The Lightkeeper's Ball Read Online Free PDF Page B

cheeks burned at the intent in his gaze. What a rogue he was. “And the price?”
    “Five thousand dollars.”
    “I’ll think about it,” she said, turning away from the mirror. “If you don’t mind, we could stop at the manor and let the servants know where to pick up my things.”
    “Of course.”
    “If you would be so kind as to undo the clasp.” His warm fingers grazed the back of her neck again. She didn’t like the way her pulse leaped. The cad knew how to make a woman respond to his touch. No wonder Eleanor had been so enamored. Olivia vowed not to be as weak as her sister. She could see through this man’s mask.
    He handed the necklace to the sales clerk, and Olivia stepped away before he could remove the earrings. “I can get these.” She quickly took them off and handed them to the other woman.
    When his fingers touched her elbow, she didn’t move toward the door. Not when she had so many questions. She hovered over the display case. “Where are those black diamonds you praised?”
    “Right here.” He pointed to a bracelet studded with black and white stones.
    The black diamonds glittered against the white ones. “Did you buy any of these lovely pieces for your fiancée?” She glanced at him from under her lashes and saw him flinch.
    “Unfortunately, I saw Eleanor very little,” he said, his tone frosty. “When she arrived, I was on a trip to Africa. She died four days after I returned.”
    “It was an arranged marriage?”
    His brows lowered and his lips thinned. “I’m sure you know it was, Lady Devonworth. If you’re such a close friend of the family, you would be quite aware of these things.”
    “I beg your pardon. I didn’t mean to offend you,” she said. When his glower didn’t diminish, she turned up the wattage on her smile until his lips twitched. She moved toward the door with him.
    So, Eleanor had seen little of him, yet she died four days after his arrival from Africa. What did it all mean? And how could Olivia get the truth out of him?

    Harrison guided the young woman past the manicured lawns to the sweeping portico of Stewart Hall. The high surf from the approaching storm pounded on the rocks below. The woman’s pointed questions about Eleanor left him on edge. He quite detested high-society women who were only interested in gossip.
    “The front door is open,” Lady Devonworth said.
    A man carrying rugs emerged from the open door. Harrison recognized him as footman Jerry Bagley. The young man didn’t see them and carried the rugs to the line at the side of the house. A rug beater lay on the ground. He draped the rugs over the line and picked up the beater.
    “Jerry, if you have a moment,” Harrison called.
    Jerry whirled with the beater held up like a weapon. His pug-nosed face relaxed in a smile when he saw them. He struck a pose and dropped the tool. “A woman drove me to drink and I never had the courtesy to thank her for it,” he said in a snide drawl.
    “W. C. Fields,” Harrison said. “Good job.”
    The young man grinned and picked up the beater again. “He’s easy to do. I’ve got a part in a vaudeville that debuts in two weeks. I hope you can come.”
    “I wouldn’t miss it.”
    Jerry glanced at Lady Devonworth and his eyes widened. Harrison knew he was taking in the luxury of her silk gown. “This is Lady Devonworth. I assume the house has been prepared for her visit.”
    “Yes, sir. Mrs. Stewart called several days ago. Mama has been cracking the whip over all of us.” He glanced at Lady Devonworth. “She told us to expect—”
    “I’m so glad she called to let you know to expect me,” Lady Devonworth said. “I’m at the lighthouse right now, but I wanted to make sure you were ready for my arrival.”
    Harrison stepped past Jerry. “I’ll introduce Lady Devonworth to your mother.” He guided Lady Devonworth toward the door. “This is your first visit, correct?”
    “Yes. Mr. Stewart had the place built four years ago. Or so I was