Seducing Mr Storm Read Online Free PDF

of port by the fire in the library. Susanna acquiesced reluctantly, knowing she had no choice if she was ever to manufacture some time alone with their host.
    Donning cloaks, the ladies stepped onto the gravelled path with Elijah bringing up the rear. They strolled gently. He was a good guide, pointing out his prized flowers and shrubs, talking about the work that went into the garden. Work that, scandalously for Elizabeth, who believed servants should do everything, he took a large part in. The walk was a long one, down the sloped lawn to the woods beyond, where they could hear the river burbling gently and Susanna was reminded of their encounter the previous week. Elijah glanced at her with a smile, as though he read her thoughts. Steeling herself against her distaste, she looked back at him with what she hoped was a seductive expression. For a moment his face settled into a frown as he held her gaze. Then he arched a brow, clearly unsure as to the way the wind was now blowing. She couldn’t blame him for being confused as to her about-turn.
    A cry from Lucy tore their eye contact apart. She lay in a crumpled heap, having twisted her ankle stepping into a rabbit burrow. Elijah uttered an oath under his breath and bent to attend her while Elizabeth fussed wildly, wringing her hands. Susanna stood apart, watching as Elijah swept her distressed sister up into his arms and carried her quickly back to the house. The two women trailed behind, Elizabeth theatrically upset and Susanna thinking it was a great deal of fuss about nothing.
    Elijah carried Lucy up the stairs to a guest bedroom. There Elizabeth lifted Lucy’s skirts to show her ankles – a somewhat risqué gesture in front of Elijah, who acted as if he saw ladies’ ankles all the time. Susanna had no doubt he did, and more.
    ‘I’ll send word to the doctor in the village,’ Elijah said, striding from the room.
    Elizabeth peeled Lucy’s stocking down and revealed no bruising or swelling, a pointless trip for the doctor as far as Susanna could see. But clearly both her sister and mother were revelling in playing the helpless flowers in front of their host so who was she to spoil their fun?
    She backed out of the room unnoticed and closed the door quietly, almost bumping into Elijah on the landing.
    ‘I’ve sent a boy to fetch him,’ he said.
    Susanna shrugged. ‘I’m not sure he’s needed.’
    ‘Neither am I,’ Elijah said frankly, ‘but I wouldn’t risk your mother’s wrath by not offering.’ He gave her a conspiratorial smile.
    Susanna didn’t return it. She regarded him a moment. Now she had decided on her plan of action, she felt intense dislike for him, no matter that his proximity made her tremble.
    ‘Mr Storm,’ she said, holding his gaze. ‘I wish to discuss something with you in private.’
    He searched her eyes. She was convinced he knew, and would refuse her just to be contrary.
    Then he stepped back, and spread his arm, indicating the guest bedroom behind them. Susanna entered quickly, taking in the plush surroundings, the four-poster bed, and the window overlooking the darkening garden. Elijah closing the door sounded thunderous. He walked into the centre of the room, standing on a Turkish rug.
    ‘Well?’
    Susanna clasped her hands together. Oh, she was stupid. What had ever possessed her to carry out this idea? Wouldn’t he have her anyway, then disappear back to London without marrying her sister? She would ruin herself pointlessly. Nonetheless, she was fixed in her course.
    She lifted her chin, aware of the great height difference between them and hoping he would come no closer. ‘Sir,’ she said. ‘I wish you to marry my sister. I am here to take steps to assure it.’
    Elijah arched a brow, looking amused. ‘You are?’
    ‘Yes.’ Susanna took a deep breath, and then plunged into the abyss. She stalked across the room, slammed her hand against his broad chest, and marched him back.
    Perhaps stunned by her forcefulness, he