Lady Sophia's Rescue (Traditional Regency Romance) by Cheryl Bolen Read Free Book Online Page A

Isadore. It was not just her formidable beauty that captured his interest — though gazing at her ranked right up on there on the pleasure scale with breaking the bank at faro. He could think of only one activity that could give more pleasure. And he had given her his word he would not do that.
    William wondered why a woman of such exceptional breeding would be associating herself with smugglers. For he had no doubts this woman was born to the Quality. She spoke court French. She wore expensive clothing of the latest fashion. And — judging from the disarray of her hair — she obviously was used to having her own maid. What could have compelled her to leave her privileged home and court such danger? Money, certainly. But a woman as lovely as Isadore could no doubt snare a royal duke and never have to worry about debts again.
    He wished like the devil that sister of hers was not sitting three feet away, an embroidery hoop in her lap. Made it deuced difficult to bring up the topic of gold bullion.
    Directly across the game table from him, Isadore was even more beautiful than she’d been at dinner. From the front, her lustrous dark hair swept elegantly from her alabaster face, hiding the unmanageable clumps in the back. She wore a stunning scarlet gown which draped off her bare, white shoulders and barely covered her delectable breasts. A square-cut ruby centered a double strand of pearls clasped at her graceful neck, a neck that begged to be kissed.
    He cursed himself for offering that blasted promise.
    Since he felt certain he could beat her at whist blindfolded, he quickly arranged the pasteboards in his hands, then lazily perused her. Her slender fingers arranged the cards. Her long, dark lashes lowered. Her snowy white teeth nibbled at her luscious lips. Did the woman have any idea how seductive was her every move?
    “Your accommodations are satisfactory?” he asked. Not an especially clever opening, but at least it was better than resorting to the wretched weather.
    Those luxurious lashes of hers lifted, and she bestowed upon him a brilliant smile. “Yes, very. The person you employed to decorate the room has taste identical to my own.”
    “Actually I designed it.”
    She gave him an incredulous look.
    “I travel a good deal—”
    “Because of your facility with languages?”
    “Yes. That is most helpful in my business dealings.”
    “And when you travel, you purchase paintings, porcelains, and fine silks for your home?”
    He nodded. “In fact, I have an entire warehouse filled with Grecian and Roman statuary for a country house should I ever settle down long enough to build one.”
    Her gaze returned to the pasteboards. Was she afraid he would ask questions about her, questions she did not wish to answer?
    They played in silence for a few moments before she turned to her sister. “Are you cold, dearest? If you are, we could ask Thompson to bring your shawl.”
    The much-older sister had to be cold, he thought. No meat at all on those bones of hers.
    Miss Dorothea Door’s face brightened and she nodded.
    He rang for a servant, and when a footman appeared, he requested that Thompson procure the lady’s shawl. William’s gaze skimmed to Isadore. “What color is your sister’s shawl?”
    “Black.”
    Though Miss Dorothea Door was considerably older than her sibling, it was the younger sister who took the role of a protective older sister. Which William found admirable. Her concern for her afflicted sister must explain her reluctance to leave her sister behind even when Isadore participated in illegal activities.
    Thompson soon entered the room and came to present the elder Miss Door her shawl. The sharp features of her face softened when she looked up at his man. It was the most animated he had ever seen the poor creature.
    William barely managed to win the hand, but his satisfaction was short lived. Isadore tossed aside her cards and sank her head into her hands. He leaped to his feet, moving to her.