The Secrets of Wolverton Manor (paranormal shifters and vampires) (Victorian Werewolves and Immortals) Read Online Free PDF

drooling. “Really, that’s for our family members to do,” she thought. “We’re the dogs, after all.”
    When the footman arrived at her seat, Miss Harrington was deliberately slow to help herself to food.
    “I’m so sorry, Edmund,” she said. “I’m terribly clumsy with utensils. But you are so good to be patient.” She looked up at his face, a coy expression on her own, and licked her lips. Edmund found himself averting his gaze, looking instead at her brother across the table, who was quietly observing the interaction. Edmund resisted the smile that attempted to form on his own face as Mr. Harrington grinned at him.
    “Perhaps he’s hoping that his sister and I will wind up entangled,” he thought. “But we all know that won’t happen. Well, she may not know that I’m as flaccid for her as a dead fish. Poor, silly girl.”
    The evening proceeded thusly, with Miss Harrington attempting repeatedly to find excuses to get Edmund to bring her things or to service her in other ways. “Edmund, be a dear and fetch me some more wine. Edmund, I seem to have spilled some sauce on my dress. Would you mind?” The footman felt that he was working well above his pay grade as he dabbed at her chest with a napkin.
    “Here, let me,” sai d Anne, sensing Edmund’s discomfort. She took the cloth from him and worked at Miss Harrington’s front. “You like our Edmund, I see,” she said under her breath.
    “I don’t know what you mean.”
    “Don’t you? Ah well, I must have misinterpreted something. It happens.”
    When he wasn’t tending to Miss Harrington or trying quietly to look at her brother, Edmund spent most of the evening with his back to the wall, listening to the dinner conversation. Lord Downing was discussing some breakthrough in communication technology that had occurred in America, and the ladies and gentlemen, for the most part, listened with rapt attention. Only Mr. Thornton seemed constantly to let his mind wander. Edmund had determined that, unlike in the case of Mr. Harrington, there was no hope for the man. It was clear that he was nothing more than a boy who enjoyed ogling young women, and no doubt frequented houses of ill repute in his spare time.
    Victoria hadn’t entirely come to this conclusion, however, and she did her best to try and size him up, occasionally putting a hand elegantly under her chin in an attempt to accentuate her long neck and to make herself enticing. On one occasion she even touched his thigh briefly with her fingertips as she asked him about his house in London. She knew perfectly well that her parents wanted her focusing on Harrington, but Thornton exuded a sort of raw sexuality, and she couldn’t help herself. Harrington seemed, well, innocent in comparison.
    Mr. Thornton, meanwhile, had set his sights entirely on the young maid with the lovely breasts and wondered how he could orchestrate another meeting. He’d gotten her into his room and hardened what were no doubt mouth-watering nipples; he could do it again. And this time he would find a way to stroke her moist mound without the interference of clothing. Yes, he thought. She would be his before the visit was through, and hopefully often.
    “Mr. Thornton?” said Victoria, noticing that his eyes seemed to have glazed over while her father spoke. She found it rude, but understandable. Papa could go on for hours if you allowed him.
    “I’m so sorry. Yes, I’m listening,” he said, reminding himself that he was expected to behave while at meals. He looked at Victoria and smiled, realizing that her eyes were focused on his lap. He didn’t have to look down to know that she was staring at the bulge in his trousers , which had formed during his reverie about the beautiful young maid.
    He pulled his napkin up to cover it and Victoria blinked and looked away quickly. Very unladylike, she thought. Poorly done. But by God, that was a sight. She couldn’t help but allow a brief smile to cross her lips.
    Edmund