The Seduction of Lord Stone by Anna Campbell Read Free Book Online

Nash siblings were crackers in the saddle. “As you know, this is neither. I’m certainly not in love with West and he’s not in love with me. Nor is there any war.”
    Helena cast her an enigmatic glance. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” Before Caroline could question the odd statement, she went on. “I’m not convinced West is the answer to your prayers.”
    “Because you want him for yourself?”
    Helena’s clear laugh rang out, causing the two gentlemen to glance back. “Good God, no. I’ve had more than my fill of coxcombs.”
    West scowled at her, apparently guessing that her unguarded remark referred to him. He kicked his horse into a canter and drew ahead of the party.
    “That wasn’t kind,” Caroline said quietly.
    “No, but it was accurate,” Helena muttered.
    “Is he a coxcomb? I grant that you know him better than I do, but his manners are delightful, he’s intelligent, and I’d lay half my fortune he knows what to do with a woman.”
    “Caro, spare my blushes.”
    “Behave yourself. You know exactly why I’m interested in West. I want some passing entertainment—if even half the talk is true, he’s the man to give it to me.”
    The amusement drained from Helena’s face. “I don’t want you hurt.”
    Caroline regarded Helena with displeasure. “You’re as bad as your brother.” Which reminded her of another reason to rebuke her friend. “What on earth made you invite Silas along this morning?”
    “He enjoys riding.”
    “Not at the crack of dawn.”
    “You do him an injustice. He’s often in his greenhouses early.”
    “Yes, well, that’s different and you know it.”
    “You’re usually delighted to see him. Is there trouble in paradise? What happened at your ball? For a few minutes there, you looked ready to murder him.”
    Broodingly Caroline studied Silas’s straight back as he rode ahead. For over a year, he’d been a dear friend. Something at her ball had changed the balance between them, even before he’d come over so highhanded and judgmental. And although they hadn’t kept the quarrel going at the opera, something had been wrong.
    She resisted revisiting those unsettling seconds when she’d looked at him and her heart skipped a beat or two. Of course he was attractive. She’d always recognized that. But she didn’t want a short affair with Silas, and right now, a short affair was all she was after. Assuming she could persuade him to see her as more than an honorary sister.
    “Caro?” Helena probed when the silence extended.
    “He doesn’t approve of my plans to bed West. Not that it’s any of his concern.”
    “He cares about you.”
    “I care about him, too, but I wouldn’t dream of telling him to stay away from opera dancers and high-flying widows.”
    Helena smiled. “You promise to become a high-flier yourself. What did you call us? The dashing widows?”
    Caroline made herself return the smile. “A dashing widow goes after what she wants. Which means, my dear Helena, that I intend to ignore your brother’s censure.”
    “Was it as bad as that?”
    “It was.” Caroline’s lips firmed with annoyance. What right had Silas to lay down the law? If she wanted a tyrant running her life, she’d damn well marry again. “And dashing widows don’t hang back gossiping with their friends when they’ve been bold enough to arrange a rendezvous with a lover.”
    “West isn’t your lover.”
    “Not yet. But despite what Silas says, I think he could very well be. When I listed my requirements in a paramour, I could have been describing West.”
    “Good God, Caro, taking a lover isn’t like shopping for a new bonnet.”
    “Isn’t it?” Caroline studied West. Silas had caught up with him and was managing a civil conversation despite his dire warnings to her. “So far, I’d say it’s exactly like that. The latest fashion? Yes. Becoming to wear in public? Yes. Likely to raise the envy of other ladies? Yes. Comfortable to put on?