Best of Both Rogues by Samantha Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

known as Bibi among friends—had been the first to take Eve under her wing, securing an appointment for her with the most sought after modiste in London. Then the countess had gone the extra step and secured a husband for her as well. Eve smiled in memory of their recurring jest. Bibi might have arranged an introduction between her and Jonathan, but Eve had brought him up to scratch.
    Fiona, Bibi’s sister-in-law, perked up as Eve approached the sitting area with her basket in hand. “You’ve brought your sewing. May I see?”
    She was pleased with Fiona’s request, for the baroness’s skill with a needle was unparalleled. Setting the basket on a side table, Eve lowered into a refined damask chair and retrieved a snowy white gown from her basket. She had painstakingly embroidered yellow daisies around the hem. As Fiona tipped her ash-blond head to the side and inspected her stitches, Eve held her breath.
    Her friend murmured with approval as she flipped over the fabric to check the opposite side. “Impeccable work, my dear.” Placing the gown on her lap, Fiona aimed a teasing look at her sister-in-law. “It is good to know someone’s little darlings will be well dressed.”
    It was common knowledge in their small circle that Bibi abhorred needlework, and having seen some of her creations, Eve agreed it was probably wise to leave the embroidery to others.
    “Lud!” Bibi shot back, her brown eyes twinkling. “Little Fi is the best-dressed girl in England, thanks to her auntie.”
    Spots of color appeared on Fiona’s thin cheeks, and she tittered with pleasure.
    Eve watched the ladies’ exchange with a touch of envy. Jonathan had no family, having lost both parents while he was away at Cambridge and two brothers to the war. Her betrothed had no extended family either, which left him quite alone in the world. It was no wonder he had turned to books and study.
    Feeling sorry for herself was too selfish by half—she had a small and loving family of her own—but she had always longed to be part of something bigger. It wasn’t to be, though. Swallowing a wistful sigh, she pulled a blanket from the basket.
    A commotion in the foyer captured the ladies’ attention. “Stop complaining. I told you a footman would carry it, but you insisted.”
    Eve couldn’t make out the reply or place the masculine rumble. Curious, she shifted on the chair for a better view of the door.
    “It sounds like Lana and Lady Phoebe have arrived,” Amelia said as she rose from her seat. “We should depart soon. Otherwise, we will interfere with the children’s dinner hour.”
    The new arrivals appeared in the drawing room doorway side by side, blocking the foyer behind them. The ladies came forward to exchange greetings around the circle, everyone seeming to talk at once as they asked after each other. Amelia was presenting Eve to Lady Phoebe when a man cleared his throat behind her.
    Lana swung toward the doorway. “My apologies, dear brother. You may set the trunk over there.”
    Eve turned with a smile for Jake Hillary and gasped. Ben flashed a grin, his eyes locked on her. A small trunk was perched on his shoulder as if it weighed nothing; one arm curled up to help balance it, stretching the fabric of his jacket tightly over his bicep. Eve’s mouth was suddenly dry, and she couldn’t look away.
    He sauntered into the room to place the trunk out of the way, his buckskins hugging his backside as he lowered it to the floor.
    “Thank you, Benjamin.” Amelia’s voice broke his spell on Eve, and her gaze dropped to the carpet as heat consumed her. “I am afraid Jake is not here. He is taking exercise at Gentleman Jackson’s Saloon.”
    “I’m not here to see Jake.”
    Eve stole a peek at him from beneath her lashes and discovered him watching her. His smile widened, one side of his mouth hitching higher.
    “I heard about the renovations at the foundling hospital. Since I didn’t have the opportunity to contribute to the worthy