A Wedding Wager by Jane Feather Read Free Book Online

looked at each other. And for a moment, a very brief moment, their eyes locked as they had done so often before, and she could see herself reflected in the penetratingblue depths, as she knew he could see himself in her own violet pools. It was a game they had played, this losing themselves in each other’s souls. A dangerous game, and there was no place for it in this reality.
    “Mr. Sullivan, what a surprise.” Her voice, light and easy, surprised herself. It gave away nothing of her inner turmoil. “I didn’t realize you were acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Sutton.”
    “No, how should you?” He spoke pleasantly as he bowed, his eyes now hooded, their expression hidden. “As it happens, we are but newly acquainted. But how delightful to run into you like this. I believe it’s been several years since our last meeting.”
    And every minute of those three years a wretched wasteland, Serena thought. She herself had felt every miserable minute of those years in her very skin, bone, and muscle. She couldn’t believe it didn’t show, drawn deep on her countenance. But Sebastian looked so nonchalant, so utterly unchanged, still the picture of gleaming, golden, masculine perfection. She wondered if she had imagined that visceral moment of connection. Perhaps it had been wishful thinking.
    “Has it been that long, sir?” she murmured. “I can hardly believe it. How quickly time flies.” A cool smiled touched her lips but came nowhere near the violet eyes.
    Lying jade, Sebastian thought. You know damn well how long it’s been. But he merely smiled.
    “Oh, my goodness. You know Mr. Sullivan, Lady Serena?” Abigail exclaimed. “Just fancy, Mama, Mr.Sullivan and Lady Serena are acquainted. Isn’t that amazing?”
    “Yes, my dear, so it is.” Mrs. Sutton silenced her daughter with a small gesture as she smiled warmly at Serena, offering a small bow of welcome. “My dear Lady Serena, how good of you to call. Do please come into the drawing room. Morrison, will you bring refreshment, please?”
    “Thank you.” Serena turned to Sebastian. “Good day, Mr. Sullivan.” Her bow was as chilly as her smile. She turned to follow her hostess.
    Abigail lingered for a moment, hesitating uncomfortably. It seemed wrong somehow to abandon her savior in the middle of the hall and chase after the newcomer as if she were glad to see the back of the former and overeager to welcome the latter.
    Sebastian read her dilemma and, despite his grim thoughts, was a little amused. He spent very little time with ingénues. He had several young female cousins, but they had never held much interest for any of the Sullivan brothers. He remembered them as shy children in starched ruffles, always hiding their faces in their mothers’ skirts, and these days, they were all simpers and giggles, fussing over dresses and bonnets and potential husbands to the exclusion of all sensible conversation.
    He smiled at Abigail, saying, “You must go to your guest, Miss Sutton. You have given me so much of your time already. I would be a bear to expect more of it.” He raised her hand to his lips as she curtsied, blushing,murmuring denials. He made a swift departure and had walked halfway up the street before his step slowed.
    Damn Serena. He stopped. Had he imagined that moment when their eyes had met? Had she deliberately tried to engage him in their old game, when they would try to lose themselves in each other’s eyes? But of course she hadn’t. He was a fool to think it. Just as he was a fool to imagine it was possible to walk away and leave matters between them like this. Something had to be said. He didn’t know what, only that something had to clear the air between them. He had been haunted by the memory of their parting for too long.

    Serena listened to Abigail’s excited chatter with half an ear. What on earth brought Sebastian to this house? He could not have met any of the Suttons in the ordinary course of events; they could have no