Everlasting Enchantment Read Free

rosettes?”
    Surely her companion knew that baronets had the strength to rip them to shreds? Millicent could barely focus on a reply, while every hair on the back of her neck stood upright with alarm. She had no idea where the dress had come from. But she’d learned that when in doubt, a half-truth is better than an outright lie. “His Grace provided me with a wardrobe. He said my country clothing would put him to shame.”
    “Hmph. Well, he was probably right. Willie has always had impeccable good taste. I think that’s why I admire him so—you certainly aren’t blocking my way, are you, sir?”
    A large man with a hawkish nose stood in front of Lady Yardley, his enormous liquid eyes fixed on Millicent. He bowed aside at her companion’s words but not before he shot Millicent a look of raptorial hunger. Ordinarily a bird of prey wouldn’t frighten her. But a shifter’s were-form could be larger than their human form. Did Claire truly not know what type of creature she brushed aside? Or did her status as a lady provide her with such confident security?
    Millicent didn’t have such protection.
    Her companion finally tugged her into the space between the shape-shifters and another cluster of aristocratic gentlemen. Millicent took a deep breath and refused to turn around and look into the eyes of all the weres that burned holes in the back of her neck. She’d noticed several female baronets among them, but apparently the aristocracy knew of their natures and they also weren’t allowed to penetrate their group.
    But the gentlemen parted for Lady Yardley and her companion. The Duke of Ghoulston had been right. Millicent’s anonymity provided her access.
    The heightened senses of her were-nature allowed her to overhear the comments of the aristocrats as she passed.
    “Here come two more ladies.”
    “Hush. I’m trying to hear what they’re saying.”
    “Well, I’d jolly well give my best horse to know what they’re hiding ,” said his fellow loudly.
    Lady Yardley’s mouth curled into a secretive smile.
    “Haven’t you heard? Lord Dunwist told me that his wife has been acting strange lately. Ever since she made friends with Lady Chatterly, she’s been as demanding as his mistress.”
    “Good gawd, man, that’s preposterous! Ladies should behave according to their station.”
    “I hear there’s some sort of powerful magic involved.”
    “Damn it, man. I say we should do something about this.”
    But they didn’t appear to know precisely what that might be, because as Millicent passed through their group to where a circle of ladies stood, not a one of the top hats made a move to follow them. A tall woman with iridescent strix feathers in her hair glanced up and smiled. The circle of women opened to let them in, their wide skirts smashing back together as they closed the gap behind them.
    “Lady Chatterly,” said Claire. “How good to see you again.”
    The feathers trembled. “We were just about to retire to the salon. It seems that we have attracted some attention.” Her clear gray eyes focused on Millicent. “And who have we here?”
    “Allow me to introduce you to Lady Millicent. She’s from the country.”
    Millicent blinked innocently at the notorious lady, who bestowed an anticipatory smile upon her. “She may join us, since you vouch for her, Lady Yardley. It should be… amusing to have her amongst us.”
    With a sweep of her skirts, Lady Chatterly made for a door set near a golden urn at the bottom of one of the rainbows. The other ladies followed, their gowns looking like so many silk flowers clustered in a bouquet. Millicent snuck a glance behind them as she passed through the door into the salon. The group of curious gentlemen followed, and the shape-shifters watched with angry, hooded eyes.
    The last lady through the door firmly closed it behind her, drawing the bolt with a resounding snap.
    The room had been decorated years ago, rather garishly, with portraits of the royal family