Too Dangerous to Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

back, only forward. Ignoring yet another odd tickling at the back of her neck, she kept her eyes focused straight ahead.
    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. Her skirts swirled around her ankles as she quickened her pace. And still, a sense of foreboding shadowed her steps.
    The next window showcased a glittering array of rings and necklaces. The slanting sun deepened the jeweltone colors of the precious stones, flickers of ruby, emerald, and sapphire dancing through the clear glass.
    Sophie spun around as a wink of gold cut across the reflection.
    But once again, the man—the specter—darted away with maddening quickness. All she could make out was a fleeting flutter of brightly patterned silk.
    “Are you feeling ill, Sophie?” Georgiana touched her sleeve in concern. “You look awfully pale.”
    “I’m just fatigued, that’s all,” she answered, rubbing at her eyes.
    Her sister fixed her with a long look. “You haven’t been getting enough sleep lately. It’s early to bed for you tonight. Tomorrow’s visit to Vauxhall Gardens promises to be an adventure.”
    “Adventure is the last thing I need in my life,” muttered Sophie.
    “Ha!” scoffed Georgiana. “Admit it—your life has been dreadfully dull for far too many years.” She eyed the earthtone shade of Sophie’s wool walking gown and crinkled her nose. “It’s time to add a little color and spice to your drab routine.”

Chapter Three
    C olor and spice. There was no denying that the vast Vauxhall pleasure gardens were a completely different world from the small town of Terrington. Sophie gazed at the central esplanade over the rim of her wine glass, fascinated by the parade of people filing in from the river landing. Shopgirls and tradesmen dressed in cheap calico and canvas were rubbing shoulders with aristocrats and ladybirds swathed in expensive silk and merino, the universal language of laughter and jests rising above the hodge-podge of dialects.
    “Ooooo, this is so exciting.” Georgiana leaned out over the railing of their supper box, determined not to miss a single detail of the surroundings. “I must describe everything to Anthony in my next letter.”
    Hermione smiled fondly. “I am sure that the two of you will come here together when you are married.”
    Her sister let out a fluttery sigh.
    “Yes, and you will not have plot on how to steal a kiss in the bushes,” said their uncle, a twinkle lighting his eyes. “A married couple is allowed to indulge in a peck or two.”
    “But doing something just a little naughty adds an extra edge of excitement.”
    Sophie raised a brow.
    “Not that I have any experience in such things,” added Georgiana hastily. “I—I have simply heard it said.”
    “Don’t believe all you hear,” murmured Sophie, as she held back a smile.
    Her sister turned in her chair to hide the flush of color rising to her cheeks. After watching the ornate lanterns bordering the square blaze to life, she asked, “Might we take a walk through the gardens before the fireworks begin?”
    “Come, Edward, the girls must not miss seeing the Oriental Pavilion,” said Hermione, pushing aside her empty plate. “And of course, they are eager to explore the pathways.”
    “Very well.” He rose and straightened his waistcoat. “We’ll have a look at the buildings first, and then…” A wink “…move on to the shadowed walkways, where young ladies must guard against the temptation to stray down the path to Perdition.”
    Georgiana stifled a giggle.
    “Oh, do stop your teasing and lead on, Edward,” said their aunt. “I daresay our level-headed nieces are safe enough from Sin.”
    Sin.
    Sophie tested the word on her tongue as she dutifully fell in step behind her uncle and Georgiana. It had a rather seductive sound, the soft hiss mimicking the ruffling of a summer breeze through meadow grasses. Sin. The whisper stirred a memory from somewhere deep inside her head—the fragrance of fresh mown hay, the texture of fescue