The Scoundrel's Secret Siren Read Online Free PDF

observation, Honoria. More cake?”
    *
    Constance had been quite upset to be obliged to remain at home, and Lorelei, despite her admonitions to herself that it was just a garden party, was rather excited to attend. She did her best to hide her enthusiasm out of consideration for her sister’s feelings. Con felt that she would never be deemed old enough to attend such soirées, though she was every bit as capable of conducting herself as her sister.
    Despite her best efforts, Lorelei could not stop her eyes from sparkling with enthusiasm. It was so much better than wasting away at Ledley, in the fog and rain, with nothing but country squires’ wives for company. It was her first party of the Season and her excitement was almost enough to drive the thought of her mystery earl out of her mind. Almost, but not quite. She wondered if he would be there, certain that her heart would know the earl the instant her eyes fell on him. She considered what she would do if she were to see him there. He would not know her and she knew she could not be so bold as to approach the earl and speak to him! And whatever in the world would she say?
    Arriving at the elegantly appointed Bassincourt townhouse on Upper Brook Street in Lady Hurst’s barouche, Lorelei once more quickly scanned the faces of the other guests, but seeing no one who at all resembled her mysterious earl, she proceeded to be introduced to the hostess, Lady Julia and some guests of consequence. Lorelei was deeply impressed at the quality of Lady Hurst’s acquaintance when she was introduced to Lady Castlereagh. Lorelei did her best not to look in awe of the influential woman. Lady Castlereagh was one of the honoured patronesses of Almack’s, who could either make or break a young lady’s future by withholding one of the sought-after vouchers to the hallowed establishment. In Lorelei’s opinion, Lady Castlereagh was also the most interesting of the patronesses: she was a friend of Lord Ledley’s and a renowned traveller. Lorelei remembered her father saying that the lady’s country home contained a real tiger of the most vicious temperament!
    Excusing herself to procure some refreshments, Lorelei took a moment to look about the bustling room. It was so good to be surrounded by people again, after the repressive solitude of the country. Despite her earlier impatience to begin the Season, Lorelei found herself feeling rather overwhelmed by the whole affair. She acquired some ratafia and stood a moment, watching the other guests. She was gratified to discover another soul who looked every bit as dazed. Lady Julia Kinsey, the celebrated daughter of Lady Bassincourt, had quietly come in and navigated along the far reaches of the room, before coming to a halt at the very back, clutching her own glass of ratafia, which she made no move to drink.
    Lorelei observed Lady Julia. Her dress was a beautiful creation of cream muslin and pearls and her silky dark curls only served to frame the paleness of her face and the bright pink flush of her cheeks. Lorelei was surprised that the young woman appeared so very discomfited at her own party. Sensing a kindred spirit, Lorelei went to join the other girl at the back of the room.
    “Lady Julia? Are you q uite well?” she asked with a friendly smile, keeping her voice decorously quiet so that no one else should overhear.
    Lady Julia looked startled and her face coloured in a dark flush. “Oh! Yes, perfectly well, thank you. Only, one does find so many important people all at once to be… But, you know, I was always at school or in the country and almost never in London...” She trailed off, as if aware she had said something quite shocking.
    Lorelei only smiled warmly. “I quite agree. It is so difficult to get one’s head around all the names and faces!” Her eyes danced with enchanting mischief. It made Julia instantly warm to her.
    Lady Julia’s answering smile lit up her features and it was easy to see why she was expected to