His Dark Enchantress (Books We Love Regency Romance) by Victoria Chatham Read Free Book Online

and that I will not allow. So, I ask you again, what do you know of Miss Devereux?”
    “Nothing, I know nothing. I was merely repeating something I overheard.” Horace shook his head. “No, don’t ask me, for I do not know the gentlemen’s name.”
    “Could you point him out to me?”
    Lucius looked over the balcony to t he press of people below. He gripped Horace’s arm and drew him firmly to the balustrade and waited as Horace scanned the ballroom. He deliberately kept up the pressure on his captive’s arm, knowing that Horace was fearful of the strength in the long fingers that held him.
    “There!” Lucius looked in the direction that Horace pointed. “The gentleman in the dark teal velvet evening coat who is talking to Lady Darnley.”
    Horace heard Lucius’ sharp intake of breath, felt the already tight grip on his arm tighten more. There would be bruises tomorrow, he was sure. He glanced up at his captor’s face and was struck by the murderous expression he saw there. He tugged his arm, trying to release it. L ucius exhaled slowly and turned to face Horace, his expression only marginally less savage.
    “Thank you , Horace. That wasn’t so difficult after all, was it?” Lucius released his grip and the unfortunate Horace scurried away.
    Lucius returned his attention to Lady Darnley and her companion. Their heads wer e close together, but it was obvious the man’s attention was on the crowd around him and not the lady with whom he conversed. He cast an idle glance upwards to the balconies overlooking the ballroom and, as his eyes locked with Lucius’, he smiled and waved a mocking salute.
    Sir Peregrine Styles.
    Lucius trembled with impotent fury. He knew the man well. Had once considered him a friend but now wished him to Jericho.
    A tremor of alarm took hold of him as he scanned the crowd below.. He spotted Juliana on the dance floor with Beamish but of Emmaline there was no sign.
    Drat the girl. Where had she gone? And in God’s name what did Peregrine Styles know of Emmaline, and how did he know it to have made such a comment?
    Lucius watched the crowds for a few seconds more, aware of his tightened features, and irritated at the reason for it. He quickly made his way down the wide staircase. When the music stopped he found himself accosted by Beamish and Juliana.
    “Lucius, this is such fun.” Excitement brightened Juliana’s eyes. Her exertions brought a glow to her cheeks. She snapped open her ivory veined fan and proceeded to employ it vigorously. “Are you not dancing?”
    “It appears my partner-to-be has disappeared. Where is the divine Miss Devereux?”
    Blast it, when had he started to think of her that way?
    Beamish, standing beside him, drew in a sharp breath. Lucius noted the gleam of perception in his friend’s eyes and wished this could have been one of Beamish’s more obtuse moments.
    “Lucius, have a care!” Beamish hissed. “The tabbies’ tongues are wagging already without you giving Miss Devereux any kind of sobriquet.”
    “Noted, my friend.” Lucius glanced at the people around him. “You are right, of course. I will endeavour to guard my tongue, but have you seen her?”
    “We left her sitting on a sofa beneath that window.” Juliana pointed with her fan.
    “Well, she’s not there now.” Lucius now scanned the ballroom. “Beamish, be a good fellow and take a walk around the room. Juliana and I will promenade in the opposite direction. Miss Devereux must still be here.”
    “Perhaps she went for a lemonade?” suggested Juliana, slipping her hand through her brother’s arm, her curiosity piqued by the grim expression on his face.
    “I believe she would have asked Beamish to procure refreshment for her, as any lady would, rather than get it herself.” His reply, in keeping with his expression, was curt.
    As they reached the end of the ballroom Lucius saw Miss Lassiter beside one of the columns supporting a balcony. She was in deep conversation with