Dangerous Deceptions Read Free Page A

Sebastian raised his brows, which, I noted, had been plucked as ruthlessly as any girl’s.
    “Not a word.” Mary sidled closer to him and leaned in. “But then, she’s a great one for secrets.” She nodded vigorously.
    Sebastian looked at me over the top of Mary’s dark head.
    “You wouldn’t,” I breathed. Which was a mistake, because of course, Mary heard.
    “Oh, now I must know.” Mary laid her hand on Sebastian’s arm. There was this way she had of tipping up her chin and lifting her brows that made her eyes grow to twice their normal size. The effect on gentlemen was extraordinary, and Mary knew it. “Please, Mr. Sandford,” she added, sucking in a breath and straightening her shoulders in case Sebastian had failed to take proper note of her finest, snow-white assets.
    This once, however, the Bellenden Effect was for naught. Sebastian was not watching her. His gaze remained locked with mine. I have no notion of what he meant to communicate. For my part, I was sorely disappointed to find that, despite rumors to the contrary, looks could not kill. I assure my readers, I did throw heart and soul into the effort.
    “I must apologize, Miss Bellenden,” said Sebastian slowly. “But this secret is not entirely mine.”
    “I see.” To illustrate this fact, Mary looked ostentatiously from Sebastian to me, then back again. “Well. Isn’t this interesting?”
    “Mary, it’s not what you think,” I told her. At the same time, I did not dare take my gaze from Sebastian. I did not want him to think he had disconcerted me.
    “I’m sure it’s not, especially if you’re involved, Peggy.” Mary favored me with a bright smile and a quick pat on my shoulder. “But you’re right. I’m wanted downstairs, and you have your dinner to prepare for.” She slipped gracefully up to Sebastian, so close her hems all but brushed the tips of his shoes. “How delightful to have met you, Mr. Sandford. I do hope we’ll see each other again soon.” She curtsied deeply and held the pose.
    Sebastian bowed. “I’m sure that we shall, Miss Bellenden.”
    Mary straightened, presented us both with another knowing glance, trimmed by a fresh, delighted giggle, and skipped off. I let her go. My immediate priority was to quickly dispatch the man in front of me. This, I decided, called for the direct approach.
    “Your audience has departed, Mr. Sandford. The farce is over. Why have you really come here?”
    Sebastian looked at the door, plainly expecting me to close it. I declined to move and folded my arms to emphasize my stationary status. I would not be so foolish as to shut myself up with this man, even though I knew Libby lurked somewhere in the background.
    “I really did come for the drawing room,” said Sebastian. “My brother and my father say that as I’m to remain in England, I should make myself better known at court.”
    “Remain?” The word all but choked me. “I thought the plan was to pack you off back to Barbados.”
    Sebastian spread his hands, attempting to indicate ignorance and helplessness. “It may have been, but plans have changed.”
    “Why?”
    “It’s a long story. May I sit down?” Sebastian added hopefully.
    Warning took hold inside me and squeezed several vital organs. “No, you may not sit,” I answered. “My maid is waiting to finish my toilette, and then I have my own business to attend to.” I stepped back, gesturing to show that the pathway to the door was free of all obstruction. “You have seen me. You can be satisfied that I am entirely well, and you have left your gift. You may now go.”
    But Sebastian did not turn his footsteps toward the door. Instead, he advanced on me. My first instinct was to retreat, but I caught myself in time and held my ground. I would not let him see me afraid. I touched the jeweled pin that decorated the center of my stomacher—an item I’d requested my patron, Mr. Tinderflint, to commission especially for me—and for a moment silently dared