Lady of Sin by Madeline Hunter Read Free Book Online

saying that Finley possessed no damaging secrets, but he could lie in court and many would wonder, would talk. There were men who would have paid him off just to avoid the destructive rumors.
    When word came yesterday that Knightridge would prosecute, the chill of fear had left her at once, replaced by a secure sense of safety. Knightridge would know how to protect James and the family; she did not doubt that. He would not allow little Ambrose to be tainted by unfounded lies.
    “It is just he vexes me so,” she muttered, sneaking another glance at him. He utterly commanded his corner of the room. Tall, lean, and broad-shouldered, he was immediately visible even with his golden head bowed toward Penelope’s earnest expression. His aristocratic manner and sartorial elegance did not completely contain the magnetism that overwhelmed a courtroom when he unleashed it.
    That overwhelmed her, too, as she had learned to her dismay. She had never before been at such a disadvantage with a man, not even her husband. Philip had always inspired feelings of peace and comfort, not this annoying, confusing turmoil.
    “I know all about men who can be vexing,” Bianca said with amusement. “Your brother and I did not like each other much when first we met.”
    “The situation between you and Laclere was
very
different,” Charlotte said. “Mr. Knightridge and I
truly
do not care for each other.” She snuck another glance. “He is just so . . . so . . .
so
.”
    Bianca laughed. “That you often cross swords proves that he is more
so
for you than for most.”
    Yes, in more ways than one. That was the confusing part. There was much about the man she could not bear. His conceit. His damnable arrogance. The vaguely mocking note in his polite tone as he explained during their arguments how he was right and she was wrong.
    So how could she have twice now succumbed to him in ways that would shock Bianca? It made no sense.
    Of course, they had not been arguing during those inexplicable lapses. They had not been talking at all.
    “Well, he has served your needs well, at least,” Bianca said.
    Charlotte’s body tensed. “What is
that
supposed to mean?”
    “He has worked his charm on your behalf today. Come, let us go see the petitions. I have forced myself to wait although I wanted to count names every few minutes.”
    Charlotte followed Bianca toward the second drawing room. When they passed Nathaniel, Charlotte could not resist glancing toward him again.
    At the last second, just as she began to avert her gaze, he glanced to her in turn. For the smallest instant a very intimate power pierced her. He communicated no embarrassment with that look, nor apologies.
    The effect was immediate, stunning, and worrisome. As she stumbled after Bianca on watery legs, warmth flushed her skin and sank deeper, lowering to where it ought not travel at a respectable political meeting. She barely composed herself by the time she reached the table with the petitions.
    “Impressive,” Bianca said, running her finger down the list of male names on one petition. “It is a good beginning, with so many prominent signatures.”
    “Now we must fill it with thousands more, from tradesmen and merchants and farmers.” Charlotte was grateful to escape into the practicalities of the cause. “Come fairer weather, I will make a progression through the nearby counties doing so. Sophia has offered to hold assemblies in Devon.”
    Her voice faltered on the last few words. Even before she heard the evidence that someone was approaching them, she felt Nathaniel enter the room. Her blood hummed.
    “Admiring the evidence of your triumph, ladies?”
    Bianca greeted Nathaniel warmly. Charlotte felt her own smile stretch, as if someone squeezed her cheeks to force it.
    “Your triumph, too,” Bianca said. She lifted the other petition and pointed to several names. “I saw you conversing with these ladies, and think your persuasion accounts for their signatures.”
    “I