Debra Mullins by Scandal of the Black Rose Read Free Book Online Page A

she so immoral that she would flirt with her promisedhusband’s cousin right at Marc’s own dinner table?
    Well, she had picked the wrong man if she thought to exercise her womanly wiles. He wasn’t about to stand aside while she cuckolded Marc before they were even wed.
    And he would make sure she knew it.
     
    Dinner seemed to drag on forever.
    Her mother sent her frantic signals, mouthing silent suggestions and nodding imperceptibly toward Lord Haverford. The admiral regarded her sternly from beneath his thick brows, clearly displeased that she didn’t converse with the earl. But even though Anna knew she would bear the brunt of her parents’ displeasure later, she didn’t dare try and attract Lord Haverford’s attention. Not with Rome sitting right there.
    She tightened her fingers around her fork to stop their trembling. He was regarding her with a considering eye. Did he recognize her? She hadn’t removed her mask, so she’d thought herself safe. But why else would he watch her so closely? Would he declare her a harlot in front of her family? Or would he pursue her further, hold his knowledge hostage in exchange for the favors she’d denied him the night before?
    Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. She ate nothing, heard none of the conversation going on around her. Even if her parents threatened to lockher in her room for the next month with nothing more than bread and water, there was no way she could possibly attempt to comport herself normally. By some miracle, Roman Devereaux had not recognized her. Why betray herself by speaking and perhaps sparking some memory in him?
    Finally, the meal ended. Lady Florington awoke as the ladies rose from their seats. “What’s that? Is it time to depart?”
    “No, Aunt Phyllis,” Haverford said, assisting the elderly lady from her chair. “It’s time to retire to the drawing room.”
    “The ladies?”
    “Everyone. We’re such a small party, I decided to forgo the formality of sending the ladies ahead.”
    “Scandalous,” Lady Florington declared as her great-nephew escorted her from the room. “That was the worst dinner I’ve ever eaten. You must sack the chef, Haverford.”
    “Yes, Aunt.”
    Anna rose slowly. So, there would be no sanctuary for her in retiring with the ladies. No way to escape Rome. He lingered near the doorway, ostensibly to see to the comfort of his mother and sister, but his gaze never left Anna for more than a moment. The longer his gaze rested on her, the more difficult it became to breathe. Her stomach sank as dread swept through her. Why did he stare so? Had he actually recognized her?
    As the admiral followed the earl from theroom, Henrietta descended on her like the wrath of Zeus. “What is the matter with you tonight, Anna?” she hissed in a low tone. “You haven’t spoken more than two words to Lord Haverford all evening!”
    “There was no opportunity.”
    “Nonsense. This is the perfect time to engage his lordship in conversation.” Mrs. Rosewood took Anna by the arm and fairly dragged her toward the exit—and Rome. “This is your chance to show your future husband what an excellent hostess you will be.”
    They reached the doorway and paused while Rome’s sister passed through the portal. Rome cast Anna one last, enigmatic glance before offering his arm to his mother and escorting her through. Anna and her mother followed.
    In the drawing room, a card table had been set out. Lady Florington had dozed off again beside the fire, while Anna’s father and Lord Haverford stood by two of the four empty chairs.
    “Be charming, dearest,” her mother murmured. She sat in the chair her husband pulled out for her and gave Anna a pointed, sidelong look. With a mental sigh—for she was a very bad cardplayer—Anna resigned herself to taking the last chair.
    “Oh, it’s been ages since I played!” Before Anna could take a step, Lavinia had slipped into the fourth chair.
    Henrietta frowned, as did Lord Haverford. Annajust