In the Night Read Free Page A

not the only virtue a woman should aspire to.”
    What a lovely way to say that Moira was a nicer person than her younger sister. Octavia needn’t be so careful with her words. Moira wasn’t insulted for her sister. It was true. She was a better person than Minnie, but only because she hadn’t been spoiled by their parents. And Tony had given herso much—taught her so much. Minnie simply hadn’t been given a chance by life yet. Someday, Moira was certain of it, her younger sister would become the woman she should be.
    And even if she didn’t, Moira would still love her. Being an only child, Octavia wouldn’t understand that. She would wager ten pounds, however, that Wynthrope Ryland would understand perfectly.
    Unfortunately, Moira would wager another ten that he would understand her just as well. Ever since that day on Bond Street, when their gazes had met, she had the unnerving feeling that he had been able to peer inside her soul. Certainly it had felt as though she had seen inside his. For one intense, perfectly clear moment, she had looked at him and known that he was not what he appeared to be.
    Which was nice, because he often appeared to be a cold, unfeeling rake.
    Smiling sincerely, Moira took one of her friend’s long, slender hands in her own. “I know you have little patience where my sister is concerned, Octavia. Thank you again for offering to host this party for her.”
    Octavia’s lips thinned into a disgruntled curve. “I am doing it because I want you to have one evening for yourself.”
    “I could hardly refuse when you offered to do all the work as well.”
    “Not all of it,” Octavia replied coyly. “Or you would not be here.”
    True, but Moira harbored her no ill will for it. “I enjoy dressing a house for Christmas. My own has been for days already.”
    Octavia arranged a pair of porcelain turtledoves on the mantel. “Yes, it makes the season seem that much more festive, does it not?”
    Retrieving her holly and tacks, Moira smiled as she returned to work. “That and good friends.”
    “And hopefully some new ones.” Octavia stepped back to admire her handiwork. “I think the entirety of London’s aristocratic winter residents will be here this evening. I hope we have enough room.”
    Whether it was Octavia’s invitation, or the lack of society during the colder months, Moira wasn’t certain, but she had no doubt that Covent Garden would see more ton tonight than it did during the height of the theater season.
    Again, if she were a betting woman, she would wager a large sum that the guests who arrived that evening were there either to see Minnie or to see Octavia and her somewhat famous husband. North Sheffield-Ryland had made quite a name for himself as a thief taker before entering into politics. He was already a great favorite of the regent’s and the prime minister’s.
    Moira tacked more holly along the window frame. “Will North’s brother be coming tonight?”
    Octavia flashed her a sly look as she placed fresh candles in the silver holders on the mantel. “Wynthrope?”
    Moira rolled her eyes. Her friend simply did not know when to give up. “You mentioned that the youngest was coming up from Devonshire.”
    “Ah yes, Devlin. He and Blythe should be here sometime this afternoon. Brahm has accepted as well. Thank you for allowing me to invite him.”
    Moira frowned at the thanks as she sorted through the leafy greenery for the next piece to arrange. “I could hardly tell you who not to invite to your own home. Besides, I have no reason to dislike the viscount. He’s always been perfectly charming to me.”
    Octavia smiled. “The Ryland men can be terribly charming when they want to be.”
    Was it an accident, or did Octavia intentionally not mention whether Wynthrope would be there that evening? Well, Moira wasn’t about to make an idiot of herself by asking.
    As though fate wanted to aid her with that resolution, a maid appeared in the door at that very