Twice the Temptation Read Online Free PDF Page A

doesn’t have any.” Evangeline took another sip of lemonade; it was tepid, but in the stifling, crowded ballroom s he felt grateful for any refreshment at all.
    Yes, Rawley had a charming smile, and very handsome features, and a devastating kiss, but none of that made him the sort of man she would wish to have pursuing her. He clearly thought himself irresistible, and that self-importance could make him nearly impossible to guide or to control, in addition to his other myriad faults. Still…“He’s a Spencer, then?”
    â€œYou don’t even know his given name, do you? I thought you must be mortal enemies already, the way you’ve been talking about him, Gilly.”
    â€œPlease, Leandra.” He’d been crossed from the list too quickly for her to have learned anything but the very broadest strokes.
    Her friend dimpled again. “Very well.” She cleared her throat dramatically. “He’s Connoll Spencer Addison, Viscount Halford, Earl of Weldon, Marquis of Rawley. And I’m glad you don’t like him, because I do . Of course, he’s never asked me to dance with him.”
    â€œHow do you know him, when you haven’t been in London any longer than I have?”
    Leandra shrugged. “Mama and I made a list at the beginning of the Season,” she admitted, lowering her voice still further. “You know, of men whose attentionsI might encourage. His name was right at the top. It was very disappointing that he wasn’t even here.”
    Hm. Obviously her and her mother’s requirements had been very different from the Halloways’. It made sense, though; Leandra’s family needed money, while her own necessities ran toward—how did her mother phrase it?—power and respectability tempered with malleability. Rawley seemed the antithesis of that. And she wouldn’t have a habitual drunk about, anyway.
    â€œEnough about Rawley,” she exclaimed, flipping her hand. “Did you see my new treasure?” She gestured at her throat.
    â€œI’ve been attempting not to stare at it since you walked in,” her friend returned with a grin. “It’s exquisite!”
    â€œIt’s called the Nightshade Diamond. It’s an heirloom, handed down to me from my Aunt Rachel.” And whatever her aunt might claim, Evangeline could already dispute its supernatural powers. Nothing untoward had occurred all evening. Even better, Rawley had yet to make an appearance.
    â€œI see someone else who’s staring,” Leandra murmured, angling her fan past Evangeline’s shoulder.
    She turned around, putting on a warm smile as she saw who approached. “Lord Redmond. I’d nearly given up hope of seeing you this evening.”
    At one and fifty, Lord Redmond was two years older than her own father, but he fell into the category of what she termed “distinguished,” if a bit portly. He favored her with a deep, reverent bow. “If I’d known for certain you would be here, Miss Munroe, I would have arrived sooner.”
    â€œYou are too kind, my lord,” she returned, offering her hand for his kiss.
    â€œNot a bit. You know how I worship you.”
    Yes, she did. He said it often enough. “In that case, I think you should ask me to dance.”
    He smiled, drawing in his gut as he offered his arm. “My pleasure.”
    â€œGilly, you aren’t going to save a dance for…your cousin?” Leandra broke in, her lips twisting.
    â€œCertainly not. He’s not even here.”
    As she accepted Redmond’s escort to her place in line for the country dance, Evangeline made another swift survey of the crowded room. The Gavistons’ soirees were always notoriously well attended; the baron and baroness seemed determined to invite everyone with an address in the west of London. And yet she still saw no sign of the Marquis of Rawley.
    He’d been rather bold, demanding a dance from her