”
    “None at all, sir. I doubt that he would