The Vampire Dimitri Read Online Free PDF Page A

things, and the next thing she knew, the earl was there, as well.
    Just as immovable and emotionless as a brick wall, he was, and nothing she said had any effect on him except to prompt that arrogant lifting of the eyebrow.
    He’d arrived just in time to catch Viscount Dewhurst—who’d surprised them all by calling that afternoon—as he attempted to woo Angelica in a private corner of their library. Maia had to admit gratitude toward Corvindale for interfering in that matter, for Angelica had seemed more than a little starry-eyed when the viscount had arrived. And the more she saw of Dewhurst, the more certain Maia was that the man was of no good character—a rake and a rogue and the last sort of man with whom her beautiful sister should become enamoured. Someone like Lord Harrington would be a much better choice for Angelica.
    Not only had Corvindale sent Dewhurst on his way, but Maia had also heard him say that the viscount had to leave immediately for Romania.
    As for tonight, since Corvindale had considerately suppliedthem with a chaperone in the form of Aunt Iliana—who turned out to be a delightful matron, although no one was certain whose aunt she was—Maia really only needed to be concerned with herself. Aunt Iliana seemed like just the sort to watch them all like a hawk, but to have an enjoyable time herself.
    Maia fully intended to do so, as well. The urge to relax a bit, to be anonymous and be not quite so on her guard for propriety’s sake, stirred inside her. When was the last time she’d actually allowed herself to have fun?
    Nevertheless… “Do try to behave with some decorum tonight, Angelica,” she lectured her sister as they prepared to disembark from the long line of carriages. They’d arrived at the Sterlinghouse residence. “Put on a good example for Mirabella.”
    Angelica blasted her with a dark look as she gathered up her flowing Greek-style black gown. She was dressed as one of the Fates, complete with shears and a skein of thread.
    â€œI don’t believe you have cause for worry tonight,” Angelica whispered back with an arch look. “No one will recognize me until we remove our masks, and so until then, all of my behaviors will be anonymous.” She held up the black velvet mask trimmed with a gold and silver lace fall that would offer only teasing glimpses of her cheeks and mouth. “You shall have no scandal by association.”
    Hmmph. Maia barely held back a roll of the eyes. At least she didn’t need to worry that Angelica would be coaxed into a dark corner by Dewhurst, as he was presumably long gone to Romania.
    â€œEven you could do something scandalous, Cleopatra,” Angelica murmured, “and no one would know!”
    Maia drew herself up and the royal staff nearly rolled off her lap. If Angelica only knew how difficult it was to actstiff and proper all of the time. And why she seemed so unfailingly prim. “I certainly would not,” she hissed back, her heart pounding. Having once nearly gone into the abyss of scandal, she would take care never to venture near its edge again. There was that lurking fear that if she relaxed even a trifle, she’d slide back into that black hole of impropriety…and this time, there would be no escape. “And how many times do I have to tell you, I’m Hatshepsut, not Cleopatra.”
    â€œWho cares about Hatshep-whoever? No one could tell the difference anyway,” Angelica said dismissively.
    â€œThere’s no asp on my staff,” Maia pointed out.
    â€œWe’re to don our masks before entering?” asked Mirabella, finally able to get a word in.
    â€œYes. We’ll be announced as we arrive, but not with our real identities,” Maia explained before Aunt Iliana could speak. “Only by our character or costumes.”
    She gestured with the gold mask in her hand and caught their chaperone’s indulgent eye. At least the elder