Kleypas Lisa Bow Street 3 Worth Any Price

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

hall, rooms for studying, smoking, and music. The drawing room was floored with what seemed to be
acres of highly polished parquet-work, reflecting light from a half-dozen celestial chandeliers hung two
stories above. Lined with balconied galleries above and below, the room provided many pockets of
privacy for gossip and intrigue.
The ball was attended by at least five hundred guests, many of them chosen for their glittering social
status. As Sophia had remarked dryly to Nick, the invitations to this particular event had become such a
mark of distinction that no one darednot to attend, in case it was perceived that they had not been asked.
Nick assumed a properly grateful expression as he was introduced to the duke and duchess, both of
whom had known his parents. You bear a striking resemblance to your late father, the duchess
remarked as Nick bent over her gloved hand. She was a small but elegant woman, her silver head
adorned with a diamond tiara, her neck weighted with ropes of pearls so massive that they threatened to
topple her off-balance. Had I not been told of your parentage, the duchess continued, I would have
known it at once, just by looking at you. Those eyes& yes, you are indeed a Sydney. Such a tragedy for
you to lose both parents at once. A boating accident, was it not?
Yes, Your Grace. As Nick had been told, his mother had drowned when a boat had overturned at a
water party. His father had died trying to save her.
A great pity, the duchess said. And such a devoted couple, as I recall. But perhaps in that light, it may
have been a blessing for them to be taken together.
Indeed, Nick said blandly, concealing a flare of annoyance. In the days just after his parents death,
the same sentiment had been voiced countless times how kind fate had been in that regard, to let them
die together. Unfortunately neither of the Sydneys children had shared that romantic sentiment, wishing
instead that at least one of their parents had survived. Nick s gaze shot to his sister, who stood nearby
with Sir Ross. Overhearing the duchess s comment, Sophia s eyes narrowed slightly, and she exchanged
a subtle, grim smile with Nick.
Your Grace, Lottie murmured, smoothing over the moment, how very kind it is of you to extend your
hospitality to us. Lord Sydney and I will always attach the memory of your generosity to this special
occasion.
Obviously flattered, the duchess paused to speak with Lottie for a few moments, while the duke favored
Nick with a congratulatory smile. An exceptional choice for a wife, Sydney, the elderly man remarked.
Poised, unaffected, and quite lovely. You are quite fortunate.
No one would have disagreed with that, least of all Nick. Lottie was a revelation this evening, her gown
stylish but not too sophisticated, her smile easy, her posture as regal as that of a young queen. Neither the
grandeur of their surroundings nor the hundreds of curious gazes seemed to disturb her composure. She
was so polished and immaculately pretty that no one suspected the layer of steel beneath her exterior. No
one would ever guess that she was the kind of young woman who would have defied her parents and
lived by her own wits for two years& the kind of woman who could hold her own against a hardened
Bow Street runner.
As the duke continued to receive guests, the duchess continued to speak with Lottie, the gray head
Page 127
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
inclined toward the pale golden one.
Sophia drifted closer to Nick, employing her fan to mask the movement of her lips as she murmured to
him, I told you so.
Nick smiled wryly, recalling his sister s claim that Lottie would prove to be a great asset to him. Those
are without doubt the four most irritating words in the English language, Sophia.
She is a dear creature, and far too good for you, his sister informed him with amusement dancing in her
eyes.
I ve never claimed otherwise. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Podstrony