More Than a Stranger: A Sealed With a Kiss Novel by Erin Knightley Read Free Book Online Page B

sister to the door. Despite the skirmish between them, there didn’t appear to be any hard feelings whatsoever. If it had been his own brother locked in a battle of wills, Benedict had no doubt things would have ended much worse. He clenched his jaw at the thought, shoving Henry as far from his mind as possible. He didn’t want to think about the bastard just yet, not with Richard in the room.
    When the door shut, Benedict rose and ran a hand through his hair. “Well, that does make a bit of a muddle of things. Do you think she can keep her tongue behind her teeth?”
    “I wouldn’t worry too much. She is quite a bit older than she was when she tattled to our parents about that little midnight ride to the Rose and Thorn a few summers back.”
    “Great, now I feel much better.”
    Richard laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “She wants those paints far too much to chance it. Now, let’s speak no more on the matter. No amount of bribery could keep Jocelyn or Carolyn quiet if they discovered what was afoot.”
    Bloody hell. Things just kept getting better and better. “Perhaps I should take my leave. This is becoming far too complicated.” Even as Benedict said it, a voice deep within him protested. He had only just laid eyes on Evie—how could he possibly up and walk away so soon? In the midst of all the rotten things he was mired in, could he not have a day or two to soak in Evie’s presence? Then store it up like wheat for the winter?
    Richard waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, no. You are not leaving me now. Besides, this is the most fun I’ve had in ages. Now then, I’m anxious to get my hands on some of Cook’s delectable food. Shall we?”
    Was it possible to feel relief and dread at once? “Very well. Let me just get my boots.”
    As he tugged them back on, Benedict steeled himself against the unease winding through his veins like quicksilver. Though he fairly ached with the desire to see Evie again, God help him if he found himself the target of her wrath.
    Once his boots were in place, he stood and nodded toward the door. “Lead the way.”
    * * *
    “Is he handsome?”
    Evie, who had been the first to arrive in the drawing room for tea, turned from the window and raised an eyebrow at her youngest sister, Carolyn, whose large blue eyes were wide with curiosity.
    “I daresay you can see for yourself in a few minutes.” Releasing the drape, Evie walked around the sofa, smoothing the voluminous skirts of her habit as she sat. She hadn’t had enough time to change, but after scrutinizing the sky, she wondered if she might still have the opportunity to ride after all. Just a quick one, of course—she wouldn’t be out past sunset.
    Carolyn’s hopeful expression fell, and she plopped on the sofa opposite Evie, the blond sausage curls framing her face bouncing on impact. Sitting beside her twin on the sofa, Jocelyn wrinkled her nose. “That must mean he is not.”
    “Jocelyn,” Beatrice exclaimed, scowling as she tucked her feet beneath her, “Evie meant no such thing.” She was only a year older, but she nevertheless seemed to think herself vastly more mature, which continually irked her younger sisters.
    Today was no exception. Jocelyn scowled right back. “How would you know? He could be some sort of ogre for all we know.”
    Evie grinned, picturing the handsome stranger, with his chocolate eyes and deliciously broad shoulders. An ogre he was not. “I meant exactly what I said. He shall be down any minute, and I expect you to mind your manners.”
    “Yes, please.” Mama breezed into the room, her burnished orange gown whispering briskly as she walked. “I would very much appreciate it if you would all be on your best behavior.” She paused behind the twins to kiss their cheeks before moving on to inspect the tea tray.
    “Of course, Mama. I only wish we had been given a bit of warning. I would have chosen my pink and white muslin instead of this old thing.” Jocelyn plucked unhappily at