Devil's Match Read Online Free PDF

afraid—both quite intelligent, but too headstrong by far. The right match could be the saving grace for each of them, while the wrong one could have disastrous consequences.”
    At that very moment, Patrick firmly pushed a reluctant Albert Bascombe forward to meet Juliana under the bemused stares of a rather large number of her admirers. The unfortunate Bertie colored uncomfortably and merely goggled speechlessly at the lovely heiress. It was not until Patrick had physically prodded him that the hapless young man found his tongue at all. Ju’s blue eyes were full of mischief as they met Patrick’s.
    â€œAh, Coz—so you found your invitation, after all.” She smiled.
    Bertie, remembering his role finally, managed to stammer out a request to procure some lemonade for her. As if on cue, the gentlemen around them began vying for the favor until Juliana settled the matter by sending each one off in search of a different delectable, leaving her temporarily alone with her cousin in the crowded ballroom.
    â€œReally, Patrick,” she observed after Bascombe’s retreating form, “but I cannot imagine the association.”
    â€œBertie? Alas, my dear, but I’ve found friends few enough when I needed them. Bertie at least has that rare quality of constancy in the face of adversity—he has never wavered in his support.”
    â€œBut he does not appear to have all his wits about him.”
    â€œI should characterize him as being a slow thinker rather than half-witted, Ju,” Patrick responded.
    Out of the corner of her eye, Juliana could see her parents watching her so she moved to the matter at hand. “I collect you had no difficulty getting in?”
    â€œNone.” He grinned. “If you do not consider my putting Lady Beresford on the verge of the vapors a difficulty. I thought she meant to faint when I kissed her chit’s hand.”
    â€œMaria? Well, I vow she liked it well enough.”
    â€œNo—she could not decide whether to flirt or recoil—and, alas, I was gone by the time she’d made up her mind.”
    â€œPatrick,” Juliana giggled, “you are incorrigible!”
    â€œI? ’Twas not I who came up with this preposterous scheme. By the by …” He looked around the room for a moment. “I do not seem to see this charming companion you would foist on me, my dear. If you’ve dragged me out merely to pique the ton for your diversion, Ju, I shall wring your neck.”
    She considered pouting prettily or rapping him coquettishly with her enameled fan and then thought better of it. For all that could be said of him, he was little given to flirtatious games. Instead, she inclined her head toward a curtained-off area behind the musicians. “I daresay you might find her there, Patrick, for once she’s exchanged proper greetings around and seen me establish my crowd, she usually seeks out a place to read. And Mama does not mind because she does not like for Caro to put herself forward, anyway.”
    â€œHave you mentioned any of this to her?”
    â€œCaro? Of course not—’twould be most improper of me, don’t you think?”
    â€œAnd when has that ever stopped you?”
    â€œThis time I leave it up to you to determine if you will suit, Coz, though I cannot imagine that you would not.” Another quick glance at her parents revealed that her mother was still staring at her. “Patrick …” She touched his arm impulsively and asked, “Would you waltz with me?”
    With raised eyebrow, he reached for the card that dangled from her wrist. “Really, my dear, but there’s no room—’twould seem I am too late for the honor.”
    â€œPooh. You are Patrick Danvers, after all, so who’s to quibble? Besides, you are quite the handsomest man in this room.”
    â€œI’d ruin you,” he reminded her bluntly. “No—despite what you both seem to