The Infamous Rogue Read Online Free PDF

softened her voice and composed her features. “I can repair any damage, I assure you.”
Sophia had faith in the widow’s matchmaking skills. She was a highly regarded member of the gentry, albeit a poor one. After the death of her husband, Lady Lucas had slipped into the dreaded sin of poverty. Even her lofty name was not able to save her from the depths of ostracism and ignominy. But Sophia had offered the woman a considerable fortune to introduce her to society, to find her a respectable husband. Now each woman was dependent on the other for her happiness.
“You must write to Lady Rosamond.” The matron slipped from the chair and took her by the wrist. She quickly escorted Sophia across the room to the writing desk. “You must tell the young woman you enjoyed His Lordship’s ball. With each word of praise and adoration, she will suspect your attachment to her brother.” Lady Lucas removed the quill from the inkstand and handed it to her. “I will dictate.”
But Sophia only stared at the long, white feather, an uncomfortable shiver pressing on her spine. She could not write the letter. She was literate, however she possessed a disability. And if the matron ever discovered what it was…
“I think it better if you write the letter, Lady Lucas.”
“Nonsense, my dear. Lady Rosamond thinks highly of your character. We will be far more productive if you write to her as a friend.”
Sophia frowned. “I must insist, Lady Lucas. It might seem pretentious if I admit my feelings about her brother, even in a subtle manner.”
“You will banter with her. Gossip. A young lady loves to share on-dit with a trusted acquaintance.”
“Even so, she might take offense. She might con sider the subject matter too delicate. However, she would not rebuff the compliments of a lady of your distinction.”
Lady Lucas appeared to mull over the argument before she bobbed her head in brisk accord. “Your good sense does you credit, Miss Dawson. You should not risk upsetting the cordial bond between you and Lady Rosamond. I will write the letter.”
As soon as the matron took a seat and flicked her wrist in a sweeping gesture, Sophia sighed. She had averted one disaster by refusing to write the letter. She was confident Lady Lucas would avert another by writing a fastidiously worded letter…now Sophia need only silence Black Hawk.
     
    “Good morning, Sophia.” James stroked the long curve of her spine with the tips of his fingers. “Did you sleep well, sweetheart?”
There was a sharp rap at the door.
James grimaced. The rapping resounded in his head, tender after last night’s drinking binge. He growled, “Go away.”
The door opened.
William sauntered inside the bedroom, looking cross.
“Get out, Will.”
“We’re not aboard the Bonny Meg, James. I don’t take orders here.”
James glowered. Aboard ship the captain had privacy. No one dared to enter the cabin uninvited. And no one dared to disobey an order. But here at the house in London, James was forced to associate with family, not crew. Here in St. James’s, his sober and obedient lieutenant routinely transformed into an impudent and scolding sibling.
William slowly approached him. “You vowed not to cause a stir at the ball.”
“I didn’t cause a stir,” he said in a sluggardly manner.
“So why are people whispering?”
James ignored his brother and continued to rub Sophia’s back.
William rounded the table and paused in front of the window. He wasn’t as big as James, but he was still wide enough to obstruct the weak, silvery light creeping in through the drapery. “Will you take your eyes off that damn creature and answer me?”
It was already a misty morning. William’s shadow cooled the room even more, casting Sophia in darkness.
Gently James returned the iron lid over the glass case, securing the cold-blooded snake in her aquarium. “What the hell do you want from me, Will?”
“An oath.” He folded his arms across his chest. “It appears Dawson’s