Enticing Eve: Scandalous Secrets, Book 2 by Tracy Goodwin Read Free Book Online Page B

silken voice was rich with enthusiasm as she toyed with the plumage at the Viscountess’s skirts. “I adore this one, Fiona.”
      “I know you do, my dear, which is why I brought     a   surprise     for     you,”     the     Dowager Viscountess announced as she reached into her exceptionally large reticule, a multi-hued concoction of mauve, turquoise, and scarlet feathers. She then removed what could best be described as the most ostentatious fan Eve had ever seen. At least she thought it was a fan since the mass of peacock feathers almost rendered her grandmother’s creation unrecognizable.
    With an elegant flick of her wrist, the elder woman then revealed a painted screen resembling the face of a peacock with large eyes.  
    Victoria laughed as she admired her gift. “Fiona, this is fabulous. Thank you.”
    “Hattie and I completed it today,” Fiona explained. “I made another for myself so you and I will match, you see. I thought we could test those fops at the Russells’ ball next week.”
    “Perfect,” her cohort said with a conspiratorial wink. “I have just the gown to wear with it. Would you like to see it?”
    The Dowager Viscountess nodded in agreement, and the two women proceeded down the hall, plotting their grand scheme in exuberant voices.
    “Is it your grandmother’s intention to ensure that Victoria never weds?” Gwen whispered to Eve behind her hand.  
      “I believe that is Grandmamma’s dastardly scheme,” Eve arched her brow. “Ever since she witnessed the young Mister Elliot flirting with Tori at the Stocktons’ annual ball, Grandmamma’s most popular topic of conversation is how none of the fops in attendance are good enough for Victoria.”
    Gwen grimaced. “I see.”
    “I must warn you.” Eve turned towards Gwen. “Grandmamma has requested that I design a peacock gown for Victoria, lest Tori find herself in desperate need of warding off an unwanted admirer.”
    With a dejected sigh, Gwen looked upwards toward the ceiling as if seeking divine intervention. “Please assure me that it will be tasteful.”
    “It shall be a mixture of tasteful elegance with a flamboyant flair.” Eve’s voice was animated before she added with a hint of sarcasm, “I dare say that Victoria will be the talk of the town if she ever dares to don this gown.”
    “Of that I am certain,” Gwen rolled her eyes.
    At that very moment, Victoria’s rambunctious collie entered the hall, and upon catching sight of Fiona’s skirt adorned with peacock feathers, raced towards her. The Viscountess began to waddle as fast as her stubby legs could take her while Victoria carried her train.
    “Molly, stop it, you silly girl,” Victoria said to her precious pup in an attempt to shoo her away. When that approach failed to garner her desired result, she dropped Fiona’s train and instead began to scratch her dog’s chin. “What are you doing?”
    The Viscountess meanwhile continued to waddle towards the stairs. Her skirt was too snug for her to walk up the stairs so instead she hopped, an impassioned “ooh” escaping her lips with each step.
    First, Gwen’s shoulders began to shake with mirth followed by Eve’s. As the two watched the scene unfold, Molly escaped from Victoria’s grasp and bounded up the stairs, snatching Fiona’s reticule in her teeth before running off with it.
    “If you will excuse me,” Gwen said with a wry smile.   “I must help rescue your grandmother’s bird from Victoria’s collie.”
    “It is a reticule,” Eve corrected.
    Gwen arched her brow. “Try convincing the collie of that.”
    “Point well taken.” Eve couldn’t help but laugh.
    “The twins are playing outside if you’d like to join them,” Gwen added as she hurried up the stairs and out of view.  
    Eve proceeded to the terrace. Once outside, she squinted in the late afternoon sun, surveying the arrangement. A table sat in the center of the terrace, its white linen tablecloth gently