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

Emmaline and, from the animated expression on her face and the way she was using her hands, he had no doubt she was discussing some aspect of controlling a horse. His grip on Juliana’s arm tightened as he hurried her towards the two young ladies. Juliana looked up at him in surprise.
    “Miss Devereux, Miss Lassiter.” He bowed to them before releasing Juliana who surreptitiously rubbed her arm. “How are you enjoying the evening so far?”
    “Very well, my Lord.” Miss Lassiter dropped a pretty curtsy. “It is not often one has the opportunity to discuss anything other than books and fashion, and I am bound to benefit from Miss Devereux’s equestrienne experience. We are to ride tomorrow morning in Hyde Park. Will you care to join us?”
    Emmaline blanched at the unexpected invitation.
    “Oh, no, Miss Lassiter, I’m sure his Lordship has far more important things to do than accompany us,” she said.
    A faint blush rose in her cheeks under Lucius’ steady gaze. Pink would suit her, he thought.
    “In keeping with my sister’s strictures that I be kind to you,” he said, “it would be most unkind of me to allow you to hire a hack when I have a perfectly suitable mount for you in my stables.”
    Juliana frowned on hearing his comment. Had he been so close that he could have overheard her conversation with Lady Jersey? And if so, why had he not stepped in to defend himself?
    “We shall all ride tomorrow morning,” Juliana declared. “A riding party will be just thing.”
    Beamish arrived in time to hear the last part of Juliana’s comment. “A riding party? Not too early, I hope.”
    Lucius caught his eye.
    “Of course not,” he said. “But do be ready at ten o’clock.”
    Beamish looked askance at what he considered far too early a start to his day, but took Juliana’s hand and led her away to the dance floor once again.
    Sir Richard arrived to claim Emmaline and, with no objection from Lucius and with Miss Lassiter already being led on to the floor, she could not refuse.
    “You know, Lucius,” said Lady Jersey, coming to a halt beside him, “Mr. Beamish is very attentive to your sister. One would almost expect a declaration.”
    “Declaration?” Astonishment was clear in Lucius’ voice. “I think not. They have known each other since childhood. He is as much her brother as am I.”
    “Oh, if only the blind could see,” mocked Lady Jersey, flashing a sparkling glance his way. “And I think you may be expected to partner Olivia after all.”
    Lucius turned to see Lady Darnley, resplendent in a midnight blue satin gown, her daughter close by her side, advancing towards him. Olivia’s gown, in direct contrast to that of her mama’s, was a drift of soft blue muslin that clung unkindly to her immature frame. He swept them a bow in greeting and kissed Lady Darnley’s hand.
    “If I may say so, Rosemary, you look quite delightful this evening. As does Lady Olivia.” He bowed to her.
    A furiously blushing Olivia let out a little giggle.
    “T-t-thank you, my Lord,” she stuttered, hiding her face behind her fan.
    “Come, Olivia, there is no need to be shy with Lord Clifton,” admonished her mama. “We are old friends as you well know.”
    Olivia nodded but remained silent and avoided his eye.
    Struck with a sudden thought, Lucius offered her his hand. “Perhaps, Lady Olivia, if you are not already spoken for, you will join me for this next quadrille?”
    “Oh, m-m-my Lord.” Overcome with confusion Olivia continued to stutter. “I-I-I d-d-don’t d-dance t-that w-w-well.”
    “I’m sure your mama has seen to it that you dance very well,” murmured Lucius.
    “Only the best dancing master for my Olivia,” agreed Lady Darnley, pushing her unwilling daughter forward.
    Lucius led the hapless Olivia on to the dance floor. He shook his head slightly in response to the quizzical look he received from Beamish and shot a warning glance to Juliana as mischief gleamed in her eyes.
    The music