Catch Me If You Can Read Online Free PDF Page A

childbirth. She had the beauty of a renaissance Madonna, Frieda reflected. James had oft written to his brother and Frieda of the comfort the child gave him in those sad, early years. Eleanor had grown into a beautiful young woman too, Frieda noted, proud of her niece. The girl had a passionate streak and spoke out on matters other young ladies would have a fit over. The tomboy in her did not eclipse the blossoming young lady. Frieda smiled whenever her niece’s spirit showed itself, and she noticed Rivers also seemed to be fascinated by the wayward young woman.
    They were a fine match, Frieda decided. Neither of them were overly affected by convention nor were they touched by pretension. And there was definitely a spark between them. Rivers deserved a chance at such friendships, she reflected. His unfortunate family circumstances left him unwilling to pursue long relationships or entertain the idea of marriage. It was part of a sacrifice he’d made many years before, of which even she didn’t know the full circumstances. He was a fine escort, though, a gentleman and a connoisseur, and Eleanor might well enjoy his company – whilst she enjoyed the company of her dear brother-in-law, she thought to herself, turning to smile at James. He brushed up his whiskers as he observed her over his spectacles, his eyes twinkling.
    Ah yes , it’s a fine moment we’re blessed with tonight .
     
    * * *
     
    The midnight hour was no less sultry and Eleanor stepped across her bedroom to catch any breeze from the window. There was none to be had. She drew her hand around the back of her neck. Her skin prickled with heat, and it wasn’t the weather causing it. Her thoughts were filled with images from the dinner, the things Rivers had said and the looks he’d cast over her. She was too restless to sleep and decided to take a lukewarm bath to refresh herself.
    Slipping quietly out of her room, she crossed the landing to the grand bathroom and filled the ornate wash basin from the jug. She pulled off her nightgown and added fragrant petals to the water. Her friend Miette had sent her the box of petals from Paris, and their fragrance quickly intoxicated her senses as she sponged her torso. Refreshed, she put her nightdress back on. The material was fine lawn cotton and it clung to her damp skin.
    Emerging into the hallway, she was captured by the look of the moonlight falling across the wide landing and crossed to the window to look out into the night. The sky was a dark velvety blue and alive with quivering specks of light. She stepped into the moonlight, bathing herself again. She was still warm. The bath had cooled her skin, not the heat burning within. That, she suspected, wasn’t going to be quelled too easily. Every time Mr. Rivers had looked at her it seemed to stoke the fire more.
    The smell of the perfumed petals rose from her warm skin and she breathed deep their aroma. The scent was of jasmine and honeysuckle, tinged with a harder edge. What was it? An answer ticked at the back her mind.
    She turned toward the rich tobacco edging into her senses.
    A plume of smoke moved through the still air toward her.
    Rivers stood against a pillar, some ten feet down the landing from her. He was just outside the light cast by the moon, but his white shirt was visible in the gloom, as was the outline of his easy posture against the darker background.
    He slowly unfolded his long limbs and walked toward her.
    She wondered how long he’d been standing there, realizing he must be able to see her whole body through her fine lawn nightdress against the light from the window. Eleanor’s pulse charged, her body burning up with sudden self-consciousness.
    He was barefoot, wearing only trousers and the shirt hanging open at his sides. Her eyes passed across his bare chest as he came closer, the muscle of it drawing her gaze like a magnet. A thin silver chain nestled in his collarbone and twinkled in the light. His neck was long and sleek and some of