Devil Disguised Read Online Free PDF Page A

entered the dining room. His sister and Charlotte were conversing and both smiled as he stepped forward. He kissed his sister on the cheek and then the hand of Charlotte.
    In answer to his unspoken question, Eleanor said, “Lady Montgomery will be down any moment. I enjoyed spending time with her today. You should have told me she is so delightful.”
    As if on cue, he heard rustling and turned to see Lily enter the room. He tried to hide his sharp intake of breath.
    He had done his best not to think of her today, but seeing her now, he knew he would never forget her. She wore a deep blue gown that accentuated her hourglass figure and the color matched her eyes perfectly. The cut of the gown was low, drawing his attention even more than yesterday to her tempting cleavage. Her hair was pinned up, but several blond curls escaped delicately touching the top of her shoulders. He had hoped Charlotte could distract him, but he could not take his eyes off of the stunning woman who just entered the room.
    Lily met his gaze and said, “Good evening everyone. I apologize for my tardiness.”
    He was vaguely aware the two women standing next to him were staring and waiting for his response, but no words came to him.
    Eleanor said, “Good evening, Lily. You look lovely this evening and you are not a bit late. Please, come in and meet Lady Livingston.”
    Duncan cleared his throat and then said, “Yes, apologies. Lady Charlotte Livingston, let me introduce you to Lady Lily Montgomery. She will be our guest for the next few months and will provide Eleanor with someone to talk to besides myself.”
    Charlotte said, “It is a pleasure. I am sure we will get to know each other quite well as I am invited to dinner here at least once a week.”
    Lily’s eyes widened as she asked, “Really? Is your husband a good friend of the earl?”
    “I am certain he would be if he were still alive. He passed away two years ago.”
    “I am sorry for your loss,” Lily said.
    Duncan watched as Lily’s expression changed just a bit before smooth composure was back like a mask across her features. She said nothing more and Duncan noticed she did not bring up her own losses, which would have been easy to do.
    Charlotte said, “I try to think that everything happens for a reason even if the reason is not immediately clear.” She glanced in his direction as a sly smile appeared. “I have been lucky to have met the Earl and his wonderful sister. They have helped me through these past two years.”
    Lily tilted her head and quirked her mouth up in a near smile before she nodded slightly. She looked at him as if he had done something she expected.
    He was about to speak when Eleanor said, “Dinner has just been brought in. Please let us sit and enjoy what I am sure will be a wonderful meal.”
    Everyone took their places at the table and began eating in silence as wine glasses were filled. Eleanor and Charlotte began talking about the latest happenings in Brentwood and discussing baby names.
    Duncan said, “Well, if you want my opinion, I am partial to Duncan, Edward, Eleanor, Rose, and, of course, Charlotte. As long as the baby is not named something for which he or she can be teased, I am sure we can all become fond of the name.”
    Eleanor laughed. She took a sip of wine and glanced between him and Lily before she said, “I am glad you approve of our family’s given names, but I think Lily is a pretty name as well.”
    Lily smiled slightly and took a drink of her wine.
    “Lily, dear, you have been remarkably quiet this evening. Do you have any names you like?” Eleanor asked.
    Lily put her glass down and wiped her mouth delicately with her napkin before she replied, “I was told yesterday that the earl did not appreciate chitchat at dinner so I was merely trying to comply with his request. I think any name you choose for the baby will be perfect. If you will all excuse me, I am very full and need to retire.”
    Eleanor and Charlotte put their