Angel in Scarlet Read Online Free PDF Page B

pixie, though Solonge was much worldlier than any pixie I ever heard about. Wearing a dark pink dress cut almost as low as Laura’s, she gazed out the window, the sunlight turning her hair to molten gold.
    If Solonge was lively and restless, full of energies she found hard to repress, Janine was just the opposite. With silver-blonde hair and limpid blue eyes and a complexion like cream, she was as lethargic as she was lovely, always lolling about in placid indolence. Taller than her sister, with a large, voluptuous body, she was so beautiful you could scarce believe it with her delicately flushed cheeks and generous pink mouth. If Solonge made the boys pant, Janine made them stare in awe, but, unlike Solonge, she seemed totally unaware of their interest. Solonge thrived on masculine attention, encouraged it with capricious abandon. Janine found it utterly tiresome. Her sky-blue skirt rumpled, lacy petticoat showing, she idly reached for another bonbon and popped it into her mouth.
    â€œIf you keep stuffing yourself with those, you’re going to get fat ,” Solonge informed her, turning away from the window. “Statuesque is one thing. Plump is quite another.”
    â€œWho cares?” Janine inquired lazily. “ You brought the chocolates home, sister dear.”
    â€œI have the good sense not to eat them. I could scarcely refuse them—Johnny Martin felt he was doing me such a favor, giving them to me. I thought Angie might like them, didn’t know you were going to make a pig of yourself on them.”
    â€œJohnny Martin, was it?” Janine yawned. “ Maman know about it?”
    â€œHis father is one of the richest men in the country and Johnny is going to Oxford next year. Maman knows. Maman approves. All hands and mouth, he is, never knew a man quite so horny.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œI told him I wasn’t that kind of girl. A little white lie never hurts now and then.”
    â€œYou’re incorrigible, Solonge,” her sister scolded.
    â€œI also have a drawer full of stockings and a solid gold locket. Maman doesn’t know about the locket, so keep your mouth shut.”
    â€œJohnny?”
    â€œWilliam Randolph.”
    Janine lazily elevated one brow. “He’s little better than a hooligan, not a penny in his pocket. Must have stolen the locket.”
    â€œBut he has such shoulders,” Solonge said.
    Both girls looked up as I took a bite of apple and munched it. Solonge frowned. Janine smiled faintly. I sauntered into the parlor, taking another bite of apple.
    â€œHow much did you hear?” Solonge asked sharply.
    â€œEnough,” I replied, “and I think William Randolph’s a dolt, always showin’ off, thinkin’ he’s God’s gift just because he has blond hair and smoky-blue eyes and a body by Michelangelo.”
    â€œWhat would you know about it?” Solonge snapped.
    â€œEppie Dawson and I spied on him last time he went swimming in the river. We were hiding among the willows. He wudn’t wearin’ a stitch. His thing’s as big as a stallion’s.”
    â€œThat explains it,” Janine said wryly, reaching for another chocolate. “Who is this Michelangelo?”
    â€œHe was an artist, you ninny,” Solonge informed her, “sculpted a lot of naked men. If you say one word , Angie—”
    â€œI never tattle,” I replied airily, “you know that. Eppie Dawson says girls who chase after boys like you do always end up in trouble.”
    â€œGirls who end up in trouble are inexcusably careless, and Eppie Dawson is a smart-mouthed little brat who doesn’t know beans. I brought these chocolates home for you. You’d better take them before Janine makes herself ill.”
    â€œYou don’t have to bribe me. I won’t squeal.”
    â€œThey’re not a bribe. I thought you might like them.”
    I took a final bite of apple, chucked the core out the open