Almost Perfect Read Online Free PDF

brows lifting again and his mouth twisting slyly. “Rumor has it that the beauteous Mrs. Marston remained faithful throughout her marriage despite her husband’s somewhat wild behavior toward the end of his life. Very proper. Very well behaved.”
    Lucien turned his gaze back on Cassie and awareness of all else except her fell away. He watched her lean toward Egremont, candlelight spilling onto the smooth white skin of her décolletage. A tantalizing shadow appeared between her breasts. One hunger became another.
    There’d been a time when pursuing and being pursued in return had been the greatest joy in his life. The thought of playing that game with a woman he had once wanted enough to consider marrying was even more alluring. What would Cassie look like stripped of her clothing, her golden hair streaming over his counterpane?
    His cousin leaned a little closer. “She and her sister occupy the bedchamber directly across from yours, Hollier,” he whispered. “What do you think? As you’ve so often told me widows enjoy a certain freedom in society, and house parties offer so many interesting opportunities for trysts. Can you seduce the prim widow or have you forgotten how to play the rake?
    “Come with me to meet her,” Devanney urged, his voice still low and suggestive. “I’m to partner her sister for the first dance of the next set. I haven’t seen Mrs. Marston on the floor for an hour or two now. I’m wagering that she’ll be available. By the by, the next set begins with a waltz.”
    Across the room Cassie’s smile widened. Lucien threw off the ice of his past three years. It was potent bait that Devanney dangled in front of Lucien the way Lucien offered flies to the fish in his stream. And, just like the scaly creatures he’d spent the last months pulling out of the water, Lucien took it. His newly reawakened interest in Cassie demanded the chance to hold her close to him, guiding her through the waltz’s sensual movements.
    Why shouldn’t he pursue her? The search for a wife didn’t preclude the seduction of a widow at the same time. Why shouldn’t he and Cassie fulfill the promise of pleasure that had once existed between them now that they were both free of the bonds and betrayals of matrimony?
    Not waiting for Devanney, Lucien started across the ballroom wanting that waltz more than anything he’d anticipated in the last six years.

     
    A pleased Colonel Egremont added his name to Eliza’s almost full dance card, then bowed and retreated. Cassie watched the colonel, dressed in his fine blue jacket with its scarlet trim, golden epaulettes and golden belt, torn between satisfaction and fear. The satisfaction came from the thought that although Eliza might never have her London season she’d at least have the opportunity to break a few hearts at this house party. The fear arose from the colonel’s commission. Although there was nothing intimidating about the young man, Cassie had to consider him a potential enemy. If news of Bucksden’s untimely death reached Scotland the soldier might well consider it his duty to take the murderess into his custody.
    Laughing in excitement, Eliza leaned close to Cassie. “This night is just too superior to be borne. Why, everything about Ryecroft Castle is exquisite! I shall enjoy every moment of the next two weeks.”
    Cassie did her best to smile. She hadn’t told Eliza or her father about the forgotten invitation, nor would she. What good would her confession do except to make them worry that the Runners were already on their way? Cassie was doing enough of that for all of them. Far better that Eliza enjoy herself.
    It was a noble but isolating intention. Between looming disaster and the noise and closeness in the ballroom, Cassie’s head pounded. She opened her fan and plied it with vigor.
    “You should make it your purpose to enjoy every moment,” Philana commanded Eliza. “It’s the duty of every beautiful young girl to wring as much gaiety from