The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries Read Free Book Online Page B

course.”
    â€œOh. Right.” She should have realized that Edwin didn’t know about her and the lieutenant, or he would have said something ages ago. “And you? You’re not letting Mama’s unhappiness turn you cynical about marriage?”
    â€œI may be cynical about romantic love, but I do want to marry. I need an heir. And you need someone to talk to other than your crotchety eldest brother.”
    Remembering what Mr. Keane had said about the deal with Edwin, she tensed. “Are you that sure I won’t find a husband?”
    â€œDamn it, don’t twist my words again.” He leaned forward to clasp her hands, startling her. “Any man would be lucky to have you. I am not trying to make you ‘look attractive enough to convince some hapless fellow in search of a wife to ignore the evidence of his eyes’ or whatever nonsense you think. I know you to be a beautiful, wonderful woman.”
    A lump stuck in her throat. “So why the portrait?”
    â€œKeane pointed out that having you painted by a man as famous as he might increase your popularity in society.”
    That arrested her. What a clever devil Mr. Keane was. To get her to sit for his other painting, he’d convinced Edwin to commission a portrait he didn’t want to do. How typical of a manipulative rogue.
    Edwin squeezed her hands. “I only want you to be happy, you know.” His voice held a soft affection she rarely heard. “If you really don’t want Keane to paint you—”
    â€œNo, it’s fine.” She forced a smile. “I’m actually looking forward to it.” Especially since it would enable her to get what she wanted.
    â€œAre you?” With a speculative glance, he released her hands and sat back against the squabs. “Please tell me you’re not interested in the man as a potential husband. I mean, he is quite wealthy, from whatI understand, but his reputation with women leaves something to be desired.”
    â€œWhich is why I would never consider him as a suitor. I haven’t forgotten the lessons I learned from Samuel.” And his sly friend. She gazed out the window. “I know too well what havoc our brother wrought . . . what havoc that sort of feckless fellow always wreaks on anyone close to him.”
    A pall fell over the carriage. “You do understand why I’m not pursuing what Samuel told you.”
    She glared at him. “Not really, no. Somewhere in Covent Garden we have a young nephew living in a house of ill repute with his mother, Samuel’s former mistress. And you’re perfectly willing to leave the boy to that uncertain future?”
    â€œFirst of all, we may have a young nephew. It’s by no means certain. Indeed, I find it highly unlikely.”
    â€œBecause Samuel never before sired an illegitimate child?” she said sarcastically. Just this year, Edwin had taken on the support of Samuel’s last mistress, Meredith, and her child.
    â€œYou shouldn’t have had to know about that.” Edwin’s voice hardened. “Indeed, the very fact that he told you about his mistress in a brothel shows how far he’s sunk.”
    Samuel hadn’t exactly volunteered the information. She’d forced him into it, in exchange for agreeing to post his letter to the woman. Once he’d told her about Peggy Moreton and her son, Samuel had hinted that the letter contained information to help his mistress financially.
    But Yvette hadn’t yet sent it. Once that letter was posted, she’d lose all control over the situation. Untilshe determined for herself that her nephew was safe, she wasn’t giving the woman anything.
    â€œI know how the world works,” Yvette said ­gently. “I’m quite used to hearing tales of woe from the many charities I support.”
    â€œThat Isupport at your behest, you mean.”
    She laughed. “That, too.” She tried to make