Seduction Becomes Her Read Online Free PDF Page A

Daphne said briskly, putting a brave face on for the younger ones. “We’re in our new home where we’re going to be very happy. And I, for one, am going to bed.”

    Not giving either one of her siblings a chance to object, she kissed them each warmly and bid them good night and stepping into her bedroom, shut the door firmly behind her.

    Exhaustion swept over her. It had been a long, tiring journey—the days passed in the rumbling coach, the nights spent at the various country inns along the way had not been restful—and Daphne was glad to have reached their destination. Beaumont Place was not what they had expected. It was far larger and grander than any of them had envisioned, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, she reminded herself as she dragged out a nightgown from her valise that had been placed on the floor at the end of the bed. Mrs. Hutton had suggested sending along one of the kitchen maids to unpack and act as her maid, but Daphne had declined. She’d never had her own maid and didn’t feel the need of one.

    It didn’t take her long to get ready for bed, and despite the fire, there was a distinct chill in the room. After blowing out the candle on the stand near her bed, she climbed into the big, curtain-hung bed. Slipping beneath the covers, a happy sigh escaped her. Mrs. Hutton had seen to it that the sheets had been warmed, and Daphne nearly purred as the warmth crept along her body.

    She had been certain that she would fall asleep the moment her head hit the down-filled pillows, but such was not the case. She was oddly restless, and after tossing and turning for a few moments, she plumped the pillows behind her back and sat up, pulling the quilts and blankets up around her chin. She was, she admitted, a bit uneasy in these unfamiliar surroundings and found herself wishing again for April’s company.

    The misty rain had become a full-fledged storm, the rain clawing at the windows, the wind howling and shrieking around the house, causing unnatural creaks and groans to rend the air. With only the light of the dying fire to see by, the room seemed even more cavernous and intimidating. Shadows lurked in the corners, the purple damask bed curtains seemed to hover like a great beast over her, and even the heavy furniture suddenly looked ominous and threatening. Daphne shivered, imagining the vague forms of demons dancing in the dim light.

    She made a face. What a pea-goose she was! There was nothing to be afraid of, the surroundings were strange, it was true, but there was nothing to fear.

    Despite her brave thoughts, a knock on the door made her jump and surprised a small gasp from her. Embarrassed by her reaction, she called out with only the faintest quaver in her voice, “Yes, who is it?”

    “April,” came the muffled reply from the other side of the door. “May I come in?”

    “Of course,” Daphne said with relief, lighting the candle beside her bed.

    Garbed in a pale pink robe and her nightgown, April hurried into Daphne’s bedroom. Her curly blond locks falling over her shoulders, she scampered to Daphne’s bedside. “Oh, Daffy, I feel such a ninny, but please, may I sleep with you tonight?” She cast a nervous look around. “Everything is so strange and with the storm….” She turned big, pleading eyes on her older sister. “I know it is foolish of me, but I’m frightened…and it would be just for tonight.”

    Daphne smiled and flipped back the covers of the bed. “Considering the storm and the size of this place, I don’t blame you for feeling frightened. Come along, poppet; hop beneath the covers before any more heat leaves.”

    April shed her robe and a moment later, was snuggled next to Daphne. Her head resting against Daphne’s shoulder, she said, “Oh, Daffy, this is so much better. I’m not afraid anymore.” She angled her face toward her sister. “Weren’t you frightened at all?”

    Daphne made a face, honesty compelling her to say, “Perhaps a