The Art of Sinning Read Online Free PDF Page B

she has tired of waiting for your return, you think to get rid of her by marrying her off.” She shook her head. “Your poor sister.”
    â€œTrust me, there is nothing ‘poor’ about my sister. Amanda can take care of herself.” His smile smoldered. “As, it appears, can you. Which is probably what made me want you for my painting in the first place.”
    She fought not to be intrigued. “What is this painting about, anyway?”
    â€œIt’s allegorical, about the sacrifice of Art to Commerce.”
    That took her by surprise. “Something like Dela­croix’s paintings?”
    â€œYou’re familiar with Delacroix?”
    His voice held such astonishment that it scraped her nerves. “I do read books, you know. And attend exhibits and operas with my brother when I can drag him to town.”
    â€œOperas, eh? Better you than me. I can’t imagine anything more tedious than an evening of screeching.”
    â€œMy point is that I’m not some ninnyhammer society chit who only keeps abreast of fashions.”
    â€œI didn’t think you were.” He bent close enough to say in a husky tone, “Unlike your brother, I am fully aware of your attractions.”
    The words melted over her skin like butter. And when he then tugged her slightly closer in the turn, she let him.
    Not because of his devastating attractiveness, no.Or his deft ability to dance. Or the glint of awareness in his startling blue eyes. None of that had any effect on her. Certainly not.
    Fighting to keep her mind off the breathlessness that suddenly assailed her, she said, “So, which character would I play in this allegorical painting of yours?”
    One corner of his mouth tipped up. “Does that mean you agree to sit for it?”
    â€œPerhaps. It depends on your answers to certain questions.”
    The music was ending. Oh, dear, and just when the conversation was getting interesting. Unfortunately, it would be highly improper of him to ask her for another.
    But apparently he’d thought of that, for he waltzed her toward a pair of doors that opened to reveal steps descending into the sunlit garden. And as the music ended, he offered her his arm.
    Curiosity prompted her to take it and she let him lead her outside, relieved to see that they weren’t the only people strolling about. At least she needn’t worry about rousing further gossip.
    Besides, she was ready to be out of the stuffy ballroom. Here she could breathe at last.
    â€œNow, then, madam,” he said. “Ask me whatever you wish.”
    â€œWho am I to play in your painting? What am I to wear? Will sitting for your picture ruin me for life? Is that why Edwin would only agree to a respectable portrait?”
    â€œThat’s quite a lot of questions,” he said dryly. “Let’s start with the last. Your brother and I didn’tget as far as my describing the concept of my work. The minute I said I wished for you to model for me, he flat-out refused to let you be part of any painting that wasn’t dull as dirt, even though I told him you wouldn’t be recognized.”
    â€œWon’t I?” She felt a stab of disappointment at the thought that he didn’t really want to paint her as she was. And why did she care, anyway? “So I’m to be wearing a mask or a cloak or something?”
    â€œNo, indeed. But you will be in a Greek costume quite different from your normal attire. I can even change your hair color if you wish. And you’ll only be in profile, anyway. I doubt anyone will realize it is you.”
    She gave a harsh laugh. “Right. Because no one will notice that the woman in your painting happens to have my ungainly proportions.”
    â€œUngainly!” He shook his head. “More like queenly. Majestic.”
    The compliment came so unexpectedly that it startled her. She was used to being teased for her height, not praised. She had to turn her