The Bride Behind the Curtain by Darcie Wilde Read Free Book Online Page B

yourself?”
    James had originally met Miss Sewell three seasons ago. The sharp-eyed woman was a regular at some of the more political and artistic parties James was occasionally invited to. He found her to be a shrewd observer of society. Unlike some others, though, she kept her barbs for those who earned them. He was not at all surprised when he heard her name come up in speculation as the author of the three-volume novel that had so recently set society tongues wagging.
    â€œI am enjoying myself very much. It is an extremely interesting party. Do you not agree, Mister Pelham?”
    â€œThere are several points worth looking at.”
    And they all seem to be in one particular direction.
James could not help but notice how Benedict had been watching Lady Adele as she stood beside the pillar with her two friends. The artist had been so intent on that particular trio that he’d barely attended to the compliments the matrons paid him. Again, James found himself wondering if Benedict was nursing a
penchant
for Lady Adele. His gut tightened uncomfortably. His friend might not be heir to a title, but he had the rank and connections that James lacked, and an artist, especially a widower whose first wife had died tragically, had the air of drama that could not help but interest a young lady. Was Adele the sort to be attracted to the dramatic and the dangerous? She might be. After all, she was attracted to him.
    Mon Dieu,
Beauclaire. Get ahold of yourself. You sound jealous.
    Worse, something of his unease was showing on his face.
    â€œI am surprised you are not over with Lady Patience and her friends, Monsieur Beauclaire,” said Miss Sewell. “She will be feeling your neglect again soon.”
    â€œLady Patience has a very full dance card. I am afraid to be in the way.”
    â€œAnd you, Mister Pelham, have you no particular friend here with whom to while away the evening until midnight?”
    â€œLike you, Miss Sewell, I prefer to observe.”
    â€œOh? And what catches that sharp eye of yours? Do enlighten me.”
    Benedict did not answer, and Miss Sewell smiled. “Our trio who has just left. Do they not give either of you pause?”
    James found he had no answer for that. Miss Sewell smiled and changed the subject, a little.
    â€œPoor Lady Adele,” she sighed. “Her aunt will keep finding the absolute worst creations to make her wear.”
    â€œWhy does she do it?” he murmured.
    â€œWell, her taste is for fashion, not actual beauty, but beyond that, my first guess would be fear.”
    â€œFear?” James felt his brows arch. “What could Mrs. Kearsely have to fear?”
    â€œWhat do any of us have to fear? The loss of reputation, the loss of income and regard. Her nieces are in her charge and so become reflections of herself. Her nephew the duke could push her out at any time, and then what would she do? Society would drop her in an instant. She must be seen to be working for her nieces’ welfare with never-ending diligence, so that no one can possibly blame her when Lady Adele fails to catch a husband.”
    â€œThus does Lady Adele find herself a prisoner of her aunt’s poor taste.” James’s brow creased. “It is madness that a life should be made wretched by something so . . . trivial.”
    â€œAnd yet all our lives turn on such trivialities,” murmured Miss Sewell. “A word, a glance, a meeting, a dress. Any of it can change a world.”
    â€œRidiculous,” snapped Benedict. “Harnessing human lives to folly. It’s no wonder . . .” He clamped his mouth shut. “You must excuse me,” he said. “I’m suddenly not in the mood for company.”
    Without another word, he stalked off and disappeared out the ballroom door.
    â€œYou must excuse Benedict. It is the artistic temperament.” It wasn’t, and James knew it. It was old memories, of his wife and the life