The Seduction of Sara Read Online Free PDF Page B

And Grandpapa thinks the earl wants to reestablish himself in society. It would do him a lot of credit to marry into your family, as the St. Johns are above reproach.” Anna suddenly chuckled. “I never thought of it this way before, but this is justlike a novel from the lending library—only there is no hero.”
    â€œI don’t need a hero. I was blessed with a large amount of common sense, which is of infinitely more use than a man.”
    â€œHear, hear,” Anna said approvingly. “If you want true affection, get a pet. They are much cleaner and far more amusing.”
    â€œAnd infinitely more loyal. A pity Marcus wouldn’t be content with my purchasing a greyhound for company.”
    â€œYes, I—” Anna suddenly clutched her friend’s hand. “Good God, Sara, he’s here.”
    â€œWho? Marcus?” That would be just like him—to send her to Hades, then come to keep an eye on her himself.
    â€œNo, no,” Anna said, grabbing Sara’s arm and yanking her around a potted palm so they could stare undetected at the entryway. “The Earl of Bridgeton just walked in. Look!”
    Sara followed her friend’s wide, fixed gaze.
    Striding into the room as if he owned the world, was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Tall and broad-shouldered, the newcomer walked with a negligent grace, his movements as fluid as melted silver. His flawlessly cut coat clung to his athletic shoulders, his breeches molded over muscular thighs. His patrician nose and sensual mouth had been carved by a master hand. Every inch of him bespoke power and decadence, from hair the color of gold to skin brushed with the slightest touch of bronze.
    He was beyond beautiful—he was as magnificent as sin.
    â€œGood God,” Anna breathed. “I’ve never seen such a perfect man.”
    â€œPerhaps we should pinch him just to be certain he’s real.”
    Anna chuckled. “I’d volunteer, but your Aunt Delphi already looks at me as if she thinks I might begin sprouting horns.”
    â€œAunt Delphi? She loves you.”
    â€œNo, she doesn’t. She’s worried I’m a bad influence on you, and if she had any idea what we were doing right now, she’d blame the whole thing on me without a second’s pause.”
    â€œDo you think so?” Sara said absently, her mind still on the earl. Perhaps she’d been going about this all wrong. Maybe what she really needed was a rakehell. Surely a man given to sin would never stop his wife from attending gaming hells, or dressing as she pleased, or doing whatever took her fancy, providing she was discreet.
    The idea held immense appeal.
    She watched the earl walk to the receiving line and bow to Lord Jeffries, who frowned, his face turning a bright red. There was no mistaking the surprise on the man’s face. “I wonder if Bridgeton even had an invitation,” she murmured.
    â€œSurely he wouldn’t come without one!” Anna exclaimed.
    Just as Sara wondered if Lord Jeffries would eject the earl from his ballroom, the portly older man bowed. Sara supposed she shouldn’t be surprised.
    What else could he do? Make a scene at his own ball?
    She had to admire the earl’s boldness. Even from this distance, she could tell he was a man who’d transgressed more than his fair share. Someone called out the earl’s name and he turned, his sensual mouth curved in a lopsided smile that made Sara’s throat go completely dry.
    â€œLook,” Anna said, “Lady Bedford is dragging your Aunt Delphi into the cardroom. She’ll be occupied for half an hour at least.”
    â€œExcellent,” Sara said, glancing around. She was not the only one affected by the earl’s presence. Olivia Charles already had her smelling salts clenched in her hand, while Melinda Loundry was positively gawking. There wasn’t a woman in the room who wasn’t staring, openly or