The Vespertine Read Online Free PDF

they were grown men.
    Rocking on her heels, Zora stole a look at Sarah, a portent of some ritual trick to come. Anticipation and a dash of sherry warmed my face, and I watched Sarah turn the doorknob slowly, squinting when the latch gave with a click. In quivering silence, we all stood, then Sarah began to count beneath her breath.
    "One, two," she said, barely containing laughter, "three!"
    She threw the door open, and our party—the ones familiar with the trick—screamed in a single banshee wail.
    Orange embers scattered, dancing like fireflies. I saw the boys loping through the yard, dousing their cigars and catching their breath from the start. We dissolved into laughter as those nimble, timid boys came sheepishly back to the porch.
    "Good luck marrying you lot off," Caleb said, narrowing his eyes at Sarah in a way both familiar and intimate. He passed close to her, a breath away.
    Watching those two, I felt like I'd pulled the curtains back on their bed, as if I'd intruded on a moment meant only for them. When they slipped inside, I shook my head. Travel and wine and fantasies had addled me, plainly.
    Nathaniel came in last.
    Silently, he offered his elbow. It was maddening, how unsteady that simple gesture left me. It was like I needed to take it to keep myself on my feet. Slipping my arm through his, I looked at the floor instead of his face. I didn't want him to realize I was blushing again.
    "May I call on you?" he asked.
    Courting had rules. I didn't want to follow them. But I did, because I hadn't even spent an entire day in Maryland. When Lizzy and August sent me to find a husband, they certainly meant for me to find someone suitable. Someone with prospects. That discounted an artist making ends meet on hired dinners.
    Ruination before midnight, before a single gown bought, before one seat won at classes? No matter how strange the day, I couldn't disgrace myself for the charm of one wicked Fourteenth.
    Finally, I shook my head. "You may not, Mr. Witherspoon."
    "Would You call on me, then?"
    "You're mad."
    "I'm fascinated," he said.
    And, oh, it was no idle fascination. When he spoke, he looked not at my eyes, but at the curve of my brow. His gaze washed over my face. I saw him make out the shape of my lashes, turning his head to study my cheeks. He lingered long at the part of my lips.
    Exposed by his consideration, I slipped from his arm and told him unconvincingly, "Miss Stewart will be miss-ing you."
    "I wish Miss van den Broek would miss me instead." He touched his palm to his chest and gave a little bow before walking around me. But instead of turning toward the parlor, he made his way to the foyer.
    Laughter and accusations rang out from the parlor, some diversion already at its start, but I ignored Zora's guests to follow him. With only one lamp glowing, the air was a hazy, glowing curtain, and I caught my breath when I saw Nathaniel slipping into his coat.
    Pointing the way, I said, "The games are beginning."
    Nathaniel raised an envelope, holding it between us. "My wage is for making up numbers at the table. I'm not invited to the games."
    He couldn't leave, not yet. I couldn't stand the idea of playing snapdragon with Zora's cousins, all those strangers, all alone. Then I had to wonder at myself—how had Nathaniel Witherspoon captured me so completely? I wasn't even startled to hear myself demand, "What if I wish it?"
    He shook his head at me slowly, like a lament. Tucking his wage in his pocket, he met my gaze and said, "It was a pleasure, I hope."
    A flutter rose in my chest. "You're going."
    "All good things..."
    There was a moment to say something, but nothing came. Did the slant of his eyes mean anything at all? All these games were new to me—how could I know the difference between a charming façade and an earnest heart? I couldn't begin to.
    Swallowed by the most curious numb, I watched him go. It was like I had known the fierceness of the sun once but could remember it only faintly.
    Knotted