A Terrible Beauty (Season of the Furies Book 1) Read Free

her a week ago before everything with Damaris Kingsford had gotten so far out of hand.
    “Good. That’s an end to this dreadful business,” Katherine stated. “When Arland returns....”
    “It's hardly the end,” Sarah continued, her eyes still searching Araby’s face. “They’re married.” Araby’s stomach dropped to her knees.
    “Damaris and Elkhorn?” Katherine whispered.
    Sarah shook her head. “Damaris and Arland.” Araby gripped her folded fan so hard its spines made a cracking sound. The night spun around her. She’d known it was a possibility once Arland learned the truth and set out to rescue Damaris. Still, she’d believed her own hold on Arland great enough to prevent his complete defection. Katherine placed a hand on her shoulder. Araby jumped at the unexpected contact. Oh God, what would become of her now. “What will he do to me?” she whispered, not realizing she’d spoken aloud, however softly.
    “Arland will likely tarnish all our names,” Sarah began, “and it’s no more than we deserve. This is by far the worst thing we've ever done.” Her head drooped as if the shame was almost too much to bear.
    Katherine glared at her, “Arland is the least of her problems, you dolt.”
    “True enough. His father is a duke and then there is Damaris’ guardian to consider as well. Once word reaches him....” Sarah's voice trailed off. There was no need for her to finish her statement.
    Araby fought the panic threatening to engulf her. There was someone much more lethal to her than either of those men. She drew in a ragged breath. Where could she go? What could she do? He’d guess that she was the one who'd written Arland about the abduction. He’d learn of the marriage and this time her stepfather might just kill her. Oh God, how would she ever protect her mother?
    “There are other peers, Araby,” Katherine said quickly. “Many of high rank. You can still pull off a fabulous match. Arland can’t sully any of our names without doing the same to his precious Damaris. Married or not, she would still be at the center of a scandal and Arland's sister will make her debut next Season. His father will see the sense of remaining silent, even if he does not. So will Damaris’ guardian, come to that. None of them want scandal at their door. You still have your reputation. You are still the Incomparable.”
    It was too much to take in. All her plans had gone so hideously wrong. Arland could still destroy them all with just a few well-placed words. She never should have written him that note, even anonymously, yet if she hadn’t.... Ultimately her stepfather would blame the failure of his plot on her. This called for a swift change in strategy.
    Araby made a quick calculation. The Grantham’s affair was in two days, another ball in three. If she could get through the evening, perhaps begin a mild flirtation. “Who’s here tonight?” she demanded. “Someone who will suit.”
    “Lansing, Coltrane. Marshwell has his eye on Sarah, so no good looking there.” Katherine patted a straying silver-blonde curl back into place. She paused and gave her fellow Furies another of her shrewd looks. “Iredale. He’s recently back from the Continent. He’s presently a viscount and one day he'll become a marquess. His purse would give Croecus a run for his money.”
    “Eminently suitable,” Sarah murmured drily.
    Katherine laughed, a light, but brittle sound. “You’d do well to look to your own future, Sarah, but that’s a lecture for another time and place. I suggest we return to the ballroom ladies.” She reached out and pinched Araby’s pale cheeks. “Best foot forward. Remember, Arland can’t touch us without inviting scandal into his own house. Certainly your family will be...disappointed at the news of his marriage to that little nobody, but with Iredale in your pocket, you will be all right.” She gripped her friend’s shoulders as if to steady her. “Trust me on this.”
    Araby nodded,