From Lies by Ann Anderson Read Free Book Online

mother who fumed behind them. It was a clear snub, since he could have taken them both, though decorum dictated he take his mother if he had to pick one. Decorum could jump naked from the balcony for all he cared. His sister's arm trembled against his own, only abating when they saw Lord Shaften with his children. He was currently the only one present not wearing a mask, probably more for his children's benefit than any other reason.
    With a wistful sigh, his sister pulled a bit ahead of him, though her arm was still linked with his. "Come on," she said, laughing as she tugged him toward the small group.
    Rafe smiled at his sister's joy. It was nice to see someone happy. He bowed to Lord Shaften and his children, more than happy to hand his sister over into their care. He stuck close, commenting on the romantic setting and wondering aloud if a wedding should take place, that it would be as grand as the ball.
    Lord Shaften took the hint, glancing at Raquel as she laughed at what one of his daughters said. "I do believe if I were to wed again, it would be far grander than this humble ball." He winked at Rafe. "Do tell me if you are willing to adjourn to a quieter spot later this evening."
    "I would be happy to." Rafe inclined his head, his heart crying out in triumph. As long as nothing happened, his sister would be safe from their mother's clutches this night.
    "Oh, the music has started." Raquel glanced their way, happiness shining from her. "Is it all right, my lord, if I ask your son to dance?"
    Lord Shaften smiled at her, something soft in the gesture that made Rafe want to turn away, feeling it was too private for him, but he couldn't turn away from the way his sister seemed to soften, grow warmer beneath this man's gaze. "If my son accepts, I would have no problem."
    The little boy nodded, grabbing Raquel's hand and dragging her to the dance floor that had only a few couples on it. Mainly older partners who wouldn't stay the whole night.
    Rafe smiled at his sister as she laughed and turned to the man he hoped would be his future brother-in-law. "If it is not too presumptuous, I would ask to dance with both beautiful young ladies before their dance cards are filled for the evening."
    Lord Shaften laughed, patting him on the back. "Be my guest."
    Both of Lord Shaften's daughters appeared eager, taking a hand each and dragging Rafe out onto the floor, creating their own steps as they moved to the music, quickly dragging their brother and Raquel into the mix. Rafe laughed, unable to remember the last time he'd felt so light, had seen his sister shining as she was now. He thought he caught sight of their mother off to one side, but he didn't pay her any mind. He was having fun, and he wouldn't let her dampen it.
    The song slowly wound down, and they left the dance floor, all of them out of breath and laughing. When they found Lord Shaften, he was talking with a group of men in masks, all of them in clothes finer than Rafe's or Raquel's, and their mother had attempted to spare no expense, even if Rafe had managed to curtail her at every turn. They both bowed to the group of men, the children huddling around their father as they laughed and told him how they'd danced. It was cute, and a small piece of Rafe wondered if he could have that. He looked at Raquel and saw his sister was yearning to be included, but she stayed back, not wanting to intrude on a family moment. His heart ached for her. Tonight. It would all be settled tonight.
    "And who might your charming companions be?" one of the men asked the children. Rafe thought the voice vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place it.
    Raquel laughed, stepping forward to offer a curtsey. "Now, now," she chided, gracing them with an impish look from beneath her mask. "That would be telling, and tonight is meant for secrets." She looked at the children and winked, smiling as they giggled.
    A new strain of music started, and Rafe watched his sister cast a shy glance Lord Shaften's way. He