A Shameful Secret Read Online Free PDF Page B

notice me these days.”
    “I have warned both Lucinda and Geraldine to treat Mortimer with extreme caution. He seems to have set his sights on Geraldine, who, if she has not already told you, is my cousin. Fortunately, she is a sensible girl and unlikely to have her head turned by him.”
    Hester recalled that her new friend had told her about a gentleman she liked very much, but she did not feel at liberty to reveal such a confidence to Geraldine’s cousin.
    “I dare say some young girls may find him attractive,” was all she would allow herself to say.
    “Then he may transfer his attentions elsewhere, for he will not be allowed near Geraldine if her family can help it.”
    “I am sure she will stay well clear of him if she can,” Hester replied. “Though, a man like that can be charming and persuasive if he wishes.” A shiver ran through her because simply thinking of the man who had first seduced her with kisses and then forced himself on her, robbing her of her innocence, was enough to bring back memories of all the pain and distress his callous behavior had caused her. “But should she be tempted, you may rely on me to counsel against him.”
    “Then I must ask no more questions,” Paul said. “Are you feeling any better, Miss Weston? It is a little cool out here after the heat of the ballroom.”
    He had noticed her shiver, but he could have no idea of the cause. Indeed, Hester would ruin all chance of an enjoyable visit if she revealed her terrible shame. She knew that she would probably never have another chance like this one, and she wanted to make the most of it. For as long as Richard Mortimer continued to have no memory of her, she was safe. After that, she would be forced to retire to the country once more. She had no chance of making a marriage of any kind. Her father had made it quite clear that any decent man would turn from her in disgust if he once learned her history, and Hester believed him.
    “Yes, thank you, sir,” she said. “I have recovered my composure now. I thank you for your concern and would ask you to say nothing of my past . . . knowledge of that gentleman to anyone.”
    “Naturally, what you have told me is in confidence, as would anything else be that you might care to tell me in the future,” he said. “I shall not press you, Miss Weston, but let me say that I believe that man deserves either to be hanged or imprisoned.”
    “Perhaps you ought not to tell me that, sir,” she said. “Clearly you do not have the proof you need, and were it to be overheard, you might be liable to prosecution for slander.”
    “I thank you for your consideration, but I know you will not repeat my words, and we are quite alone.” Paul smiled at her. “And now I shall return you to the ballroom before our friends think I have kidnapped you, Miss Weston.”
    She smiled, for his presence had been reassuring and she liked his smile. Lucinda had warned her that he was a terrible flirt, though without a trace of malice. He was therefore not a rake for the girl would never have spoken in such a way had he been guilty of such behavior. A flirt was acceptable, even amusing to know, Hester thought. And as she had no intention of being foolish enough to give her heart to any man, she could enjoy a friendship with him without harm to either.
     
    * * * *
     
    Paul escorted Hester back to the group of gentlemen and ladies gathered around Lucinda and Geraldine. He saw Josh’s brows rise but merely smiled in a bland way that made his friend shake his head in amusement.
    “Miss Weston is not the widow of your dreams, my friend,” Josh said when Hester had accepted an offer to dance with someone else.
    “No, indeed,” Paul replied urbanely. “Nor do I intend making her an offer of any kind. She is a very interesting young woman, but I do not believe she is here looking for a husband.”
    “No? That surprises me,” Josh said. “She must be twenty-five or thereabouts. If she does not catch a