His Dark Enchantress (Books We Love Regency Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

her friend.
    But even has he thought it, his mind skipped to that patch of skin between Emmaline’s bonnet and collar and how very much he had wanted to kiss it. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
    He could not, would not, lose his heart again.
    Why then, he asked himself, did he want to touch, to caress, to explore each and every one of Emmaline’s curves?
    It must be nothing more than lust, he decided and dared not look in her direction for fear of disclosing those thoughts in one inadvertent glance.
    And beyond that? The re was more to her, he was sure. Her shabby clothes had been something of a disguise, but why? And what was the reason for her reluctance to be seen about in society? Was it the result of some deep rooted fear? If so, what did she fear and how could he discover it? And what could he do to resolve her fears? He wanted to shake his head to clear it but continued to sit, stiffly, barely paying attention to his guests’ idle chatter.
    At last his carriage joined a long line of conveyances waiting to deposit their passengers at Almack’s Assembly Rooms, but soon drew abreast of the entrance.
    Lucius was the first to alight. He turned to assist Juliana and then Emmaline. Her face was level with his and she wondered at his grave expression, his stormy eyes and clenched jaw. He looked thoroughly displeased.
    As soon as Beamish joined them on the pavement, Lucius gave Noble his orders for the evening.
    In the last few days Mrs. Babbidge and her maid, Annie, chattered nonstop about the Assembly Rooms until Emmaline considered she knew the building without ever having been there. Light gleamed through the high, arched windows and sounds of music and merriment drifted out through the open door.
    Juliana’s excitement was palpable as they entered the Great Room. Bright eyed, she looked around but quickly caught her brother’s arm.
    “Oh, Lucius, there’s Lady Jersey and Countess Esterhazy. I must introduce Emmaline and thank them for the vouchers.”
    Emmaline hung back as much as she was able . Try though she might, she could not avoid the social niceties. Lady Jersey inclined her head as Juliana made the introductions, but the Countess caught both Emmaline’s hands and gave them a squeeze.
    “My dear girl, I am so pleased to see you again. How are you and how is your quite delightful grandpapa?”
    People around them heard the Countess’s quest ion. Heads turned to see to whom she was speaking. Emmaline coloured under their inquisitive stares. Now attention had been brought to her there would be no avoiding public speculation.
    “We are both well, Countess,” she said as she curtsied.
    “ How are you enjoying London?”
    “Very much, thank you . Lord Clifton was most kind in procuring vouchers for me to attend Almack’s this evening.”
    Lady Jersey looked up as if she had been struck. “Avondale? Kind?” Her tinkling laugh flowed as easily as her suspicious glance over Emmaline. “Avondale is never kind.”
    Momentarily lost for words Emmaline was thankful when she felt Juliana step closer to her.
    “You are mistaken, ma’am ,” Juliana said. “When threatened with sisterly vapours, my brother gave me his solemn promise to do all he could to ensure my friend’s comfort and entertainment.”
    “Oh, well. You would know best , I should suppose,” Lady Jersey said, her tone dismissive. “Come, Theresa.”
    The Countess started to move away with Lady Jersey, but returned only to look more closely at Emmaline before reaching forward and patting her cheek. “Your beauty is more than I remembered. Take my advice, my dear, make it work for you. And while you are in London, if you need anything at all, simply send word to me.”
    Emmaline curtsied again as, with a smile, the Countess walked away in a light rustle of burgundy satin, her mother-of-pearl reticule swinging gently from her wrist.
    “Oh, my,” Juliana whispered, her eyes as round as saucers. “Where did you meet